Applying for a Domestic Worker Visa in Panama

If you lead a busy life and are considering hiring a domestic worker to ease your responsibilities, it's essential to understand the requirements and process for obtaining a domestic worker visa. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps and documents needed to ensure compliance with Panama's immigration regulations.

By following these guidelines, you can legally employ a foreign domestic worker and establish a stable and long-term working relationship while adhering to the law.

Benefits of Hiring a Domestic Worker:

Before delving into the visa requirements, let's explore the numerous benefits of hiring a domestic worker. By having reliable assistance, you can achieve a better work-life balance, allowing you to focus on your professional and personal pursuits. A domestic worker can help with household chores, childcare, and other daily tasks, contributing to a more harmonious living environment. Moreover, this arrangement provides an ambitious immigrant with an opportunity to support their family and fulfill their aspirations.

The Process:

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Domestic Worker Visa

Step 1: Power of Attorney and Application:

Begin by preparing a notarized Power of Attorney document that includes the applicant's parents' names and nationalities. Alongside this, complete the visa application form.

Step 2: Photographs:

Provide three recent photographs of the applicant.

Step 3: Passport Documentation:

Include a duly certified copy of the applicant's passport (notarized or authenticated).

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Step 4: Certificate of Criminal Records:

Obtain a Certificate of Criminal Records for the applicant.

Step 5: Health Certificate:

Secure a Health Certificate for the applicant, ensuring their suitability for employment.

Step 6: Sworn Declaration Form of Personal Background:

Complete the Sworn Declaration Form, disclosing personal background information.

Step 7: Identity Document:

Submit a notarized or authenticated copy of the applicant's Identity Document from their country of origin or residence permit.

Step 8: Security Deposit and Payment:

Make a security deposit of five hundred balboas (B/.500.00) per foreign worker, payable to the National Immigration Service. Additionally, provide payment of one hundred balboas (B/.100.00) for immigration services.

Step 9: Proof of Domicile and Affiliation:

Include proof of receipt of public utility services, indicating the location where the domestic service will be provided. Also, provide proof of affiliation to the Social Security Fund (Caja de Seguro Social) by the foreign worker.

Step 10: Employer's Responsibilities:

Prepare a letter of responsibility from the employer, outlining the terms and conditions of employment. Additionally, include the employment contract.

Step 11: Responsible Person's Identification:

Attach a duly authenticated copy of the responsible person's identification card or resident card.

Step 12: Economic Solvency:

Demonstrate economic solvency by providing one of the following documents:

• Work letter with pay slip or proof of payment.
• Income tax declaration with corresponding clearance.
• Bank letter from a local bank (stamped by the bank).

Step 13: Domestic Worker Form:

Complete the Domestic Worker Form, providing relevant details about the employee.

Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application for the domestic worker visa. It's important to ensure that all the documents are notarized or authenticated as necessary.

By following this step-by-step guide and fulfilling the requirements outlined by Panama's immigration regulations, you can successfully obtain a domestic worker visa. Embrace the opportunity to legally employ a foreign domestic worker and foster a mutually beneficial working relationship. Together, you can navigate daily tasks, create a harmonious living environment, and focus on the things that matter most to you.

Are you ready to enhance your household with the support of a dedicated domestic worker? Contact LEGAL@work, a leading Panama law firm specializing in immigration services and legal solutions. Our team of experts is here to assist you throughout the process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. Start enjoying the benefits of having a domestic worker in your home today!

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