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As of May 28th, 2019, five (5) Executive Decrees were enacted to modify rules related to the granting of residence and work permits. The main changes are the following:
NATIONAL IMMIGRATION AUTHORITY.
- Stay Visa for citizens of the United States of America:
A new category of Stay Visa is created for citizens of the United States of America, for reasons of studies, investment, temporary or technical work, or labor transfer. It will be granted for a term of one (1) year, extendable annually up to five (5) more times.
Executive Decree No. 181 of May 28, 2019
- Temporary Resident as Employee of Aviation Companies:
The category of Temporary Resident is modified for Employees of Aviation Companies based in the Republic of Panama, who will be granted a residence permit for two (2) years, extendable for the same term, until completing a total period of six (6) years.
Executive Decree No. 182 of May 28, 2019
MINISTRY OF LABOR
- Work Permit for Permanent Residents:
A new category of work permit is created for permanent residents, which will be granted for a term of three (3) years, extendable for the same term.
Executive Decree No. 21 of May 28, 2019
- Work Permit for Foreigners married to a national:
It will be now granted for two (2) years the first time and the extension for three (3) years each time. Previously, it was granted for a term of one (1) year, extendable for one (1) year each time.
Executive Decree No. 20 of May 28, 2019
- Work Permit for Foreigners, within ten percent of the ordinary personnel:
It will now be granted for a term of two (2) years, extendable for the same time. Previously it was granted for a term of one (1) year, extendable for one (1) year each time.
Executive Decree No. 20 of May 28, 2019
- Work Permit for Expert or Technicians, within fifteen percent of the specialized personnel:
It will now be granted for a term of two (2) years, extendable for the same time. Previously, it was granted for a term of one (1) year, extendable for one (1) year each time until completing five years.
Executive Decree No. 20 of May 28, 2019
- Work Permit Marrakech Agreement:
The minimum number of workers that a company must have of less than ten (10) workers is established. The company must have a minimum of three (3) Panamanian workers and may only have as a foreigner the worker applying for the work permit.
Executive Decree No. 20 of May 28, 2019
- Work Permit for Professional Foreigner:
It will now be granted the term of two (2) years, the first time, and the extensions for three (3) years each time. You can apply for this work permit with a temporary ID card; that is, even by not having the resolution of approval of residence permit.