Panama has launched a new Panama working holiday visa category that allows foreign nationals aged 18 to 30 to live and work in the country for up to 12 months. The measure, established through Executive Decree No. 21 of October 13, 2026, was published in the Official Digital Gazette the following day and falls under the Non-Resident immigration category.
The Ministry of Security issued the decree, which creates a short-stay visa for tourists participating in the Vacations and Housing program, commonly known as Working Holiday. Applicants must apply personally at the Special Projects Office of the National Migration Service (SNM) and meet a series of specific requirements before approval.
Eligibility and Application Requirements for the Panama Working Holiday Program
Only nationals of countries that maintain bilateral agreements with Panama specifically signed for this program can apply. The decree published in the Gazette does not include a list of qualifying nations, leaving applicants to verify their country’s status through official channels. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must certify each applicant’s participation in the Vacations and Work program.
Required documents include a passport copy notarized by a Panamanian notary public, three passport-sized photographs, and an apostilled birth certificate proving the applicant is between 18 and 30 years old. Applicants must also present health insurance covering their entire stay, proof of sufficient economic solvency for self-support, and an apostilled criminal record certificate from their country of origin.
Work Permits and Labor Restrictions Under the New Visa
Visa holders can engage in temporary labor activities during their stay but cannot perform permanent work or access permanent resident permits while the visa is active. To work legally, participants must obtain authorization from the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (Mitradel), which grants permission for temporary employment throughout the visa’s validity period.
The visa is granted for a maximum of 12 months with no possibility of extension. Once the program concludes, beneficiaries must leave Panamanian territory and cannot change their immigration category. The National Migration Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will jointly administer the program and monitor participant activities.
Program Administration and Compliance Measures
Failure to comply with the decree’s provisions can result in visa cancellation and a subsequent deportation order to the individual’s country of origin. The administrative framework assigns oversight responsibilities to both the SNM and the Foreign Ministry, ensuring participants adhere to program guidelines throughout their stay.
The initiative positions Panama alongside other nations that offer working holiday arrangements, facilitating cultural exchange and temporary labor opportunities for young travelers. The program’s structure emphasizes short-term engagement with clear departure requirements, distinguishing it from traditional residency pathways. As bilateral agreements expand, the pool of eligible nationalities may grow, potentially increasing participation in future cycles.