How foreign students can obtain permanent residency in Panama

Panama has launched a special visa program for the first time, allowing foreign students to apply for permanent residency. The new rules are aimed at those who have been associated with the Panamanian education system for a long time: students who have continuously studied in the country for more than six years can apply. Previously, students could only stay in Panama on temporary permits, which were renewed annually and did not provide the right to transition to permanent resident status.

According to the decree, to participate in the program it is necessary to confirm prolonged education with a certificate from an educational institution or documents from the National Immigration Service about having an educational residency permit for a term of more than six years. General requirements for permanent residency remain, however, the mandatory repatriation deposit is waived for students. Initially, applicants will be issued a two-year temporary status, after which they can apply for full permanent residency under the new category.

The authorities emphasize that the initiative is aimed at retaining skilled youth and strengthening the country's academic potential. For minors, a special procedure for submitting documents involving parents or legal guardians is provided. Visa experts note that the program creates a real and transparent path for graduates' legalization in Panama and recommend checking in advance for compliance with requirements and correctness of educational duration confirmation.