Issuance of a work permit for self-employed foreigners

The Ministry of Labor (Mitradel) updated the regulations on employment foreign workforce in the country by classifying six types of work permits for these people.

First of all, there is a permit that is equivalent to local work for foreigners who have the same treatment as locals. for more than 10 years of continuous stay in the country, married to citizens or because they are parents of Panamanian children.

In the meantime, companies have the option employ 10% foreigners from its permanent staff and 15% of specialized or technical personnel.

Also, there are special laws which are carried out in the business regimes or activities of multinational, manufacturing, film and other companies, as long as the provisions determine that they need a work permit.

Another classification is humanitarian protectionintended for persons with the status of refugees, asylum seekers or victims of human trafficking, and for the first time it also includes stateless persons who do not have citizenship and are in the country.

In addition, there is a permit for foreigners from nations that maintain friendly or economic relations with Panama, including for the first time a work permit for independent or self-employed.

Finally, there is temporary permit issued to international artistsspecialized technicians and night show artists.

Procedures initiated under Regulation 17 from 1999, which repeals the new Regulation no. 4 of March 2, 2023. until March 31 of this yearMithradel reported.

The subject explained the changes made, based on the fact that the standard has not been revised for 24 years and seeks to protect the local workforce and the integration of vulnerable populations.