Ir al contenido
Inicio

Immigration Law · EN

Panama Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Requirements, Duration and How to Apply.

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.

Published in the source: Last date stated:

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.

Questions from the source

Questions, answers, and sources preserved from the historical archive. Nucleus has not verified their currency or links.

What is Panama's digital nomad visa?

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.

What are the requirements for the digital nomad visa?

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.

How long does the digital nomad visa last?

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.

Sources declared in Iurispa

Questions, answers, and sources preserved from the historical archive. Nucleus has not verified their currency or links.

  1. Executive Decree 198 of 2021
  2. article 694 of the Fiscal Code
  3. National Immigration Service ↗
  4. PROPANAMA