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Immigration exceptions for North American and Canadian citizens; and foreigners who work in companies with an MHQ license or those established in the Panama Pacifico Special Economic Area.

Resolution No. 22706 of September 10th, 2021, published in the Official Gazette on September 20th, 2021 (hereinafter “The Resolution No. 22706”), exempts citizens of the United States of America and Canada from the effects and terms of the Resolution No. 22068 of September 1st, 2021.

Resolution No. 22246 of September 3rd, 2021, published in the Official Gazette on September 20th, 2021 (hereinafter “The Resolution No. 22246”), exempts foreigners who require a visa to enter the territory and have a promise of an employment contract or work for Companies with a Headquarters License of Multinational Companies and for Companies established in the Panama-Pacific Special Economic Area from the effect and terms of Resolution No. 14757 of September 01st, 2021.

RELEVANT MEASURES:

The following are the most relevant measures included in the aforementioned Resolutions:

  • By reciprocity, the legal term for the stay as tourist in Panama is exempted for the citizens of the United States of America and Canada, for which they will enjoy six (6) months, counted from their entry to the national territory, according to the Decree Law 3 of February 22nd, 2008.
  • From September 20th, 2021, foreigners who have a promise of employment contract or work for Companies with Headquarters License of Multinational Companies and for Companies established in the Panama Pacifico Special Economic Area, in accordance with the provisions of Executive Decree No. 535 of October 03rd, 2014, shall be exempted from Resolution No. 14757 of September 01st, 2021.

COMMENTS:

  • For the citizens of the United States of America and Canada, the legal term for stay as a tourist in Panama will be of six (6) months.
  • The Resolution No. 22706 will become effective on October 1st, 2021.
  • The Resolution No. 22246 referred to Executive Decree No. 414 of June 13th, 2012, when in fact it should have been Executive Decree No. 535 of October 03rd, 2014 since it derogates the aforementioned.
  • Resolution No. 22246 became effective on September 20th, 2021.