With solid infrastructure and direct flights all around the hemisphere, Panama is becoming a popular workspace and playground for remote workers. Not only that – in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic rent prices are down and shorter, flexible-term leases are the order of the day. All of this makes Panama an amazing place to get lost for a while (while staying connected). If you are a digital nomad or freelancer who would like to take advantage of the flexibility that your work offers, then be sure to check out Panama’s Short Stay visa program (aka the “Digital Nomad Visa”).
Panama already allows visitors from most countries to stay for 90-180 days as tourists. But the Short Stay Visa grants qualifying applicants the option to obtain a 9-month residency, extendable up to 18 months.
Requirements to Qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa
The main requirements for the Short Stay Visa are:
- Applicants should provide a contract setting forth the employee’s main functions being performed abroad for a foreign company doing work on an international level. However, self-employed free-lancers can also apply.
- Applicants should demonstrate an annual income of at least $36,000 USD.
Bottom line?
Panama’s expat community includes more and more freelancers and remote workers doing business outside of Panama. We are also seeing a lot more people who want to spend a year or so in Panama, but don’t necessarily plan to be here long term. If you consider yourself a digital nomad and a sexy, cosmopolitan city set against the backdrop of jungle, mountains and beaches is what you are looking for, then consider changing your status to “currently based out of Panama” for 9-18 months.
The Short Stay Visa is inexpensive, and it is relatively easy to qualify. And if you fall in love with Panama and want to talk about permanent residency during your 9-18 month stay, then I can help you with longer-term residency options as well!
If you are interested in this one, then send me an email at info@theindependentlawyer.com. Also be sure to check out the rest of my (mostly) legal blog: Legalese.
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