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 United Kingdom aiming to work legally in Panama, it’s crucial to secure a work visa.
Staying current with all your legal documentation is highly recommended, as it simplifies your job search and prevents any potential hassles for those involved. Furthermore, consulting a reliable expert advisor in such matters is a prudent choice. Legal professionals, like those at Legal Solutions Panama, possess a deeper understanding of the necessary procedures both within and beyond the country’s borders.
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 important that any United Kingdom resident wishing to exercise remunerated activity in Panama, whether as an employee or independently, has a work permit. After all, being in good legal terms with the country that receives you will allow you to grow professionally with this authorization and job opportunities will begin to arise.
Similarly, securing a work permit in Panama involves meeting specific requirements and adhering to the procedures outlined by the relevant authorities.
What are the common requirements to apply for a work permit in Panama?
If you aim to secure your permit to work legally in Panama, you will need to satisfy the following common requirements:
- Submission to the appropriate authority
- Notarized power of attorney
- Request made through a lawyer
- Certificate from the National Immigration Service detailing the applicant’s immigration status
- Copies of the passport pages displaying the holder’s general information
- Copy of the processing card, whether provisional or permanent residence card, issued by the National Immigration Service, or a copy of the permanent resident card from the Electoral Tribunal, authenticated by the same entity
What kinds of work permits are available for United Kingdom citizens in Panama?
After deciding to pursue your work authorization and aiming to initiate the process promptly, it is wise to explore the various kinds of permits available in Panama. Given that the options vary according to the applicant’s requirements, here is a concise list that may serve as a helpful guide:
- Qualified Investor Work Permit: states that any foreigner who has applied for an Investor Visa may also apply for a work permit under this category, as long as he/she complies with the aforementioned requirements. Also, for the extension request, you must submit an income tax affidavit with a clearance from the DGI or proof of payment of the 9 installments to the Social Security Fund.
- Work permit for Friendly Countries: this second case applies to all foreigners who have a residence permit within the category of Friendly Countries or for those who are in the process of applying for it. For this request, the applicant must present a sworn statement of income tax with a clearance from the DGI or proof of payment of the 9 installments to the Social Security Fund.
- Work Permit for Own Economic Solvency: the third type applies to all foreigners who have applied for the visa for their own economic solvency, since they may also opt for their work permit under this category with the requirements mentioned above. For the extension request, the applicant must present an income tax affidavit with a clearance from the DGI or proof of payment of the 9 installments to the Caja de Seguro Social (Social Security).
- Work permit for a foreigner who is married to a Panamanian: another case would be for the foreigner who is married to a Panamanian, since when requesting the family regrouping he/she will be able to apply for a work permit. All you will need to do is to comply with the requirements indicated above and request the Marriage Certificate issued by the Electoral Tribunal with a maximum of 3 months prior to the application and a copy of the Panamanian spouse’s identity card. Additionally, the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development will make a matrimonial interview for the necessary verifications and in some cases domiciliary inspection.
Legal Solutions Panama: Your Partner for Processing Your Work Permit
While it’s crucial to keep your legal documents updated and initiate the appropriate application for acquiring a work permit in Panama, seeking expert guidance on Panamanian laws can ensure the process remains straightforward, swift, and dependable throughout.
In all these scenarios, having the backing of professionals like the attorneys at Legal Solutions Panama is crucial, as their experience and expertise are well-recognized. To explore more about their services, feel free to visit here, where you can arrange a complimentary thirty-minute consultation with one of their experts.