Digital Nomad Visa In Panama: What You Need To Know

1. What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa permits extended legal work stays in a country, with less hassle than a work visa and longer than a tourist visa.

Freelancers and digital nomads who enjoy traveling can now obtain a digital nomad visa, which allows them to reside in their preferred location for a period ranging from 6 months up to 2 years. Furthermore, the process of renewing the visa is straightforward.

2. Why get it?

Visa restrictions and immigration are two major obstacles faced by digital nomads, as per their experience.

Prior to the introduction of digital nomad visas, travel visas were the sole option available to digital nomads. The downside of a travel visa is that it prohibits tourists from engaging in work within the country, and usually permits a maximum stay of 90 days. Consequently, digital nomads and freelancers undertaking travel-associated work had to resort to disguising their activities as sightseeing.

Upon the expiration of their travel visa, they are required to visit the immigration office, endure lengthy waiting periods, and make payment for the renewal of their travel visa. There are nations that do not permit visa renewals, thereby compelling digital nomads to use a loophole known as “visa run.” In this scenario, they journey to surrounding countries for a few days before returning to the original country to obtain a new visa stamp. However, there are instances where this practice is disallowed as well.

Engaging in these activities for a prolonged period of time as a digital nomad will inevitably lead to exhaustion in physical, mental, and emotional aspects.

3. How to get it?

While the specific procedures and prerequisites vary among nations, here’s a general overview of getting a digital nomad visa.

Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.
Prepare all the necessary documents such as bank statements, passport, and proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
Submit all documents either by applying online or at the embassy office.
Wait for approval and processing while planning the long-anticipated travel.
Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!

To determine what criteria and qualifications are necessary for every country involved, access the links located at the conclusion of this document.

4. Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?

The eligibility requirements for a digital nomad visa vary by country; however, typically, the following items are required for application:

You are location-independent.
You can work digitally and remotely.
You have a stable flow of income and earn more than the minimum requirement.
You are from one of the eligible countries (e.g, Europe allows people from certain countries to apply).
You have proof of employment or ownership of a company.
You have travel or health insurance.

If you’re eligible, applying for a digital nomad visa could be beneficial as it removes restrictions on travel visas, avoids long waits in the immigration office, and eliminates the need for visa runs. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a novel setting that revitalizes your productivity and creativity.

5. How long does the process take?

It can take anywhere from 3 to 4 months to complete the digital nomad visa application process, which is heavily influenced by the country you are applying to.

6. What are the typical restrictions I need to be aware of?

The digital nomad visa is an official form of visa acknowledged by the countries involved, and it permits hassle-free movement in public areas.

Visa cannot rescue you unless you intend to cause trouble.

What Is The Panama Digital Nomad Visa?

Under the Digital Nomad Visa, also referred to as the Short-Term Remote Worker Visa, individuals are now permitted to reside and work in Panama for a duration of no longer than nine months.

In essence, individuals who are entrepreneurs, freelancers, self-employed, or remote workers have the option to relocate to Panama and conduct their work activities from there.

The implementation of the Digital Nomad Visa by the Panamanian government is intended to attract long-term investors and expatriates to enhance the country’s GDP.

The visa was introduced in 2021 and enables remote workers to remain in the nation for a period of 9 months. To submit an application, you must complete the application form and satisfy all necessary prerequisites. Additionally, you will have to engage the services of an immigration attorney from Panama to help with the application process.

Panama Digital Nomad Visa Application Process

This provides a summary of how to apply for a digital nomad visa.

Documents

It is compulsory to possess the subsequent paperwork:

Financial Proof

By providing a bank statement that verifies that you have USD 3,000, you can demonstrate your financial independence, which is necessary to obtain this visa.

Proof Of Remote Work

To be eligible for the digital nomad visa, it is crucial to demonstrate that your income is solely derived from online work and your clients/employer are situated outside of Panama.

How Long Can You Stay In Panama With The Digital Nomad Visa

The Panama Digital Nomad Visa can be extended up to 9 months, and a further 9-month extension is also available.

How To Apply For The Panama Digital Nomad Visa

Although the application process is simple, it entails the assistance of an immigration attorney rather than being a self-applicable process.

Collect the documents mentioned above and give them to your attorney, who will assist you in completing the application. Your attorney will then file the application with the immigration department in Panama on your behalf.

