Panama has successfully established itself as a leading nation in Latin America due to multiple factors, with its booming economy and pivotal geographical position being the most notable. These attributes attract numerous foreigners seeking employment prospects. Nevertheless, if you happen to be a citizen of Canada and intend to work legally in Panama, securing a work authorization is imperative.
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 want to know more about the requirements to obtain a work permit in Panama and everything related to the process, keep reading this information.
Why is it necessary to have a work permit in Panama?
It is essential for any Canada resident aiming to engage in paid work in Panama, either as an employee or as a self-employed individual, to obtain a work visa. Maintaining proper legal status with the host country will enable you to advance in your career with this permit, leading to the emergence of job opportunities.
Similarly, acquiring a work permit in Panama involves meeting specific criteria and adhering to the steps outlined by the relevant 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:
- Filing with the corresponding authority
- Power of attorney notarized by a notary
- Request through a lawyer
- Certificate issued by the National Immigration Service, stating the applicant’s immigration status
- Copies of the pages of the passport, in which the general information of the holder appears
- Copy of the processing card, provisional or permanent residence card, issued by the National Immigration Service or copy of the permanent resident card issued by the Electoral Tribunal and authenticated by said entity
What varieties of work permits are available for Canada citizens 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 in Processing Your Work Permit
While keeping your legal documents current and initiating the necessary application to secure a work permit in Panama is essential, enlisting expert guidance in Panamanian laws can ensure that the process remains straightforward, swift, and dependable throughout.
For all of the above cases, it is essential to have the support of professionals such as the lawyers at Legal Solutions Panama, whose experience and expertise speak for themselves. If you want to know more details about their proposals, do not hesitate to visit their website; there you can schedule a free thirty-minute consultation with one of their experts.
