In Panama, the regulatory body and the one in charge of approving applications for work permits is the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development. The procedure for obtaining a work permit for your immigration status can be used to complete an immigration process that allows you the opportunity to obtain a Temporary Residence or Permanent Residence.
Not all migratory categories require a Work Permit in Panama. The categories that allow it are:

• Foreign Worker as Friendly Countries.
• Foreign worker married with Panamanian.
• Foreign worker within 10% of the ordinary staff.
• Foreign worker within 15% of the specialized personnel.
• Foreign worker in company on the Marrakesh agreement.
• Foreign worker with 10 years or more years of residence in Panama.
• Foreign worker for family reunification with Panamanian children.
• Foreign Worker as a Professional Foreigner.
• Foreign worker as executive in the company of the Colon Free Zone.
• Foreigner as a Refugee.
• Foreigner with resolution of approval of Decree 167.
• Foreigner as an agreement with Italy.
• Foreign worker as a trusted worker of the company that has its effects abroad.
• Passers-by: sportsmen, businessmen, notables of the cultural, musical and scientific world, traveling agents of commercial houses, administrators, international auditors of established companies in the Republic, artists and musicians.