---
titulo: "Panama Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Requirements, Duration and How to Apply"
titulo_seo: "Panama Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Requirements"
meta: "Panama's digital nomad visa runs 9 months, renewable once, on US$36,000 of foreign income. Who qualifies under Decree 198 of 2021 and why the tax fits."
autor: "Diego Ospina Serna"
fecha: 2026-07-07
actualizado: 2026-07-07
materia: "Immigration Law"
idioma: "en"
par: "visa-nomada-digital-panama"
resumen: "A practical guide to Panama's Digital Nomad (Short-Stay Remote Worker) Visa under Executive Decree 198 of 2021: who qualifies, the US$36,000 minimum foreign income, the 9-month duration renewable for another 9, the documents required, and how Panama's territorial tax system treats your remote income."
tags: ["Immigration", "Digital Nomads", "Expats Panama"]
orden: 20260707
faq:
  - q: "What is Panama's digital nomad visa?"
    a: "It is a short-stay permit for remote workers whose income comes from foreign sources. It lets you live in Panama for a defined period while working for clients or employers abroad."
  - q: "What are the requirements for the digital nomad visa?"
    a: "Proof of remote work for a foreign company or of a location-independent business, a minimum annual income set by the regulation, health insurance and a clean record, among the standard documents."
  - q: "How long does the digital nomad visa last?"
    a: "It is granted for an initial period and can be extended, up to the maximum total stay set by the regulation. It does not by itself lead to permanent residency."
fuentes:
  - nombre: "Executive Decree 198 of 2021"
  - nombre: "article 694 of the Fiscal Code"
  - nombre: "National Immigration Service"
    url: "https://iurispa.com/instituciones/servicio-nacional-de-migracion/"
  - nombre: "PROPANAMA"
---

Panama created a dedicated visa for remote workers and digital nomads through **Executive Decree No. 198 of May 7, 2021** ("short-stay visa as a remote worker"). It lets professionals who earn their income abroad live legally in Panama, using the US dollar, with a fast and relatively simple process. This guide explains the requirements and how the visa fits with Panama's tax system.

> This guide is informational and not personalized legal or tax advice.

## What the Digital Nomad Visa is

It is a **short-stay** permit, not a residency. It authorizes a foreigner who works remotely **for foreign clients or a foreign employer** to stay in Panama while performing that work. It does not, by itself, lead to permanent residency, but it can be a first step for those testing the country.

## Duration

- Initial term: **9 months**.
- Renewable **once** for another **9 months**, a maximum of about **18 months**.

## Who qualifies and the income requirement

- You must work remotely, either as an **employee of a foreign company** or as an **independent contractor/freelancer** serving clients outside Panama.
- The work must be for projects **abroad**; you may not provide services within the Panamanian market.
- **Minimum income:** at least **US$36,000 per year** (or the equivalent) from a foreign source.
- You must hold **health insurance** valid for the whole stay.

## Documents (typical)

- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Employment contract with a foreign company, or proof of independent remote work and clients abroad.
- Proof of income (bank statements / contracts) meeting the US$36,000 threshold.
- International health insurance covering the stay.
- Sworn statement that you will not provide services in the local market.

The application is filed with the **National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración)** and, in practice, is handled through a Panamanian attorney.

## Taxes: why the nomad profile fits Panama

Panama has a **territorial tax system** (article 694 of the Fiscal Code): only income produced **within** Panama is taxed. Because a digital nomad's income comes from **foreign sources**, that income is **not subject to Panamanian income tax**. Combined with the US dollar as legal tender and low-cost, high-quality healthcare, Panama is one of the most efficient bases in the region for remote professionals.

> Territoriality in Panama does not remove your obligations in your country of tax residence. Check your home-country rules.

> [!info] The formal requirements are on the permit page
> The [Short stay as a remote worker](/en/migracion/corta-estancia-como-trabajador-remoto/) page lists the documents, the official fees and the estimated processing time.