It is important to mention that, even if you already hold a residence permit within Panama, a work permit will always be required in order to keep you working within Panamanian territory in compliance with local laws.
Requirements to apply for a work permit in Panama
The requirements for applying for a work permit may vary depending on the type, however, the general requirements are:
- Power of attorney and request for a work permit;
- Copy of the applicant's passport;
- Four (4) passport-size photographs;
- Employment contract endorsed by the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development;
- Certificate of immigration status issued by the National Migration Service;
- Certified copy of the resolution granting your residence permit, if applicable.
As we mentioned, the requirements change depending on the type of work permit. At Limitless Legal, we take care of doing a personalized analysis to determine the type of work permit that is best for you.
How long does the process take?
The process for obtaining a work permit in Panama can take approximately four (4) to six (6) months.
During this period, the labor migration department of the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development is responsible for analyzing the submitted documents and also preparing the resolution that approves or denies the submitted application.
It is important to mention that any denied request may be requested for reconsideration before the same entity, correcting any missing requirements that may be missing during the initial request.
Why is it important to have a work permit in Panama?
Any foreign worker who does not have a work permit risks being fined by the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development for violating local regulations. In the same way, every employer must verify that the workers they hire have a work permit or are in the process of applying for one. This is because the fines for violating these regulations are applied to the worker and the employer.
It is essential that every person who plans to work in Panama applies for their work permit before local authorities to make it easier to obtain a job in Panama.
Our purpose is for every foreigner to process their work permit in a timely and fast manner. With our help, you can determine the category of work permit and you can obtain your permit as soon as possible to comply with local regulations without any problem.
