The Panama Student Visa grants access to accredited education while providing temporary residency. Our updated 2025 guide explains how you can secure your visa in just 3 days with the full support of our legal team.
The Panama Student Visa is a temporary residence permit issued by the Servicio Nacional de Migración that allows foreign nationals to legally live in Panama while pursuing studies at accredited institutions. This visa covers programs ranging from university degrees and postgraduate studies to language schools and technical programs.
It is designed to make education accessible for international students while offering a safe and legal way to stay in Panama during the length of their studies.
The Panama Student Visa is more than just permission to study. It gives you the chance to:
Live in a country with low living costs compared to the U.S. and Europe.
Enjoy legal residency status, avoiding immigration issues during your studies.
Immerse yourself in Panama’s rich culture, learning Spanish while connecting with a diverse international community.
Access modern universities and private schools with programs in both English and Spanish.
For many students, this visa becomes the first step in building long-term connections with Panama.
To apply for the visa, you must meet the following visa requirements:
Note: Immigration may request additional documentation depending on your case. Legal assistance can help you avoid delays.
As of 2025, the process of obtaining the student visa remains the same. Below are the key steps when applying with Agroup Consulting
Under Panamanian law (Decree Law No. 3 of 2008, Article 28), all visa applications must be filed through a licensed immigration attorney. Our Panama immigration attorneys will guide you from the first consultation, making sure every requirement is met, and stay with you until your residency is officially approved.
The next step is to collect the required documents for your visa, such as police clearance certificates, proof of financial solvency, among others. All documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish but don’t worry, our team will guide you step by step in obtaining these documents and the necessary apostilles in your home country.
Once your documents have been reviewed and approved by our attorneys, we will schedule your first trip to Panama. You should plan to stay at least three days in Panama City to complete the visa application process. Upon arrival, our team will pick you up from the airport and have all documents ready for your signature. Within a maximum of three days, we will accompany you to the National Immigration Service to file your application.
Within three days, we make sure your visa application is filed and you receive a provisional residency card valid for six months. During this period, you can either stay in Panama or return to your home country. Once the Immigration Office finishes processing your temporary residency card, our team will notify you and personally accompany you to “Migracion” to collect it.
Warning:The steps outlined above reflect the process carried out exclusively by our attorneys, backed by more than 15 years of experience and a record of 0% visa rejections. Thanks to this expertise, most applications are finalized in just 3 days. Working with traditional firms often results in longer waiting times, and incomplete documentation can significantly increase the risk of delays or even a visa denial.
At Agroup Consulting, we work with top Panama immigration attorneys specializing in the Student Visa. With over 15 years of experience, a 0% denial rate, and the trust of more than 100 expats in Panama, our firm delivers trusted services that help you secure residency with complete confidence.
This visa is ideal if you:
Have an official letter of acceptance from a recognized Panamanian school or university.
Can demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
Have a clean criminal record and valid health insurance.
If you meet these conditions, you can study in Panama legally while enjoying a secure and enriching experience abroad experience.
USA
“I was looking for a way to get residency in Panama without going through a complicated business setup. The reforestation visa made sense, and Agroup helped me with the application. It wasn’t instant, but the process was clear and they stayed in touch with me the whole time.”
UK
“I invested in teak through the reforestation program and used Agroup for the visa. They handled most of the paperwork, which was a relief. There were a few delays with the investment side, but that’s Panama for you. Overall, the firm was reliable and easy to work with.”
Canada
Yes, it’s possible. While the Panama student visa itself is a temporary status tied to your academic enrollment, completing your studies may open the door to other Panama residency options. Graduates can apply for long-term programs such as the Friendly Nations Visa, Professional Employment Visa, or Panama permanent residency if they meet the requirements. This transition allows you to stay in the country legally beyond your education and even start the path toward citizenship.
If you are a U.S. citizen applying for a student visa in Panama, the U.S. Embassy Panama student visa process is important to understand. While the embassy itself does not issue Panamanian visas, it plays a role in authenticating documents needed for your application. For example, your FBI background check and civil records must be apostilled or notarized in the U.S. before they can be accepted in Panama. The U.S. Embassy in Panama City can assist with document certification, notarial services, and providing guidance for American students already in the country.
The visa is usually granted for one year, but it can be renewed annually for the duration of your studies, up to a maximum of six years. Renewals require proof of continued enrollment.
No, student visas are individual permits. Family members would need to apply for separate visas such as the family reunification visa or tourist visa, depending on their relationship and plans.
To get a Panama student visa, you must be accepted by an accredited university or school in Panama. You’ll need to show an apostilled letter of acceptance, passport copy, proof of funds, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The visa is valid for 1 year, renewable annually for up to 6 years, allowing you to legally stay in the country while completing your studies.
Yes. Since April 2023, international students in degree programs can apply for a 1-year work permit, renewable annually. This permit allows students to work part-time or do internships without losing student status. It’s issued by MITRADEL, and the process is legal under Executive Decree 6.
Tuition fees in Panama vary depending on the institution and the program you choose. On average, public universities charge between $500 and $2,000 per year, while private universities range from $3,000 to $10,000 per year. In addition to tuition, you should also consider living expenses, which typically range from $600 to $1,200 per month depending on your lifestyle and the city you live in.
The government typically expects students to show that they have at least $1,000 per month available to cover living expenses. This is usually demonstrated through bank statements or an affidavit of financial support.
Absolutely. Panama offers modern universities, bilingual programs, affordable living, and a safe, international environment. With schools like Florida State University – Panama and growing academic infrastructure, it’s an excellent destination for international students seeking a multicultural, connected, and legally supportive place to study.
