The Humanitarian Security Protection Permit is a document created by the Government of the Republic of Panama to regularize the status of foreigners who are in the country irregularly and have remained in Panama for no less than one year.

Applicants need a Panamanian lawyer to complete this process, as one of the requirements is to submit the application through a legal representative, meaning they must have the assistance of an attorney.

Is this residency and work permit for you?

The Humanitarian Security Protection Permit is available to any foreigner who is in an irregular situation in Panama and meets the established requirements, without restrictions based on nationality.

Foreigners who were not admitted as refugees by the National Office for Refugee Assistance (ONPAR) and meet the requirements to apply for the first time may apply for this permit.

How long is the residency and work permit valid?

This humanitarian protection permit is valid for one year from its promulgation in the Official Gazette, which took place on May 11, 2025. This means that applicants will have the opportunity to submit their application until May 11, 2026. All migrants in an irregular situation who have remained in Panama for at least one year may apply for this permit.

Both the residency and work permit are valid for two years and can be renewed through an extension of up to six years. After the extension, the applicant may apply for permanent residency under conditions of social, employment, or tax ties.

What are the requirements to apply for the permit?

The requirements to apply for the Humanitarian Security Protection Permit are as follows:

Power of attorney and application through a legal representative.
Two passport-size photos, white or colored background.
Complete or update the Unique Immigration Pre-Registration (RUEX).
No pending immigration procedures with the National Migration Service.
Complete notarized copy of the passport.
Proof of applicant’s residence:
- a. Notarized rental contract (with a copy of the tenant’s ID).
- b. Utility bill.
Criminal record certificate from the country of origin, duly authenticated or apostilled.
Sworn declaration of personal background.
Health certificate issued by a certified professional.
Copy of the migrant labor registry, requested from the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development.
For minors, the notarized power of attorney must be granted by both parents or legal guardian, accompanied by the document proving the relationship and the duly authenticated or apostilled responsibility letter.
Certified or cashier’s check from the National Bank, payable to the National Migration Service, for B/.800.00 as a repatriation fee.
Certified or cashier’s check from the National Bank, payable to the National Migration Service, for B/.250.00 as a migration service fee.
Payment of B/.100.00 for the ID card and multiple-entry visa for the requested permit.
Proof of payment issued by the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development for B/.100.00, as a work permit fee.

What are the costs associated with the permit?

The process includes two categories: adults and minors, along with the cost of the work permit.

Processing for adults

B/.250.00 – Migration service fee
B/.100.00 – ID card and multiple-entry visa
B/.800.00 – Repatriation fee (non-refundable)
B/.100.00 – Work permit (National Treasury)
Total: B/.1,250.00

Processing for minors

B/.100.00 – ID card and multiple-entry visa
Total: B/.100.00

For minors, to apply for the Humanitarian Security Protection Permit, notarized authorization from both parents or the parent with custody is required, along with proof of the parental relationship.

Upon reaching adulthood, the applicant may apply for a work permit, which must be processed with the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development, meeting the following requirements:

Power of attorney and application through a legal representative.
Migrant labor registry.
Migration status certification, proving the applicant has the Humanitarian Security Protection Permit.
Notarized copy of the Humanitarian Security Protection Residency ID card.
Copy of passport information page and RUEX stamp.

Extension of the Humanitarian Protection Permit

Any foreigner who has obtained this permit may, after two years, apply for a six-year extension and later request permanent residency.

Requirements for the six-year extension

Power of attorney and application through a legal representative.
Two passport-size photos, white or colored background.
Complete notarized copy of the passport.
Proof of applicant’s residence:
- a. Notarized rental contract (copy of the tenant’s ID).
- b. Utility bill.
Updated copy of the migrant labor registry.
Declaration of personal background.
Health certificate, issued by a certified professional.
Criminal and police record history, issued by the Judicial Investigation Directorate of the National Police of Panama, provided the applicant has not left the country for more than 30 days.
Social security record, proving the person is contributing to the Social Security Fund, or Income Tax Return with proof of payment.
Certified or cashier’s check from the National Bank, payable to the National Migration Service, for B/.250.00 as a migration service fee.
Payment of B/.100.00 for the ID card and multiple-entry visa.
Proof of payment of B/.100.00, issued by the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development, as a work permit fee.

Costs of the extension

For adults

B/.250.00 – Migration service fee
B/.100.00 – ID card and multiple-entry visa
B/.100.00 – Work permit (National Treasury)
Total: B/.450.00

For minors

B/.100.00 – ID card and multiple-entry visa
Total: B/.100.00

What to do if the passport or residency card is lost?

If the passport is lost, a loss report must be filed with the Judicial Investigation Directorate or the Public Ministry, along with a certification from the relevant consulate.

If the residency card is lost, the costs for a duplicate are as follows:

First time: B/.100.00
Second time: B/.200.00
Third time: B/.300.00