Professional Visa
The professional foreigner may apply for this permit, as long as such profession is not limited by the careers restricted by the Republic of Panama.
In Panama there are 25 careers that cannot be practiced by foreigners, unless they have a special permit.
In case you maintain a profession that is not in the following list, you may proceed to make the appropriate Homologation or Revalidation at the University of Panama or the Technological University to apply for the immigration process.
Profesiones Restringidas
| Nursing Act 1 of 1954 | Barbering and cosmetology Law 4 of 1956 |
| Dentistry Act 22 of 1956 | Engineering and Architecture Law 15 of 1959 |
| Agricultural sciences Law 22 of 1961 | Pharmacy Law 24 of 1963 |
| Chiropractors Decree 8 of 1967 | Nutrition Decree 362 of 1969 |
| Medicine Decree 196 of 1970 | Psychology Law 56 of 1975 |
| Medical Assistant Decree 32 of 1975 | Accounting Law 57 of 1978 |
| Journalism Law 67 of 1978 | Laboratorians Law 74 of 1978 |
| Public Relations Law 37 of 1980 | Phonoaudiology, therapists and the like Law 34 of 1980 |
| Economy Law 7 of 1981 | Social Work Law 17 of 1981 |
| Veterinary Medicine Law 3 of 1983 | Physiotherapy Law 47 of 1984 |
| Medical Radiology Law 42 of 1980 | Law Law 9 of 1984 |
| Dental Assistant Law 21 of 1994 | Sociology Law 1 of 1996 |
| Chemistry Law 45 of 2001 | Engineering: Civil, Chemical and Forestry. |
| Education in the following subjects: History, Geography and Civics (The rest of the mentions are allowed). Law 47 of 2946 |
Steps to follow to homologate a university degree.
- Application letter on plain paper, addressed to the Secretary General of the University, Mgter. Nereida Elizabeth Herrera Tuñon, in which you will write down your general information, the degree you wish to apply for, a clear description of the purpose of the application and any other relevant information.
- Diploma duly authenticated by the Panamanian diplomatic or consular authorities accredited in the country of origin and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama or the Apostille seal.
- Informative bulletin or other official publication of the University that granted the degree, where the data on the Academic System of the Institution, Study Plan and Subject Programs, authenticated by the Panamanian diplomatic or consular authorities accredited in the country of origin and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama or the Apostille Seal.
- Record of grades corresponding to the subjects studied, duly authenticated by the Panamanian diplomatic and consular authorities accredited in the country of origin and by the Ministry of Relations of the Republic of Panama or the seal of Apostille.
- Passport or Certificate, which proves the nationality of the interested party, duly authenticated by the Panamanian diplomatic or consular authorities accredited in the country of origin and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama or the Apostille Seal.
- Two passport-size photographs.
REMARKS
- All documents issued in other languages must be translated into Spanish by an official translator.
- Present the respective originals of all documents.
- Submit two (2) sets of copies of items 1, 2, 4, 5, 7.
- Submit one (1) set of copies of item 3.
- Present original receipt of payment of B/. 500.00 and two copies.
- Submit the documents in a yellow letterhead envelope to be paid for at the General Cashier’s Office and picked up at the General Secretariat, Window No. 1.
- The amount paid will not be refunded.
- All documentation must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office in the General Secretary’s Office.
REQUIREMENTS
- Power of Attorney and Application
- Three (3) photographs
- Duly verified copy of passport
- Certificate of criminal record from your country duly apostilled.
- Health Certificate.
- Certified Check for USD 250.00 in favor of the National Treasury.
- Certified check for USD 800.00 in favor of the National Immigration Service.
- Personal Background Affidavit Form.
- Copy of the university diploma or degree, bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate duly apostilled or authenticated.
- Comply with the homologation or revalidation process before the corresponding national authorities, in this case the University of Panama or the Technological University.
The Multiple Return Visa is optional only if you are going to travel within the next six (6) months, equivalent to the duration of your processing card. This is a stamp that is stamped in your passport once you have your 6 month provisional card while the process is reviewed by immigration. After the photograph of the carnet the passport must go to Immigration for 72 hours for the stamping. If you travel with your 6 month provisional passport card and you do not have this stamp in your passport you may incur a fine of USD 2,000.00 when you re-enter the country.
REMARKS
You must come to the Republic of Panama at least three times:
- The first visit, 10 working days or the equivalent of two weeks. At this visit we register your passport and open your personal bank account. We will then proceed to submit the application, take your passport photo and obtain your multiple entry/exit permit (if you plan to travel out of the country while the application is being approved).
- Second visit, Notification of Approved Residence Permit and taking of photograph of provisional resident’s migratory card.
We can modify the times of your process if necessary.
This permit is valid for two (2) years, upon expiration of the term, you must renew the permit to apply for your Permanent Residency and cedula E.
The Multiple Return Visa is optional only if you are going to travel within the next six (6) months, equivalent to the duration of your processing card. This is a stamp that is stamped in your passport once you have your 6 month provisional card while the process is reviewed by immigration. After the photograph of the carnet the passport must go to Immigration for 72 hours for the stamping. If you travel with your 6 month provisional passport card and you do not have this stamp in your passport you may incur a fine of USD 2,000.00 when you re-enter the country.
REMARKS
You must come to the Republic of Panama at least three times:
- The first visit, 10 working days or the equivalent of two weeks. At this visit we register your passport and open your personal bank account. We will then proceed to submit the application, take your passport photo and obtain your multiple entry/exit permit (if you plan to travel out of the country while the application is being approved).
- Second visit, Notification of Approved Residence Permit and taking of photograph of provisional resident’s migratory card.
We can modify the times of your process if necessary.
This permit is valid for two (2) years, upon expiration of the term, you must renew the permit to apply for your Permanent Residency and cedula E.