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Temporary Visitor - Marrakech Treaty 

[Immigration Application] [Work Permit Application] [Renewal]

For clients wishing to obtain a Work Permit, that do not intend to relocate or immigrate to Panama, but rather will live here for a maximum of five years, a possible option is obtaining a work permit under the Marrakech Treaty.  

This Temporary Visitor Visa is available to companies with a personnel between 3-10 employees, whose full-time employees earn at least a minimum wage, so that they may bring a foreigner to work for them for no more than 5 years.   The visa requires that the company be responsible economically for the applicant, and that they are on the full payroll of the company.  The company cannot have more than one foreigner on the payroll under this visa.  

The Immigration Department has established that the minimum wage earned by the foreign employee must be at least $500.00/month, plus $75.00 per dependents (if applicable).  Up to 20% of this employees salary may be paid in fringe benefits, as established in the Labour Code, but the fringe benefits must be specifically outlined in the Employment Contract, duly approved by the Ministry of Labour.  

It is necessary to apply to two separate government departments, in order to get this visa and the work permit: 

Immigration Application - Documentary Requirements: 

1. Power of Attorney - the Legal Representative of the Company must issue the Power of Attorney to the law firm, which should be countersigned by the foreign employee for whom the visa is being applied (POA provided by Gray & Co.)  
2. Application by the law firm for the visa 
3. Sworn Declaration by the Applicant (form provided by Immigration Department) 
4. $100.00 payment to the Treasury Department (Tesoro Nacional) - certified cheque only 
5. Medical Certificate for the Applicant
6. Police Record for the Applicant 
7. Original Passport (valid for a minimum of 6 months) - the Applicant MUST be in the country at the time of the application 
8. Two passport photos 
9. Resolution issued by the Ministry of Labour, approving the work permit under the Marrakech Treaty.  (See notes below).  
10. Original labour contract, duly authenticated by the Ministry of Labour 
11. Employment Letter - where the Company indicates that the foreign employee is in their employ and indicates their salary, etc. 
12. Copy of the Company's Commercial License 
13. Copy (certified by the Social Security Department) of the Company's payroll 

If you have dependents, then please request information regarding the additional documentary requirements.  

Work Permit Application - Ministry of Labour: 

1. Power of Attorney - by the Applicant & Applicant Company (POA provided by Gray & Co.)  
2. Application by Gray & Co. 
3. Certification of Immigrant Status (issued by the Immigration Department) 
4. Copy of the Applicant's immigration card 
5. Copy of the Applicant's passport
6. Employment Contract 
7. Employment Letter
8. Copy of the Commercial License of the Company, duly authenticated by they Ministry of Commerce 
9. Certificate of Good Standing for the Company 
10. Copy (certified by the Social Security Department) of the Company's payroll 
11. Four passport photos (with the Applicant's name on the back) 

Renewal - Year Two (or 3, 4, or 5) 

In order to request renewal of the Work Permit and the Visa, it is necessary to present all documents again, with the exception of the police record and the payment to Tesoro Nacional.  

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Last modified 26-Sep-2007 17:37 -0400

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Last modified 26-Sep-2007 17:37 -0400