---
titulo: "Temporary Protection Permit (PTP) in Panama: Requirements, Costs, and Program Validity"
titulo_seo: "Temporary Protection Permit (PTP) in Panama"
meta: "HISTORICAL: Panama's PTP closed to new applications on July 19, 2024. The requirements, the B/.500 immigration fee and the two-year non-renewable term."
autor: "Diego Ospina Serna"
fecha: 2024-05-13
actualizado: 2026-07-02
materia: "Immigration Law"
idioma: "en"
par: "ultimos-dias-para-aplicar-al-permiso-temporal-de-proteccion-ptp"
resumen: "HISTORICAL RECORD: the Temporary Protection Permit (PTP), created by Executive Decrees 112 and 7 of 2023, allowed foreigners in an irregular situation in Panama to regularize their status. The application window closed on July 19, 2024, and has not reopened. It is kept for reference with the requirements, costs, and conditions the program had."
tags: ["PTP", "Immigration Regularization", "Expats Panama"]
orden: 20240513
---
> [!warning] Validity note
> The application window for the Temporary Protection Permit closed on July 19, 2024, and was not reopened. **It has been replaced by the Humanitarian Security Protection Permit (PPSH)**, whose application window is open through March 13, 2027: see our guide to the **[PPSH — requirements, costs, and deadline 2026](/guias/humanitarian-security-protection-permit-ppsh-panama/)**. This article is kept as a historical reference for the PTP. If you are in an irregular immigration situation in Panama, [message us on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/50761970238) to assess your case, or consult our [catalog of immigration permits](/servicios/migracion/).

In 2023, Panama's Servicio Nacional de Migración (SNM, the National Immigration Service) and the Ministerio de Trabajo y Desarrollo Laboral (MITRADEL, the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development) introduced an immigration category called the Temporary Protection Permit, through Executive Decrees No. 112 and No. 7, published in the Official Gazette on July 13 and 17, 2023, respectively. The measure sought to regularize the situation of foreigners who were in an irregular situation within the national territory.

## Who was eligible for the Temporary Protection Permit?

The Temporary Protection Permit was aimed at foreigners who:

1. Were in an irregular situation in Panama.
2. Had resided in the country for a period of no less than one year.
3. Had not initiated any prior immigration process.

## Application process and requirements

The process included:

* Pre-registration in the Servicio Nacional de Migración (National Immigration Service) system.
* Obtaining an appointment with the [Servicio Nacional de Migración (National Immigration Service)](https://www.migracion.gob.pa).
* Submission of a work permit application to MITRADEL.
* Formal filing of the Temporary Permit application before the Servicio Nacional de Migración (National Immigration Service).

The required documents were:

* Power of attorney and formal application.
* Two passport-size photos.
* Completed Single Pre-Registration of Foreigners (RUEX).
* Copy of the passport and proof of address.
* Criminal background certificate or police record.
* Sworn notarial declaration verifying the date of entry into the country.
* Proof of the work permit process carried out with MITRADEL.

## Program costs

* B/. 500.00 for immigration services (B/. 250.00 for minors).
* B/. 100.00 for the card valid for travel.
* B/. 200.00 as a repatriation deposit (exempt for children under 12).
* B/. 150.00 for tax obligations.

## Duration and conditions of the permit

The permit was granted for a single, non-renewable period of two years. It was individual and did not allow dependents. Upon completion of the term, beneficiaries had to switch to another immigration category in order to regularize their status permanently.

## Key dates

The application period began on July 17, 2023, and ended on July 19, 2024, without any reopening of the program having been announced to date.