Humanitarian Security Protection Permit (PPSH) in Panama 2026: requirements, costs, and deadline.

The Humanitarian Security Protection Permit (PPSH) is the immigration category Panama now uses to regularize foreign nationals who entered or stayed in the country without status. It was created by Executive Decree No. 6 of March 11, 2025 and extended by Executive Decree No. 5 of March 13, 2026, which added one more year to the application window, through March 13, 2027.

It replaced the former Temporary Protection Permit (PTP), whose window closed in July 2024, and improved on it: it includes an extension of up to six years. It is the most accessible path to regularization available today for anyone who wants to live and work legally.

Who can apply for the PPSH?

A foreign national who, when the decree took effect, meets these conditions may apply:

1. Is in an irregular immigration situation in Panama.
2. Has stayed in the country for no less than one year. If they left during that year, they cannot have been outside for more than sixty consecutive days.
3. Has no active immigration process and no criminal record.

What the permit gives you

• Temporary residence for two (2) years, allowing you to remain in the country legally.
• An extension of up to six (6) years once the first two expire, meeting the updated requirements (for example, social-security proof or an income-tax filing). In practice, an eight-year path to immigration stability. See how it works in our guide to the PPSH renewal.
• A work permit, processed jointly with the Ministry of Labor (MITRADEL).
• An ID card and multiple-entry visa, letting you enter and leave the country.

Requirements (Decree No. 5 of 2026)

These are the documents the National Immigration Service requires:

1. Power of attorney and application filed through a legal representative.
2. Two passport-size photos, white or color background.
3. Full copy of the passport, duly notarized.
4. Proof of address, by one of three means: a notarized lease (with a copy of the landlord's ID or passport), a public-utility bill (electricity, water, cable, or internet), or a certification from the Community Judge.
5. Criminal background certificate from the country of origin, authenticated or apostilled.
6. Sworn statement of personal background.
7. Health certificate issued by a licensed professional.
8. Copy of the migrant-labor registration filed with MITRADEL.
9. If the applicant is a minor: a notarized power of attorney granted by both parents or the legal guardian, a document proving the relationship, and an authenticated or apostilled letter of responsibility.

Official costs

Unlike other firms, we show you upfront what the State charges. These are the official PPSH fees under Decree No. 5 of 2026:

Beyond those fees are the file's own expenses: professional fees, notarizations, the apostille or authentication of the criminal-record certificate, any translations, the health certificate, and the MITRADEL registration. In your assessment we give you a fixed quote, with no surprises.

How the process works, step by step

1. We assess your case and confirm you meet the one-year residence and the other conditions.
2. We prepare the power of attorney and application and assemble your document file.
3. We file the migrant-labor registration with MITRADEL.
4. We formally file the application with the National Immigration Service and follow up until approval and delivery of your card.