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Move to Panama Legally With SEM Visa

Let Our Experts Guide You to Legal Residency in Panama Within 3 Days

 

Looking to move to Panama under the SEM Visa? Whether you’re a senior executive, dependent family member, or HR director looking for answers, we handle every step of the SEM Visa Panama process with fast, compliant legal help.

What Is the SEM Visa Panama?

The SEM Visa Panama (short for Special Regime for Multinational Company Headquarters) is a residency program designed for employees and executives of multinational companies operating in Panama. This visa allows you and your dependent family members to live, work, and reside legally in Panama, with significant tax and immigration benefits.

This is not a regular work visa. It’s a fast-track residency program for executives and professionals working under licensed multinational entities.

Why Professionals Are Moving to Panama With the SEM Visa

Here’s what makes the SEM Visa a preferred path for professionals:

  • Permanent residency pathway after 5 years
  • Exemption from Panama income tax on foreign income
  • Fast processing, often under 30 days
  • Work permit not required for SEM visa holders
  • Dependents are eligible under SEM Visa
  • Access to Panama’s private healthcare and schools
  • No local labor certification needed
 

If you’re relocating with your family, the SEM Visa Dependents allows spouses and children to get legal residency with ease.

Eligibility Requirements for the SEM Visa in 2025

To qualify, you must:

  • Work for a licensed SEM company in Panama
  • Earn a salary paid from abroad or locally
  • Hold a managerial, executive, or specialized technical role
  • Have no criminal record
  • Meet document and application requirements issued by the SEM headquarters
 

New 2024 Update: As of January 2024, SEM companies must revalidate their license every five years and submit updated documentation for all foreign executives. All SEM visa holders must confirm continued employment annually to maintain residency.

Registration Process for SEM Visa Panama

Hire a Licensed Immigration Lawyer

  • Panama law requires all SEM Visa applicants to be represented by a licensed Panamanian attorney. This is the first mandatory step before any documents can be submitted.

Gather Required Documents

  • Valid passport

  • Police background check

  • Employment letter from the SEM company

  • Proof of salary and role

Sign the Power of Attorney

  • You must sign a legal authorization allowing your lawyer to represent you before Panama’s immigration office.

Submit the Application

  • Your lawyer submits your complete SEM Visa application to Panama’s immigration office and coordinates with the SEM licensing authority.

Wait for Approval

  • Processing typically takes 20–30 business days. We monitor and expedite updates for you.

Receive Your Temporary Residency Card

  • Upon approval, you receive your temporary SEM residency ID, valid while your permanent card is processed.

Get Permanent Residency After 5 Years

  • After 5 years of maintaining SEM visa status, you can apply for permanent residency in Panama.

Why Work With Agroup Consulting?

We’re not just filing paperwork. We provide complete end-to-end immigration services, trusted by executives from over 40 multinational firms.
Here’s how our visa advisor will help:

  • Direct coordination with SEM headquarters and Panama’s immigration office
  • Secure document verification, translation, and notarization
  • Fast-track filing with no delays
  • Guidance for SEM Visa Dependents
  • Airport pickup and onboarding available

Multilingual legal team fluent in English, Spanish, and German

We don’t just submit your papers. We protect your time, investment, and legal rights.

A. Branly

Founder

I am a self-motivated and self-taught professional who likes to solve problems.

A. Branly

Founder

I am a self-motivated and self-taught professional who likes to solve problems.

A. Branly

Founder

I am a self-motivated and self-taught professional who likes to solve problems.

Legal Residency for Your Loved Ones Under the SEM Program

Spouses and children under 25 can apply for SEM Visa Dependents. They’ll enjoy the same legal residency benefits, including healthcare access, schooling, and the right to live in Panama for the full duration of the SEM visa holder’s contract.

 

Why Our Clients Trust Our Immigration Lawyers Team

Hear from those who have experienced our exceptional services.

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Richard M.
,
New York – Regional Director for a U.S. Firm
Agroup handled my SEM Visa Panama process with total precision. From document prep to direct coordination with SEM headquarters, everything was smooth. I relocated to Panama without delays, and my wife and kids were included under SEM Visa Dependents. I highly recommend them if you want it done right the first time.
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Elena G.
,
Barcelona – SEM Company HR Manager
Our multinational needed to transfer three executives to Panama, and Agroup took care of all three SEM visa cases. Their legal team managed everything—translations, notarizations, SEM license coordination. What really stood out was how fast the approval came through. They are now our go-to firm for all SEM transfers.
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Thomas K.
,
Frankfurt – Head of Compliance, Relocated with Family
My company relocated me through the visa SEM Panama program. Agroup made it incredibly easy to include my wife and son under SEM Visa Dependents. Their legal advice was spot-on, and they even helped us with school registration in Panama. Excellent service from a firm that truly understands executive relocation.
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Sophia L.
,
Toronto – Senior Analyst, Recently Moved to Panama
Getting a sem visa sounded complicated at first, but Agroup broke it down clearly and made sure every document was perfect. They stayed in touch during the entire process and got my residency approved in just three weeks. Panama has been a great move, and I couldn’t have done it without them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the SEM Visa in Panama?

The SEM Visa is a special residency permit for employees of multinational companies operating in Panama. It allows legal residency, tax exemptions, and family inclusion without a separate work permit.

Yes. Spouses and dependents under 25 can apply under the SEM Visa Dependents, enjoying the same residency and access to services like healthcare and education.

With all correct documents, it usually takes 20 to 30 business days. Working with a licensed legal team ensures your application is submitted without delays or rejections.

Generally, foreign income is tax-exempt, and most SEM visa holders don’t owe Panama income tax unless paid locally. Tax obligations depend on your specific salary structure.

Avoid Rejection, Get Legal Help Before You Apply

Whether you’re an executive relocating manager, internal transfers, Agroup Consulting provides full legal support, fast filings, and real-time updates, so you never feel lost in the process.

Book Discovery Call With Our Advisor

Relocate legally. Live confidently.