You need to pay USD 250 for the visa, which covers the cost of processing the paperwork you have given. If your application is declined or unsuccessful, you will not receive a refund.

A payment of USD 250 will be required for a reapplication.

Please be aware that in order to obtain your physical visa upon arrival, an additional cost of USD 50 will be required.

The information provided is comprehensive and concise on obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa. It is advisable to allow a minimum of four weeks to obtain the visa and factor this into your travel plans.

You can pack for Panama at your own pace and without feeling anxious, even if it takes up to a month.

Best Places To Live In Panama For Digital Nomads

For digital nomads, Panama is an outstanding country as it boasts numerous stunning locations to comfortably work and reside.

Listed below are some of the top locations in Panama suitable for Digital Nomads.

Boquete

Panama’s Boquete is widely recognized as a popular residential destination for expatriates.

Expats are drawn to this town for numerous reasons such as its agreeable weather, affordable cost of living, minimal crime rates, and breathtaking natural surroundings.

Expatriates who appreciate outdoor activities are fond of this town due to its close proximity to many hiking paths and excellent opportunities for birdwatching.

One of the best places in the world to retire is widely considered.

Panama City

The presence of numerous international schools and a high availability of jobs in Panama City has long been a driving factor for expats to settle in the country.

Panama City has a significant number of expatriates, including a large influx of US citizens each year. The cost of housing in the city can be high, and most available options are located in tall buildings.

There are abundant activities to engage in Panama City and its Old Quarter is adorned with fascinating cultural experiences.

In addition, it is the most convenient city for transportation in Central America as it possesses the solitary metro system within the vicinity.

El Valle de Anton

El Valle de Anton is gaining popularity among expats who seek a more comfortable weather due to its slightly cooler climate in comparison to Panama City.

Expats are starting to take notice of this serene and tranquil location that is engulfed by nature. While it may lack the luxuries of Panama City and other highly populated regions, it provides reliable wifi for work and all the necessary essentials.

For an expat who enjoys the outdoors, this area would be ideal due to its numerous hiking trails.

Coronado

For those seeking beach lifestyle, Coronado is an excellent choice. Despite being within easy driving distance of Panama City, the pace of life in Coronado is markedly different.

Over the past few years, increasing numbers of expats have established their residence in this vacation homes area designated for locals. The abundance of amenities in Coronado may be the reason behind this.

Living here will make you feel like you are always on an endless holiday with all the necessary amenities within reach. The region has sea-facing apartments and multiple golf courses, along with an extensive range of dining options available.

Pedasi

Although Pedasi is a relatively recent expat destination in Panama, it has gained popularity due to its affordable cost of living, which is lower than that of certain other beach towns in the country.

Approximately 3,000 individuals reside in this region, which is perfect if you desire a tranquil and unhurried lifestyle. Additionally, it boasts stunning seashores and vistas.

Cost Of Living In Panama

Panama offers a similar experience to other popular destinations in Central America, with the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without breaking the bank.

Your cost of living in Panama will be significantly affected by the location you select, as it differs greatly throughout the nation.

If you rent an apartment for 12 months, you’ll get better deals, even though the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Panama City’s city center is pricier than in Pedasi.

The cost of renting an apartment in Panama City varies between USD 500 to 1,300 depending on various factors like your requirements, location and size of the apartment.

In Panama, the cost of food is fairly affordable. A mid-range restaurant typically charges USD 50 for a meal for two individuals.

If you reside in a major city such as Panama City, the most effective way to save cash is to prepare your own meals at home. Purchasing groceries is more economical than dining out, which allows you to accumulate significant savings.

Final Thoughts On Digital Nomads in Panama

Years ago, the digital nomad visa used to be an aspiration of many nomads who wished to travel and work in their preferred country without any restrictions. With time, this population is bound to expand and more countries will likely provide digital nomad visas.

For digital nomads, Panama is an ideal country, as it boasts an abundance of top-notch infrastructure, cuisine, and cultural experiences.

Living here is much more affordable than in other countries in North America.

Panama should definitely be on your radar if you’re contemplating embarking on a digital nomad lifestyle, however, be prepared to deal with the visa application, as it can be quite burdensome.