Panama Digital Nomad Visa Requirements 2025: Best Steps

Are you dreaming of trading your daily commute for stunning beaches, modern amenities, and a tax-free income? Consider the Panama digital nomad visa, the “Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers.”

Panama offers remote workers the opportunity to live and work in paradise for up to nine months, with the option to renew once. Keep reading to discover the requirements, advantages, and top destinations for digital nomads in Panama.

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Panama Digital Nomad Visa

Visa Requirements & How to Apply

We aim to provide a quick but accurate synopsis of the Panama digital nomad visa requirements and steps. Please contact us and let us know if we need to make any corrections.

Country:Panama
Currency:Panamanian Balboa or PAB
Important Note: We list all digital nomad visa costs and requirements below in US dollars or USD ($), widely accepted in Panama and on par (1:1) with the PAB.
Visa Category:Digital Nomad Visa Panama (Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers under Immigration Permits for Non-Residents)
Visa Length:9 months
Renewable Visa?Yes. You can easily renew the visa once.
Visa Cost:$250 for the application and $50 for the card
Income Requirements:About $3,000 monthly income or $36,000 annual income
Tax Implications:Tax-free on foreign income. (Check tax obligations in your home country.)
Dependents Allowed?No
Application Location Options:Apply from your home country

Panama Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Important Note: All documents issued abroad must be notarized and apostilled.

  • Valid passport and notarized copy of passport
  • Three passport photos
  • Completed visa application form (at the embassy or consulate)
  • Receipt for payment of application fee
  • Affidavit for “personal history” form
  • Affidavit of “non-acceptance” of work within Panama
  • Proof of income meeting the minimum requirement (e.g., bank statements, pay stubs, contract)
  • Proof of remote work (see requirements for employees vs self-employed individuals below )
  • Criminal record check (within the past six months)
  • Health certificate from a medical facility indicating good health
  • Proof of medical insurance that covers you in Panama and covers repatriation

Foreign Company Employees

You must submit an official company letter detailing the following:

  • Your position and responsibilities
  • Monthly earnings
  • Work arrangement specifics

Self-Employed Individuals

You must provide documentation confirming their business exists outside of Panama and a notarized statement outlining the following:

  • Current business operations
  • List of offered services
  • Client base description
  • Historical and anticipated income figures

You can download a PDF Panama immigration provides (in Spanish) outlining detailed requirements.

We use Genki insurance. They have long-term and short-term nomad insurance options.

4 Steps to Apply for a Panama Digital Nomad Visa

  1. Make an appointment at your local Panama embassy or consulate. We suggest confirming and picking up all needed forms beforehand as well.
  2. Bring all required documents to the appointment and complete the application form at the appointment.
  3. Pay the application fee at the embassy appointment.
  4. Wait for approval (unspecified time, possibly 30 to 40 days).

Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad in Panama

If you’re considering working and living in Panama as a digital nomad, weigh these pros and cons.

Benefits of Living in Panama
  • Reliable internet
  • Modern infrastructure
  • No income tax on foreign-earned income
  • One of the safest countries in Central America
  • Large expat community
  • Stunning natural beauty
Disadvantages of Living in Panama
  • Possible language barrier, as Spanish is the official language
  • Things get done very slowly
  • The festive, party atmosphere typical in the country can be noisy
  • High humidity

Average Monthly Costs of Living in Panama (USD)

1 Bedroom Apartment:$550 to $1,200+
Food:$250 to $500+ per adult
Utilities:$100 to $200+
Data Plan:$30 to $45+ for a 10 GB data plan
Single Fare Public Transport:$0.50+
In Panama, the average monthly expenses (excluding rent) of a single person are estimated to be around $800 or more.

3 Top Cities in Panama for Digital Nomads

  1. Bocas del Toro
  2. Boquete
  3. Panama City (capital city)

5 Top Things To Do in Panama

a tropical sandy beach with palm trees
Playa Blanca, Saboga, Panama, by Rowan Heuvel (Unsplash)
  1. Panama Canal: At the Miraflores Visitor Center, you can watch ships transit through the locks and learn about the canal’s history at the Canal Museum.
  2. Casco Viejo: Stroll around Panama City’s historic district, known for its colonial architecture, picturesque plazas, and historic landmarks like the Panama Cathedral and Presidential Palace.
  3. San Blas Islands: Escape to the stunning archipelago and relax on white sandy beaches surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters.
  4. Hike: Explore lush cloud forests and volcanic landscapes in Boquete, visit the Chiriquí Highlands, summit Volcán Barú, or trek through the Quetzales Trail.
  5. Santa Catalina. Unwind in this coastal town and popular surfing destination on the Pacific coast.

We’ve curated eight high-quality Panama excursions you can sign up for with Viator. You can book ahead and cancel free of charge.

Digital Nomad Visa for Panama Summary

The Panama digital nomad visa opens the door to a lifestyle of adventure, tranquility, and professional growth. Take the leap and embark on your digital nomad journey in Panama today.

Whether you’re captivated by the historic charm of Casco Viejo, the natural beauty of Bocas del Toro, or the urban allure of Panama City, this visa provides the perfect opportunity to explore and thrive in an expat-friendly environment.

If this Panama nomad visa isn’t for you, explore other ones we’ve covered.

Digital Nomad Visa Panama FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions about the Panama digital nomad visa.

Does Panama offer a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Panama offers a digital nomad visa called the Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers. It allows individuals to live and work for up to nine months, with an option to renew once.

Can I live in Panama and work remotely for a US company?

Yes. You can live in Panama and work remotely for a US company while holding a digital nomad visa. Panama is a popular choice for remote work due to reliable internet, modern infrastructure, and no income tax on foreign-earned income.

Is Panama City good for digital nomads?

Panama City is a favorable destination for digital nomads due to its large expat community, modern amenities, and available resources for remote work. However, it’s essential to note that the city can be noisy and the pace of life can be fast-paced, which may only suit some.

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