If I get employed by a Panamanian company remotely as a third-party contractor, does that make me eligible for a residency by investment application?
The Friendly Nations Visa option, as sponsored by a local company, requires the company to present the documentation as having hired you as their employee. This has to be with a regular work contract with a minimum wage of USD 12,000 per year, so a third-party contractor is not to be accepted.
Yes, you may qualify for a residency permit if you’re employed by a Panamanian company under the Friendly Nations Residency program. It won’t be a residency by investment, though, since it will be based on this employment relationship and not under a particular investment. You’ll first obtain a two-year residency permit, which will later on be upgraded to a permanent one.
No, please note that Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa’s employment option requires a labor contract. Independent or third-party contractors cannot apply for the visa with the employment option.
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