Get The Visibility Your Company Needs
Reduce compliance risks and mobility costs while managing individual and project-related travel with ImmiSMART: the solution that unifies your travel and mobility programs.
PANAMA – Updates to immigration rules for SEM visa holders.
March 4, 2025
By: Jonathan Fetting, Senior Associate, Newland Chase Advisory
Panama’s National Immigration Authority has introduced new regulations affecting foreign personnel holding Multinational Headquarters Company (SEM) permanent staff visas. Previously, SEM visa holders could remain in the country for a limited period after their employment ended, but there was no formalized structure governing their stay. The latest changes under Resolution No. 4887, published in the Official Gazette on February 27, 2025, establish a clearer process for temporary stay permits, including specific application deadlines and documentation requirements.
Under the new rules, SEM visa holders and their dependents can apply for a stay permit of up to six months following the termination of their employment. The SEM-licensed company must submit the application via the INFOSEM platform within five business days of the end of employment.
To qualify, applicants must provide a power of attorney, a valid SEM visa card, an authenticated company letter confirming employment termination, and a certification from the General Directorate of Multinational Company Headquarters. The stay permit requires a new identity card, which costs USD 100 per person, and its validity is limited to six months or the expiration of the original SEM visa card, whichever comes first. Upon expiration of the stay permit, individuals have five calendar days to either leave Panama or apply for a different visa to avoid penalties.
Newland Chase insights.
This resolution provides greater legal certainty and flexibility for expatriates working under Panama’s SEM regime. By formalizing the stay permit process, it allows former employees and their families additional time to make arrangements for their next steps. However, companies must act swiftly to comply with the strict five-day application window.
A notable change is that SEM visa holders can no longer use their original immigration card during the stay permit period, requiring them to obtain a new temporary card. These updates underscore Panama’s efforts to maintain a structured and transparent immigration framework while balancing business interests and regulatory oversight.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
