Immigration Law
Immigration Guidance for Living, Working, and Investing in Panama
Navigating immigration regulations in Panama requires both legal precision and strategic planning. At LOVILL, we provide comprehensive legal counsel to individuals, families, private investors, and companies seeking to establish residence, work, or invest in Panama through a wide range of immigration options.
Our team supports clients at every stage of the process from selecting the most appropriate visa or special regime, to managing permit renewals and securing permanent residency. We also advise on complementary legal matters such as property acquisition, domiciliation, and the integration of expatriates into local legal frameworks.
We take a proactive and preventive approach to the application of immigration laws, ensuring compliance with the latest regulatory requirements and facilitating an efficient transition into life or operations in Panama.
Residency and Work Permits
Residency and Work Permits
Annual Renewals and Status Management
Annual Renewals and Status Management
Citizenship and Domiciliation
Citizenship and Domiciliation
Corporate Immigration Solutions
Corporate Immigration Solutions
Due Diligence and Pre-Move Advisory
Due Diligence and Pre-Move Advisory
Relocation Support
Relocation Support
We assist with all procedures related to the investment
We assist with all procedures related to the investment
Immigration & Investment Opportunities in Panama
Panama offers attractive pathways for investors, professionals, and retirees seeking legal residency in a stable, business-friendly, and globally connected country. At LOVILL, we advise both corporate clients and individuals on immigration strategies aligned with Panama’s special regimes and investment incentives.
Qualified Investor Visa
(Golden Visa)
Economic Solvency Visa
Friendly Nations Visa
Pensioner Visa
Types of Work Permits in Panama
Panama offers various categories of work permits for foreign nationals, depending on their professional background, nationality, immigration status, or length of residence in the country. Below, we outline the main options available according to Panamanian labor and immigration regulations.
Work Permits Within the Authorized Percentage under the Labor Code
Companies hiring foreign personnel in Panama must comply with the limits established by the Panamanian Labor Code. These work permits apply based on the type of position:
- Regular Personnel: Up to 10% of the total workforce
- Specialized or Technical Personnel: Up to 15% of the total workforce
- Trusted or Executive Staff: Up to 15% of the total workforce
These categories are subject to verification by the Ministry of Labor and must meet specific requirements for approval.
Special Conditions Work Permits
Certain nationalities or immigration situations allow individuals to apply for special work permits that are not subject to the percentage limits established by the Labor Code:
- Specific Nationalities (such as the “Friendly Nations” program)
- General Immigration Regularization
- Professional Foreigner Permit (applies to professions not restricted in Panama)
These permits often offer more favorable conditions and longer-term residency or work authorizations.
Work Permits Considered as Local Workforce
In certain cases, foreign nationals may be hired without affecting the legal percentage limits, as they are considered part of the local workforce:
- Foreign nationals with more than 10 years of residency in Panama
- Foreigners married to Panamanian citizens
- Holders of Special Permanent Residency
- Individuals with Family Reunification Permits
- Foreigners covered under international treaties, such as: the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation with Italy; diplomatic personnel and members of international organizations.
Representative Matters
We advise a multinational company in Panama, which has both a local subsidiary and a subsidiary under the Special Regime of the Multinational Headquarters Law (SEM).
We assist the company with all legal aspects of the hiring of foreign employees and expats in Panama, which include the complete immigration process, compiling and filling of documents, obtaining of residency permits and work permits, as well as immigration process for the executives and their dependents. We also provide analysis to their payroll capacity for hiring new employees due to limitations under Panamanian law to hire foreign employees.
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We advise on complex and cross-border matters with a strategic, business-oriented approach.
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