Panama has managed to position itself as one of the main countries in Latin America for several reasons, but the ones that stand out the most are its growing economy and its strategic location, both working as a focus of attention for many foreigners in search of job opportunities. However, if you are a United Kingdom citizen and want to work legally in the country, it is essential to obtain a work permit.
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.
To learn more about the requirements for securing a work permit in Panama and all related procedures, continue exploring this information.
Why do you need a work permit in Panama?
It is important that any United Kingdom resident wishing to exercise remunerated activity in Panama, whether as an employee or independently, has a work permit. After all, being in good legal terms with the country that receives you will allow you to grow professionally with this authorization and job opportunities will begin to arise.
Similarly, acquiring a work permit in Panama entails meeting specific requirements and adhering to the procedures laid out by the relevant authorities.
What are the typical requirements for applying for a work permit in Panama?
If you aim to secure your permit to work legally in Panama, you will need to satisfy the following common requirements:
- Submission to the appropriate authority
- Notarized power of attorney
- Application through a lawyer
- Certificate from the National Immigration Service confirming the applicant’s immigration status
- Copies of the passport pages displaying the holder’s general information
- Copy of the processing card, provisional or permanent residence card issued by the National Immigration Service, or a copy of the permanent resident card validated by the Electoral Tribunal and authenticated by them
What are the different types of work permits available for United Kingdom 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 for 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.
In all these scenarios, having the backing of professionals like the attorneys at Legal Solutions Panama is crucial, as their experience and expertise are well-recognized. To explore more about their services, feel free to visit here, where you can arrange a complimentary thirty-minute consultation with one of their experts.
