Work visas
Panamanian Work Permit and Temporary Residence
The two-part route to work legally in Panama, combining an immigration status such as temporary residence with a separate work permit from the Ministry of Labour.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The 10% ordinary / 15% specialist workforce-quota percentages come from labour-law summaries and were not confirmed on a live MITRADEL/SNM page; verify current quotas, fees and the 2023 decree classifications.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Panama government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Permiso de Trabajo (MITRADEL) + Residente Temporal por razones laborales (SNM)
- Route type
- Work visa - temporary residence plus work permit
- Issuing bodies
- SNM (immigration status) and MITRADEL (work permit)
- Workforce quota rule
- Foreign hires generally limited by the ordinary 10% and specialist 15% workforce quotas
- Quota percentages are defined in Panamanian labour law; confirm current figures and exceptions.
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals with a job offer or contract from a Panamanian employer
- Executives and specialists posted to multinational headquarters (SEM), free zones or Panama Pacifico
- Staff paid from abroad, press correspondents and other labour categories defined by SNM
Requirements
- Immigration status (temporary residence) granted by SNM under a labour category
- Work permit granted by MITRADEL
- Migrant Labour Registry ID and migration status certificate
- Valid passport and residence/processing card, duly authenticated
- Notarised power of attorney for the Panamanian lawyer handling the case
- Employer compliance with the applicable workforce quotas
What you can do
- Work legally in Panama for the sponsoring employer / category
- Renew the permit and residence status while the employment continues
- In some categories, progress toward permanent residence over time
How to apply
- Obtain the SNM immigration status first (temporary residence under a labour category)
- Apply to MITRADEL for the corresponding work permit
- File through a licensed Panamanian immigration lawyer with the required authenticated documents
- Keep the residence status and work permit renewed and aligned
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.