Migration

Immigration and Labor Law Attorneys in Panama: Get Your Residency and Legal Security

At FDR Abogados, we understand that moving to Panama is a life-changing decision. However, immigration bureaucracy, regulatory changes, and the uncertainty of paperwork can turn that dream into a source of stress.

That is why we offer comprehensive, transparent, and agile immigration management. Our commitment is to handle every legal and administrative detail so that you and your family can enjoy the peace of mind of being fully regularized in Panama.

Our 360° Approach: Legal, Corporate and Asset Protection Solutions

A successful immigration process does not end with a residency card. To truly establish yourself in Panama, you also need a solid tax structure, operational bank accounts, and the ability to work or do business legally.

Unlike other firms, at FDR Abogados we integrate immigration advice with corporate, labor and asset protection law. We accompany you from the initial profile evaluation through bank account opening, company incorporation, work permits and asset protection — all in one place.

Most Requested Visas and Residency Permits in Panama

With over 20 years of experience advising international clients, we design personalized immigration strategies for each profile. These are the most common paths to obtain residency in Panama:

1. Friendly Nations Visa

One of the fastest routes to residency, created for citizens of nations with diplomatic and commercial ties to Panama. You can qualify through investment or a legitimate employment relationship.

  • Real Estate Route: Minimum investment of $200,000 in a property in Panama.
  • Fixed-Term Deposit Route: Opening a bank fixed-term deposit for $200,000.
  • Employment Route: Through an employment contract with a duly registered Panamanian company.
  • Process: A 2-year provisional residency is granted, after which you may apply for Permanent Residency.

2. Pensioner / Retired Annuitant

Panama is globally recognized as one of the best retirement destinations. Both categories grant direct Permanent Residency, with no provisional stage, plus the benefits of the Pensionado Incentives Law.

  • Pensioner: Lifetime pension from $1,000 USD monthly, granted by a government, international organization or private company.
  • Retired Annuitant: Passive income or lifetime annuity from foreign sources demonstrating monthly economic solvency.
  • Exclusive Benefits: Discounts on air and land transportation, medical services, hotels and restaurants. Tax exemptions for importing household goods and one vehicle.

3. Real Estate or Mixed Investment (PPT-SEP-IBM / PPT-SEP-IM)

Designed for high-net-worth investors who wish to obtain a residency permit through a significant, documented investment in the country.

  • PPT-SEP-IBM (Real Estate): Minimum investment of $300,000 in the acquisition of a property in Panama.
  • PPT-SEP-IM (Mixed Investment): $300,000 combining the purchase of a property with a bank fixed-term deposit.
  • Process: 2-year Provisional Permit. Upon meeting the requirements, you may apply for permanent residency.
  • Stay Requirements: You must comply with the stay requirements established by Panamanian immigration law.

4. Self-Economic Solvency

Ideal for individuals with financial capacity who wish to establish themselves in Panama through personal investment, without relying on local employment or a specific nationality.

  • Minimum Investment: $300,000 in real estate, fixed-term deposit, or a combination of both.
  • Family Coverage: Applies to the applicant, spouse, minor children and other qualifying dependents.
  • Process: Residency permit with option for permanent residency, subject to compliance with SNM requirements.

5. Reforestation Visa

A unique option that combines investment in environmental conservation with obtaining Panamanian residency, through duly authorized forestry projects.

  • Investment: Reforestation projects or forestry plantations registered with the Ministry of Environment.
  • Advantage: Medium to long-term return on investment, combined with obtaining temporary and subsequently permanent residency.

Labor Advice and Work Permits for Foreigners

For a complete transition, your immigration residency must be complemented with the proper work authorization. At FDR Abogados we assist both individuals and companies with work permit management and compliance with Panamanian labor legislation.

  • Work Permits for Foreigners: Complete management according to the applicable immigration category (Friendly Nations, Technical Staff, Ten Percent Foreign Personnel, among others).
  • Hiring and Labor Compliance: Preparation of employment contracts in accordance with the Panama Labor Code and preventive advice to avoid administrative sanctions.

Social Security Fund

At FDR Legal Advice & Consulting, we process your workers' transactions quickly, efficiently, timely, and above all safely with our Confidentiality Agreement; all data from your company and your employees will be protected.

Services We Offer:

Complete Cycle of Opening Your Company

  • Registration of Employers in the Income and Economic Benefits System (SIPE).
  • Registration of Domestic Employers in the Income and Economic Benefits System (SIPE).
  • Request and Registration of Digital Signature to carry out all processes in the Social Security Fund through the Income and Economic Benefits System (SIPE).

Monthly Records in the Social Security Fund System

  • Employee Affiliation
  • Leave
  • Entry Notices
  • Employee Withdrawal
  • Modify Licenses
  • Monthly Changes
  • Submission of Monthly Returns
  • Correction of Returns
  • Preparation of all Documents to carry out procedures

Complete Processing of Supplementary Returns in the Social Security Fund System

  • Submission of Supplementary Return correction request form.
  • Correction of returns for Omissions, with complex adjustments.
  • Request for Monthly Clearance Certificates, as required by the employer.
  • Reporting Returns, bonuses, vacations, out-of-period settlements.

Digital Files

  • Registration processes

Payment Arrangement Procedure before the Social Security Fund

  • Request for General Status of the Company before Social Security
  • Payment agreement to establish installments
  • Debt restructuring to Unify amounts of old Payment Arrangements and amounts of Regular Returns for recent months.

Cessation of Company Operations

  • Temporary or Permanent Cessation of Operations Request
  • Request for Certification of Inactive Employer
  • Request for Reactivation of Employer Number

Replacement of Employer

  • Change of Employer

We Perform the Following Calculations:

  • Weekly, biweekly, and monthly Returns.
  • Vacations
  • Thirteenth month
  • Work Letters
  • Human Resources
  • Settlements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I include my family in my residency application? Yes. Panamanian law allows spouses, minor children (or students up to age 25) and parents to be included as dependents in most residency programs. How long does it take to obtain permanent residency? It varies by program. Investment visas like PPT-SEP can be completed in a few months. Programs with a provisional stage require approximately 2 years before applying for permanent residency. At FDR, we optimize each file to minimize delays. Do I need to be physically in Panama during the entire process? It depends on the visa type. In most cases, you must be present for the initial application submission and biometric data collection, but continuous presence is not required while the file is under review.

Trust Your Immigration Process to Panama Experts

Do not leave your peace of mind to chance nor risk unnecessary delays due to documentation errors. With over 20 years of experience advising international clients, our team of attorneys is ready to evaluate your profile and guide you step by step.

Trust FDR Abogados to make your immigration process a safe, efficient and hassle-free experience.