Panama digital nomad visa income requirement
The Panama digital nomad visa income requirement is USD 36,000 a year from a foreign source, about $3,000 a month, and because Panama runs on the dollar there is no exchange rate to hide behind.
The migration service's requirements sheet, which we re-read on September 28, 2026, sets the floor at B/.36,000 a year and asks the employer letter to show at least B/.3,000 a month. The balboa trades one to one with the US dollar.
Where the USD 36,000 has to come from
From abroad, and tied to the work you declare. The sheet asks for a bank certification that the income comes from outside Panama, or stamped statements from a foreign or local bank showing the transfers.
Employees add a letter on company letterhead, signed by the legal representative, stating the role, the monthly income and a commitment to cover repatriation. Freelancers swap that for proof of their own company registered abroad and a notarized sworn statement describing each client, what they pay and how often.
- 01Valid passportPassport valid for at least 6 months at time of application; copies usually notarized/authenticated.
- 02Proof of foreign-source income >= USD 36,000/yearBank certification letter stating income is received from abroad, OR the last two months (practitioners advise 3-6 months) of foreign bank statements stamped by the bank showing deposits tied to the declared work. Bank certification letters must be apostilled.
- 03Proof of remote work relationshipFor employees: employer letter on letterhead, signed by the legal representative, stating position, annual income >= USD 36,000, remote/telework modality, that work has effects abroad, and a clause that the employer will assume repatriation costs. For self-employed/freelancers: foreign client contracts, foreign business registration, invoices, and a notarized affidavit.
- 04Criminal / police background checkCertificate of good conduct from the country of citizenship or residence (federal/national police or ministry of justice; FBI Identity History Summary for US citizens), apostilled by the issuing country's competent authority (US Department of State for the US), or consularized if the country is not an Apostille member.
- 05Health insurance valid in PanamaProof of health/medical insurance covering the entire intended stay in Panama. No specific USD minimum coverage figure is stated in the publicly available texts; carry reasonably comprehensive coverage.
- 06Passport-size photosTwo recent passport-style photos (front view, white background).
- 07SNM application form + power of attorneyCompleted SNM Short Stay Remote Worker application form plus power of attorney authorizing the Panamanian attorney; sworn declarations as required. Foreign documents translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Panama.
What the visa and carnet cost
The sheet sets the migration fee at B/.250 and the carnet at B/.50, so B/.300 in government fees.
On top of that come apostilles, certified Spanish translations and the Panamanian attorney who has to file for you in person. Those are private fees; get them quoted before you start.
Nine months, one extension, 18 months maximum
The visa lasts nine months and can be extended once for the same period: 18 months, then out.
The extension asks for the same documents as the first filing, including fresh proof that the income comes from abroad.
No path to residency on this visa
This is a short-stay, non-resident category, and time on it does not lead to permanent residency. If you want to settle in Panama, pick a different route from the start.
For scale, our Panama City file puts the monthly tier at $2,100 and comfort at $3,000, audited August 10, 2026. The income floor buys the comfort tier and very little slack.
Tax: territorial, with a 183-day trigger
Panama taxes on a territorial basis: foreign-source income is exempt, and 183 days in the country is the residency trigger in our record.
How that applies to you depends on where the money is earned and where you are tax resident. Get your own advice before you rely on it.
Sources and last verified date
Our Panama record was last verified August 3, 2026. The requirements sheet was re-read on September 28, 2026 and still sets the income floor at B/.36,000 a year. Official texts first, then the law firms.
Rules last verified August 3, 2026 (evidence grade A); requirements sheet re-read September 28, 2026. Panama City tiers audited August 10, 2026.
This is a plain-English reading of published rules, not legal advice. Offices interpret, consulates differ and rules change. Confirm with the Servicio Nacional de Migración or a Panamanian immigration attorney before you commit money.