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.
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.
To learn more about the requirements for securing a work permit in Panama and all related procedures, continue exploring this information.
Why is obtaining a work permit in Panama essential?
Any United Kingdom resident aiming to engage in paid work in Panama, whether in employment or on a freelance basis, must obtain a work permit. Ensuring you are legally compliant in your host country enables you to advance professionally with this authorization, opening the door to new career opportunities.
Similarly, securing a work permit in Panama involves meeting specific requirements and adhering to the procedures set by the relevant authorities.
What are the typical requirements for applying 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 relevant authority
- Notarized power of attorney
- Application submitted via a lawyer
- Certification from the National Immigration Service indicating the applicant’s immigration status
- Copies of the passport pages showing 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 authenticated by the Electoral Tribunal
What types of work permits for United Kingdom citizens exist in Panama?
After deciding to pursue your work authorization and preparing to begin the process promptly, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the various types of permits available in Panama. Although numerous options exist, depending on the applicant’s needs, here’s a short list that might help guide you:
- 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 ally to process your work permit
While it’s crucial to keep your legal documents current and initiate the necessary application for acquiring a work permit in Panama, seeking guidance from experts familiar with Panamanian laws can ensure the process is straightforward, swift, and dependable.
In all these scenarios, having the backing of professionals like the lawyers at Legal Solutions Panama is crucial, as their experience and knowledge are unparalleled. For more information on their offerings, feel free to explore their webpage, where you can book a complimentary thirty-minute consultation with one of their specialists.
