Temporary permit for education
student · Official name: Permiso temporal por razones de educación (Decreto Ejecutivo 320 de 2008, arts. 150-155)
Foreigners who want to study full time at a public or private school, college or university recognised by Panama's Ministry of Education can apply to the Servicio Nacional de Migración (SNM) for a temporary education permit. Students must enrol in all subjects of the term, normally in daytime classes, and may not work except for internships required by the school. The permit is renewed each year with proof of credits passed. The application goes through a Panamanian lawyer (notarised power of attorney) with a B/.250.00 certified cheque.
1 entry rule for Panama based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from a yellow fever risk country need a valid yellow fever certificate.
WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Panama
Finance
3
Currency
Panamanian Balboa
PAB
Panamanian Balboa
Cost of living
50
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
15–25%
Income tax (national)
ITBMS (VAT) 7%
Annual taxable income up to USD 11,000 exempt; 15% to USD 50,000; 25% above.
Living
1
Happiness
#37 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign full-time students at Panamanian educational institutions recognised by the Ministry of Education, at any level.
Eligibility
Full-time study at a recognised institution
Sign in to check this route against your profileRegular full-time study at a public or private institution recognised by the Ministry of Education, at basic, intermediate, higher or specialised level. Students must enrol in all subjects of the term's study plan, in daytime hours unless the institution certifies the programme is only taught at night.
No work
Sign in to check this route against your profileThe permit is only for study; working is prohibited while it is valid, except for professional practice and internships required by the school.
Financial means
Sign in to check this route against your profileOne of: proof of a scholarship, a financing certificate, or a bank letter for the student or the responsible person showing funds consistent with study and living costs. A letter of responsibility is needed if a third party pays.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
The full requirements are for members
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- 1 more requirement
- 12 documents
- 1 fee
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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