Panama creates 12-month Working Holiday visa for eligible young nomads

Panama created a Working Holiday visa category allowing eligible young travelers to stay for up to 12 months and seek authorization for temporary local work. The rule took effect Oct. 14, adding a new nonresident route rather than replacing the existing remote-worker visa, SNIP Noticias reported.

The category was established by Executive Decree No. 21, signed Oct. 13, 2026. It isn't a general work-and-travel permit for all nationalities.

Eligibility depends on age and a bilateral agreement

Applicants must be 18 to 30 when they apply and hold nationality from a country with an applicable bilateral agreement in force with Panama. A Panamanian Foreign Ministry certificate confirming participation in the program is required, EY said.

The stay can't be extended. Participants must leave when their authorized period ends and can't change immigration categories, undertake permanent employment or obtain permanent residence during the program.

Young travelers seeking local work face a separate approval

Eligible young nomads seeking temporary employment in Panama could use this route, but the visa alone doesn't authorize the work. Participants must obtain the corresponding permit from the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development before working.

Remote employees and freelancers serving clients abroad remain a different group. Panama's existing remote-worker route covers foreign-source work and requires a declaration not to accept local employment or offer services in Panama. The new category shouldn't be read as permission for existing remote-worker visa holders to take local jobs.

Application requirements and unresolved availability

Applications must be presented personally to the National Migration Service's Special Projects Office. Required documents include a notarized passport copy, apostilled birth and criminal-record certificates, medical insurance covering the entire stay and proof of sufficient funds.

The decree doesn't list eligible countries or set a minimum funds amount, SNIP Noticias reported. Prospective applicants therefore need confirmation of the applicable bilateral agreement and Foreign Ministry participation certificate before treating this as an available route.