Panama has published a decree establishing, for the first time, a pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals with long-term academic ties to the country. Under the new framework, a dedicated Permanent Resident subcategory has been created for students who have completed more than six consecutive years of study in Panama. Previously, student immigration status in Panama was strictly temporary, with one-year permits renewable annually and no eligibility to transition to permanent residence. Under the new pathway, eligible applicants must meet standard permanent residence requirements (except for the repatriation deposit) and must provide supporting evidence of their academic history. This includes a certification from an educational institution confirming more than six years of study in Panama, or proof of having held temporary residence permits for educational purposes for more than six consecutive years, issued by the National Immigration Service. For minor applicants, the application must be submitted by both parents, by one parent with the other's authorization, or by the individual with legal custody and care. Under the new process, qualifying students will first be granted a two-year provisional residence permit. Upon completion of this period, they may apply for permanent residence. Interested applicants should contact their immigration professional for case-specific advice.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Podcast
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses how women are shaping the global space sector, the barriers they face and what is needed to support a more inclusive space workforce.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how immigration changes in the US and UK may affect workforce planning and mobility for the games industry in 2026.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole highlights how global mobility is becoming a strategic, board-level consideration requiring careful planning, compliance and workforce management.
Video
Director Fatima Aydin outlines Ireland’s roadmap for increasing minimum annual remuneration salary thresholds and the implications for employer workforce planning and compliance.
Blog post
Senior Associate Ruben Fiedler outlines the new employer information obligation under Section 45c of the German Residence Act, explaining when it applies, what employers must provide to third-country nationals recruited from abroad and the practical steps needed to ensure compliance from 1 January 2026.
Podcast
Partners Cosmina Morariu and Rahul Soni examine how immigration and global mobility trends are influencing workforce strategy across the luxury sector.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit compares the EU’s new Visa Strategy with the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system and assesses what the UK can learn to remain competitive for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights that new electronic signature rules may delay work permit procedures for foreign workers in Poland.
Blog post
Senior US Consular Manager Brian L. Simmons outlines how evolving US visitor visa rules, travel bans and new financial requirements may affect attendance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how early fans must prepare.
Video
In this video, Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas explains the statutory director visa, outlining who qualifies, key compliance considerations and what employers and directors should consider when planning appointments or changes to board leadership.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Media mentions
Europe Managing Partner George Koureas highlights the growing role of immigration in shaping global business and managing strategic risks.
Podcast
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses how women are shaping the global space sector, the barriers they face and what is needed to support a more inclusive space workforce.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how immigration changes in the US and UK may affect workforce planning and mobility for the games industry in 2026.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole highlights how global mobility is becoming a strategic, board-level consideration requiring careful planning, compliance and workforce management.
Video
Director Fatima Aydin outlines Ireland’s roadmap for increasing minimum annual remuneration salary thresholds and the implications for employer workforce planning and compliance.
Blog post
Senior Associate Ruben Fiedler outlines the new employer information obligation under Section 45c of the German Residence Act, explaining when it applies, what employers must provide to third-country nationals recruited from abroad and the practical steps needed to ensure compliance from 1 January 2026.
Podcast
Partners Cosmina Morariu and Rahul Soni examine how immigration and global mobility trends are influencing workforce strategy across the luxury sector.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit compares the EU’s new Visa Strategy with the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system and assesses what the UK can learn to remain competitive for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights that new electronic signature rules may delay work permit procedures for foreign workers in Poland.
Blog post
Senior US Consular Manager Brian L. Simmons outlines how evolving US visitor visa rules, travel bans and new financial requirements may affect attendance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how early fans must prepare.
Video
In this video, Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas explains the statutory director visa, outlining who qualifies, key compliance considerations and what employers and directors should consider when planning appointments or changes to board leadership.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Media mentions
Europe Managing Partner George Koureas highlights the growing role of immigration in shaping global business and managing strategic risks.