Panama work authorization: step-by-step for Canada nationals

Panama work authorization: step-by-step for Canada nationals

Panama has emerged as a leading nation in Latin America due to numerous factors, with its expanding economy and advantageous location being particularly noteworthy. These factors have drawn significant attention from foreigners seeking employment opportunities. Nonetheless, if you’re a citizen of Canada aiming to work legally in Panama, it’s crucial to secure a work visa.

The most advisable thing to do is to be up to date with all your legal documents, as this will facilitate any job search and save all kinds of inconveniences to the interested parties. Besides, contacting a trusted expert advisor for this type of cases is a wise decision, since lawyers, such as the professionals at Legal Solutions Panama, are more knowledgeable about the procedures to be carried out inside and outside the country.

If you’re interested in learning more about the requirements for securing a work permit in Panama and the overall process, continue reading this information.

Why do you need a work permit in Panama?

It is crucial for any Canada resident planning to engage in paid activities in Panama, whether as an employee or on a freelance basis, to have a work permit. Being in compliance with the legal requirements of your host country will enable you to advance professionally with this authorization and open up various job possibilities.

Likewise, obtaining a work permit in Panama is a process that requires complying with certain requirements and following the steps established by the competent authorities.

What are the common requirements to apply for a work permit in Panama?

To acquire your permit to work legally in Panama, you must meet the following common requirements:

  1. Submission to the appropriate authority
  2. Notarized power of attorney
  3. Application via a lawyer
  4. Certificate from the National Immigration Service detailing the applicant’s immigration status
  5. Copies of passport pages displaying the holder’s general information
  6. Copy of the processing card, provisional or permanent residence card issued by the National Immigration Service, or a copy of the permanent resident card authenticated by the Electoral Tribunal

What types of work permits for Canada citizens exist in Panama?

Once you have decided to obtain your work authorization and want to start the process as soon as possible, we advise you to research the different types of permits that exist in Panama. Although there are many, as it depends on the needs of the applicant, here is a brief list that can serve as a guide:

  • Qualified Investor Work Permit: This permit is available to foreigners who have applied for an Investor Visa, provided they meet the specified requirements. For an extension request, an income tax affidavit along with clearance from the DGI or evidence of payment for the 9 installments to the Social Security Fund is needed. 
  • Work Permit for Friendly Countries: This applies to foreigners with a residence permit under the Friendly Countries category or those in the process of obtaining it. Applicants must submit a sworn income tax statement with DGI clearance or proof of payment of the 9 installments to the Social Security Fund.
  • Work Permit for Own Economic Solvency: This category is for foreigners who have applied for a visa based on their own economic solvency, allowing them to apply for a work permit given they meet the outlined conditions. For an extension request, the applicant is required to provide an income tax affidavit with DGI clearance or proof of payment for the 9 installments to the Caja de Seguro Social (Social Security).
  • Work Permit for a Foreigner Married to a Panamanian: This is applicable for foreigners married to a Panamanian citizen. By applying for family reunification, they can seek a work permit. The applicant must fulfill the previously mentioned criteria, including obtaining a Marriage Certificate from the Electoral Tribunal issued no more than 3 months before applying and a copy of the Panamanian spouse’s ID card. Additionally, a matrimonial interview will be conducted by the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development and, in some cases, a home inspection may be carried out for necessary verification.

Legal Solutions Panama: Your Partner for Processing Your Work Permit

While it’s important to keep your legal documents current and begin the necessary application process to secure a work permit in Panama, obtaining expert guidance on Panamanian laws can ensure that the procedure is smooth, swift, and dependable at every stage.

In each of these cases, it is crucial to have the backing of professionals such as the attorneys at Legal Solutions Panama, whose knowledge and expertise are well-established. For more information about what they offer, feel free to visit their site, where you can arrange a complimentary thirty-minute consultation with an expert.