Panama Opens Short-Stay Working Holiday Visa Under New Decree

Panama has added a new Short-Stay Visa subcategory within its Non-Resident immigration category for people taking part in the Working Holiday Program. The measure comes under Executive Decree No. 21 of 13 October 2026 and took effect on 14 October 2026, the date it was published in the Official Gazette.

Key facts

• Effective 14 October 2026, under Executive Decree No. 21 of 13 October 2026
• Open only to nationals of countries with a valid bilateral Working Holiday agreement with Panama, such as Japan
• Applicants must be aged 18 to 30 when they file
• Stay of up to 12 months, with no extension possible
• Applications filed in person at the Special Projects Office of the National Migration Authority (SNM)

Who can apply?

The visa is available to foreign nationals of countries that have valid bilateral agreements with Panama under the Working Holiday Program. The National Migration Authority (SNM) said the visa is not open to nationals of every country, only to those whose governments have signed such agreements — Japan is named as one example.

Two further conditions apply. Applicants must be between eighteen (18) and thirty (30) years of age at the time they file, and they must present a certification issued by Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming their participation in the Working Holiday Program.

What does the visa allow?

The visa lets its holder stay in Panama for up to twelve (12) months. That period cannot be extended. Holders may carry out temporary employment activities, but only after obtaining the corresponding work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (MITRADEL).

Several restrictions apply. Holders may not take up permanent employment, cannot obtain permanent residence during their stay, and may not change their immigration category while in Panama. Once the authorized period ends, they must leave the country. Breaking these rules can lead to cancellation of the visa and immigration sanctions, including deportation.

How do I apply?

Applications must be submitted in person at the Special Projects Office of the SNM, together with the supporting documentation and requirements set out in the Executive Decree for admission to this immigration subcategory. No application fee is stated in the announcement.

What this means for travellers

Travellers interested in Panama's Working Holiday Program should first confirm whether their country has a bilateral agreement with Panama, since the visa is not available to all nationalities. Eligible applicants aged 18 to 30 will need the Ministry of Foreign Affairs certification before filing, and anyone planning to work must separately secure a permit from MITRADEL.

Decree No. 21 entered into force upon publication in the Official Gazette on 14 October 2026. No further implementation dates or additional participating countries beyond Japan are named in the announcement.