Let Our Experts Guide You to Legal Residency in Panama Within 3 Days
Looking to move to Panama under the SEM Visa? Whether you’re a senior executive, dependent family member, or HR director looking for answers, we handle every step of the SEM Visa Panama process with fast, compliant legal help.
The SEM Visa Panama (short for Special Regime for Multinational Company Headquarters) is a residency program designed for employees and executives of multinational companies operating in Panama. This visa allows you and your dependent family members to live, work, and reside legally in Panama, with significant tax and immigration benefits.
This is not a regular work visa. It’s a fast-track residency program for executives and professionals working under licensed multinational entities.
Here’s what makes the SEM Visa a preferred path for professionals:
If you’re relocating with your family, the SEM Visa Dependents allows spouses and children to get legal residency with ease.
To qualify, you must:
New 2024 Update: As of January 2024, SEM companies must revalidate their license every five years and submit updated documentation for all foreign executives. All SEM visa holders must confirm continued employment annually to maintain residency.
Panama law requires all SEM Visa applicants to be represented by a licensed Panamanian attorney. This is the first mandatory step before any documents can be submitted.
You must sign a legal authorization allowing your lawyer to represent you before Panama’s immigration office.
Your lawyer submits your complete SEM Visa application to Panama’s immigration office and coordinates with the SEM licensing authority.
Processing typically takes 20–30 business days. We monitor and expedite updates for you.
Upon approval, you receive your temporary SEM residency ID, valid while your permanent card is processed.
After 5 years of maintaining SEM visa status, you can apply for permanent residency in Panama.
We’re not just filing paperwork. We provide complete end-to-end immigration services, trusted by executives from over 40 multinational firms.
Here’s how our visa advisor will help:
Multilingual legal team fluent in English, Spanish, and German
We don’t just submit your papers. We protect your time, investment, and legal rights.
Spouses and children under 25 can apply for SEM Visa Dependents. They’ll enjoy the same legal residency benefits, including healthcare access, schooling, and the right to live in Panama for the full duration of the SEM visa holder’s contract.
UK
USA
Canada
The SEM Visa is a special residency permit for employees of multinational companies operating in Panama. It allows legal residency, tax exemptions, and family inclusion without a separate work permit.
Yes. Spouses and dependents under 25 can apply under the SEM Visa Dependents, enjoying the same residency and access to services like healthcare and education.
With all correct documents, it usually takes 20 to 30 business days. Working with a licensed legal team ensures your application is submitted without delays or rejections.
Generally, foreign income is tax-exempt, and most SEM visa holders don’t owe Panama income tax unless paid locally. Tax obligations depend on your specific salary structure.
Whether you’re an executive relocating manager, internal transfers, Agroup Consulting provides full legal support, fast filings, and real-time updates, so you never feel lost in the process.
