Temporary visa for multinational company headquarters permanent staff (SEM):

This visa can be requested by a company hiring foreign workers for administrative-executive positions. It will be granted for a period of five (5) years, extendable for an equal period, unless the employment contract specifies a shorter term. This renewal can be done multiple times without limitation. Holders of this visa do not require work permits.

The requirements for applying for permanent residence are as follows:

  1. Powers of attorney and forms that we will provide for your signature.
  2. Five (5) passport-sized photographs.
  3. Copy of your passport's complete pages with a minimum validity of three months.
  4. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence, duly apostilled or authenticated at the Consulate of Panama in the country where it was issued.
  5. Certificate of good health issued by a doctor in Panama.
  6. Letter of employment and responsibility from the SEM company signed by the legal representative or person authorized for this purpose. The letter should include the designated position, duration of the contract, duties to be performed, salary, source of salary, indicate the insurance to which the employee will belong, and state the company's responsibility for repatriation if necessary.
  7. Certification of a medical insurance policy, whether collective or individual.
  8. Certification issued by the Technical Secretariat of the Multinational Company Headquarters Licensing Commission.

Observations:

  1. If the applicant has been residing in the country for two or more years and has not left the national territory for more than thirty (30) consecutive days, a Certificate of Criminal Record issued by the Judicial Investigation Directorate (DIJ) of the Republic of Panama can be submitted.
  2. If the applicant provides a Certificate of Criminal Record from their country of residence, documentary evidence of residence in that country must be submitted.
  3. If the Visa application includes dependents, they must also comply with the requirements established for the Dependent Visa of Permanent Staff SEM.

To apply for a renewal, the above requirements, excluding the Certificate of Criminal Record, must be provided. Every renewal request must be accompanied by a copy of the card that approved the SEM Visa.

DISCLAIMER:
Completing this assessment does not guarantee that you will be able to successfully immigrate. The information provided does not constitute legal advice.
*The information contained on these pages is for general use only and is not a substitute for speaking to an immigration attorney and should not be relied upon as case specific advice in any form whatsoever. It does not constitute formal legal advice or give rise to any lawyer-client relationship. Panama Immigration Specialists disclaims all liability resulting from reliance upon this general information. We recommend you consult with immigration lawyers directly to receive the most up-to-date information and advice.