Permanent Residence for Researchers, Scientists and Exceptional Talent Professionals

Panama's Permanent Residence for Researchers, Scientists and Exceptional Talent Professionals is a merit-based residence route created in March 2026 for foreign scientists, researchers and professionals with an internationally recognised track record. It allows holders to settle in Panama to carry out research, teaching or technology-transfer work with a Panamanian scientific, academic or research institution. Holders first receive a 2-year provisional permit and can then apply for permanent residence. They may also take on other work outside their host institution. The National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT) runs a dedicated Single Window for Scientific Insertion to guide incoming researchers.

• Foreign national of any nationality with a proven international scientific and technological track record in an area of interest to Panama
• Evidence such as high-impact indexed publications, awards, memberships of scientific academies, patents or other recognition
• Affiliation letter or agreement with a scientific, academic or research institution established in Panama
• Letter of responsibility from the host institution stating the activity to be performed and the salary
• Research work plan or project to be carried out in Panama
• Certificate of economic solvency or of project financing

• Notarised power of attorney and application signed by the applicant and a Panamanian attorney
• Three photographs
• Certified copy of passport (notarised or authenticated)
• Criminal record certificate issued by Panamanian authorities (if of age)
• Health certificate
• Certified checks: B/.250 to the National Treasury and B/.800 repatriation deposit to the National Migration Service
• Personal background sworn statement form
• Proof of scientific track record
• Institutional affiliation and responsibility letters
• Work plan or research project
• Certificate of economic solvency or project financing
• Updated CV
• Proof of address

The provisional permit is valid for 2 years and is not renewed. After 2 years, the holder applies for permanent residence by resubmitting the provisional-stage requirements, except the two certified checks. Once permanent residence is granted, the holder and dependants can obtain a permanent resident identity card from the Electoral Tribunal.

Dependants — spouse, children, and single adult children aged 18–24 in full-time study — can be included. A principal with legal guardianship or custody of a minor may also include that minor. To include dependants, the resident must prove solvency through a tax return showing at least B/.1,000 per month plus B/.100 per dependant, an employment letter with pay stub and Social Security record, or a bank reference letter. Dependants provide proof of kinship (apostilled or authenticated), a notarised letter of responsibility and repatriation, and proof of address; they need not resubmit proof of kinship at the permanent stage.

On first relocation to Panama, holders are exempt from import taxes on household goods, subject to customs verification. The program does not create any special income-tax regime.

• Applications are filed through a Panamanian attorney with the National Migration Service's single window for special procedures, and may be submitted before the applicant enters Panama
• The National Migration Service must decide within 30 business days of receiving the application
• Biometric registration in the foreigners' register is required before any immigration card is issued
• Fees: B/.250 to the National Treasury plus a B/.800 repatriation deposit (B/.1,050 total) at the provisional stage
• SENACYT's Single Window for Scientific Insertion offers orientation and coordinates with other state bodies

Although holders may work outside their host institution, an affiliation with a Panamanian scientific, academic or research institution is a prerequisite for applying. The decree does not list which "areas of national importance" qualify; eligibility is assessed on the evidence of the applicant's track record. Compared with Panama's Professional Foreign Residence Permit, this route does not require degree homologation and is not limited by the list of professions reserved for Panamanians, but it does require an established research profile and an institutional host.