Panama student visa (temporary permit for education)

Article 150 of the regulation opens the permit to foreigners who wish to take regular full-time studies at basic, intermediate, higher or specialised level in public or private centres recognised by the Ministry of Education. Article 151 requires enrolment in all subjects of the bimester, four-month term, semester or module, in daytime hours; night classes are accepted only when the school certifies that the study plan requires them.

Nationals of visa-exempt countries can enter Panama as visitors and then apply, or plan to arrive with the documents ready. A tourist who needs more time to complete the file can request a change-of-category extension of up to 60 days.

File a notarised power of attorney and application naming your parents and their nationality, three photos, a certified passport copy, a criminal record certificate if you are an adult, a health certificate, the sworn personal history form and a certified cheque of B/.250 to the National Treasury.

From the school, provide the admission letter, the original or a copy of the tuition payment receipt and a certificate with your details, the length of the programme, the shift you attend and the subjects you are enrolled in; a university teaching at night adds a certificate explaining it. Also add proof of your address in Panama and, if someone else pays, a responsibility letter.

Economic solvency is shown with one of these: a document proving that you hold a study scholarship, a financing certificate, or a bank letter in your name or that of the responsible person showing funds consistent with the cost of studies and living. The SNM sheet does not set a fixed amount, so the evidence should match the tuition and the cost of living for the period.

For a minor, the parents or legal guardian file the application, adding the child's birth certificate and an authenticated copy of the responsible person's Panamanian identity card or a notarised copy of their valid migration card.

To extend the permit, present the same requirements except the criminal record certificate and the cheque, together with the official credits approved in the previous year.