Panama Digital Nomad Visa 2026
Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Teletrabajo) · Latin America
Income requirement
Panama's Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Teletrabajo) requires a minimum income of $36,000/year (≈$3,000/month). It costs $300 to apply, is processed in roughly 30 days, and runs for 9 months (renewable). Territorial — foreign income not taxed: Territorial: Panama does not tax foreign-source income.
On the WhereNext digital-nomad-visa index this visa ranks #9 of 35 (score 66) on income floor, permitted stay, tax treatment, fee and processing time.
The modeled threshold is about $3,000/month (native figure above is binding). On that basis: at $2,000/mo you are ~$1,000 short; at $3,500/mo you clear it; at $5,000/mo you clear it with margin. Row figures verified 2026-09-06.
Key facts
- $36,000/yr minimum income (≈$3,000/mo)
- $300 official application fee
- ~30 days typical processing time
- 9 months initial term, renewable up to 18 months
- Territorial — foreign income not taxed Territorial: Panama does not tax foreign-source income
- Launched 2021 Executive Decree 198 of 7 May 2021 (Gaceta Oficial)
Official source · Source: Panama Servicio Nacional de Migración — Remote Worker Short Stay Visa requirements · Last verified Aug 12, 2026 (5 weeks ago) · Verify current rules with an authorized immigration adviser or the destination's consulate before applying.
Panama Digital Nomad Visa: FAQ
What is the minimum income requirement for the Panama digital nomad visa?▾
The Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Teletrabajo) requires a minimum income of $36,000 per year (about $3,000 per month). Min $36,000/year ($3,000/month) foreign-source income; remote work for a foreign company (Exec. Decree 198/2021). NOT the Friendly Nations residency route..
How much does the Panama digital nomad visa cost?▾
The official application fee for the Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Teletrabajo) is approximately $300. This is the government processing fee and excludes legal help, translation, or health-insurance costs.
How long does approval take for the Panama digital nomad visa?▾
Processing typically takes around 30 days from a complete submission, though times vary by consulate and application volume.
Can I work remotely for a foreign employer on the Panama digital nomad visa?▾
Yes. The Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Teletrabajo) explicitly permits remote work for employers or clients based outside Panama. Min $36,000/year ($3,000/month) foreign-source income; remote work for a foreign company (Exec. Decree 198/2021). NOT the Friendly Nations residency route..
How is income taxed on the Panama digital nomad visa?▾
Territorial — foreign income not taxed. Territorial: Panama does not tax foreign-source income. Tax residency rules are individual — verify with a cross-border tax advisor before filing.
How long is the Panama digital nomad visa valid?▾
The Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Teletrabajo) is initially valid for 9 months and is renewable, up to a maximum total stay of 18 months.
Eligibility check
Do you meet Panama's digital nomad visa income requirement?
Annual income: $36,000/yr
A typical $50k–75k remote income clears this threshold.
Source: Panama Servicio Nacional de Migración — Remote Worker Short Stay Visa requirements · checked 2026-08-12
Modelled estimate from published thresholds — not immigration, legal, or tax advice. Covers income / savings / age only; other eligibility gates are not modelled.
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