Are you thinking about moving to Panama for a trial stay? Temporary residency in Panama is the first step you need to take. This updated 2025 guide explains how you can secure a temporary resident visa in just 3 days with the support of our legal team.
The temporary visa is a legal permit that allows foreign nationals to live in Panama for one or two years, depending on the desired visa program. It’s often chosen by professionals, investors, retirees, and family members of residents who need time to meet the criteria for permanent residency.
When you hold this visa, you are recognized as a legal resident, giving you access to many of the same benefits as Panamanian citizens, such as opening bank accounts, signing leases, or enrolling children in school.
Panama’s immigration law recognizes several categories of applicants who may qualify for temporary residency, including:
Professionals with valid job offers or special work permits
Investors participating in government-approved programs
Dependents and spouses of Panamanian citizens or residents
Other eligible applicants established under Panamanian law
If you fall within one of these categories, you can begin the process with the guidance of our experienced legal advisors, who will assist you through every step of your residency application.
Before submitting your application, you must meet the general requirements for temporary residency in Panama. Although specific requirements may vary depending on the visa category, the following documents are generally required:
A passport valid for at least six months
A clean criminal record from your home country and from Panama
Proof of income or investment corresponding to your chosen visa type
A health certificate issued in Panama
Passport photos and completed government forms
Payment of government fees
Our legal team will assist you in collecting, reviewing, and legalizing all required documents to ensure your application is processed correctly and without delays,
Panama’s immigration system provides several options to live and work in the country on a temporary basis. These programs allow you to establish residency while you work, study, or start professional or business activities in Panama.
Grants temporary residency to citizens of countries with close professional or economic ties to Panama. The initial permit is issued for two years, after which applicants may apply for permanent residency if they wish to settle long-term.
2. Professional Employment Visa
Designed for qualified professionals working for a Panamanian company. Applicants must hold a university degree and a valid employment contract registered with the Ministry of Labor.
3. Temporary Worker Visa
Allows foreign employees hired by Panamanian companies to work legally for a fixed period. The visa duration matches the labor contract and can be renewed if the employment continues.
4. Student Visa
Issued to foreigners enrolled in educational institutions recognized by Panama’s Ministry of Education. Valid for the length of the academic program and renewable each year.
5. Family Reunification Visa
Grants temporary residency to dependents and spouses of Panamanian citizens or permanent residents. Holders may later apply for permanent status after meeting legal residency periods.
After maintaining temporary residency for the required period (usually two years), you can apply to upgrade to permanent residency. This process requires:
Proof of continuous legal status in Panama
Updated background checks and supporting documents
A new application filed with the National Immigration Service
Once granted permanent residency, you gain long-term stability in Panama and may even become eligible for citizenship after several years.
As of 2025, the process of obtaining a temporary residency remains the same. While specific requirements may vary depending on the residency program, the overall procedure follows a well-defined structure. Below, we outline the key steps typically involved in securing legal residency in Panama.
Under Panamanian law (Decree Law No. 3 of 2008, Article 28), all residency 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 residency, such as police clearance certificates, proof of financial solvency, and, if applying with family, marriage and birth certificates. All documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish. 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 residency 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 residency 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 Panama temporary residency 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.
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You can obtain temporary residency in Panama by applying under an approved visa category such as Friendly Nations or family reunification. Submit your legalized and translated documents through a licensed Panamanian attorney to the National Immigration Service. Processing usually takes three to six months, after which you’ll receive a residency card valid for one or two years.
Applicants must have a valid passport, a clean criminal record, proof of income or investment, a health certificate issued in Panama, and completed immigration forms. All foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled before submission. Working with experienced advisors helps ensure full compliance with Panamanian immigration law.
Certain visa categories allow you to work, but others require a separate work permit. It’s important to confirm your specific situation before starting employment. Our team of immigration attorneys can guide you through obtaining any necessary permits alongside your residency application.
After holding your temporary visa for the required period of time, you file an upgrade application with updated documents and proof of continuous residency status. Immigration will review your case, and once approved, you receive permanent residency, which offers greater stability and future citizenship opportunities.
To become a temporary resident of Panama, you must apply through a licensed immigration attorney. Our legal team assists you in choosing the right visa program, preparing the required documents, and submitting your application to the National Immigration Service for approval.
Panama offers flexible programs for investors, retirees, and professionals. Compared to other countries, the document requirements are lighter and the timelines faster.
Yes. Through Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa, you can secure permanent residency from day one by making a real estate investment of $300,000. At Agroup Consulting, we assist you with the investment paperwork, legal filings, and the entire immigration process so you can enjoy your new status and later apply for citizenship after five years.
If your temporary Panama residency visa card is lost or stolen, you don’t need to start over. You simply need to file a replacement request with the National Immigration Service and pay the official replacement fee.
At Agroup Consulting, we’ve helped hundreds of clients through the Panama residency process, from the first consultation to final residency approval.
Let our team guide you through the legal steps, costs, and requirements so you can focus on building your future in Panama.
