Humanitarian Security Protection Permit

Through Executive Decree No. 6 of March 11, 2025, published in Official Gazette No. 30236 on March 14, 2025, the Ministry of Public Security has created the Humanitarian Security Protection Permit.

All foreign nationals—regardless of nationality—who, as of the effective date of this decree, are in an irregular immigration status within Panamanian territory and who have resided in the country for no less than one (1) year will be eligible to apply for this permit. If the applicant has left the country during this period, they must not have remained outside of Panama for more than sixty (60) consecutive days.

This permit will also authorize the holder to work in the national territory.

Applicants may be subject to interviews or evaluations by the National Immigration Service and the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development to determine whether the issuance, cancellation, or denial of the respective permit is warranted.

The related fees for this permit are as follows:

• US$250 for immigration services

• US$100 for the ID card and multiple-entry visa

• US$800 for the repatriation deposit

• US$100 for the work permit

The permit will be granted for a period of two (2) years. Upon expiration, the holder may apply for a six (6)-year extension. After completing this extended period, the individual may apply for permanent residency.

This permit is also available to foreign nationals who were not admitted as refugees by the National Office for the Care of Refugees (ONPAR), as well as those who previously applied for the temporary protection permit and now wish to request the extension provided under this decree.

Applications for this permit will be accepted until March 13, 2026. 

For more information on this or any other immigration category, please do not hesitate to contact us.