New Immigration Changes In Panama: SEM, Special Regularization Process And Aviation

Executive Decree No. 238 of June 10, 2019

Requirements to apply for permanent residency for executives of Multinational Headquarters offices ("SEM" for its acronym in Spanish)

As of June 11th, 2019, the requirements to apply for the Permanent Resident Permit for Executives of SEM companies who i) continue working at a SEM company, and ii) no longer work for a SEM company. 

Comments:

This Residence Permit will be applicable to those foreigners that are working or that had worked for a SEM company for a minimum of 5 years. This five (5) year period can be counted continuously or in intervals.

Permanent Residence Permit for personnel currently working for a SEM company:

This category was established by means of Law No. 57 of 2018, that modifies the Law 41 of 2007 (SEM Law).