working in panama can be difficult for foreigners as certain professions and businesses are restricted for panamanians only.
see the list below
>> it is also important to note that all foreigners require a work permit to work in panama <<
RESTRICTED PROFESSIONS / JOBS - THE FOLLOWING JOBS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE TO CITIZENS OF PANAMA
LEGAL / LAWYER
MEDICAL / MEDICINE INCLUDING DOCTOR, NURSING, DENTISTRY, CHIROPRACTOR, NUTRITIONIST, THERAPIST, PSYCHOLOGIST, RADIOLOGY, MEDICAL AND DENTAL ASSISTANTS, LABORATORY TECHNICIANS, PHYSIOTHERAPIST, PHARMACIST etc
ACCOUNTING
JOURNALISM
SOCIAL WORKER
HAIR AND COSMETOLOGY
PUBLIC RELATIONS
CHEMISTRY
SOCIOLOGY
ARCHITECTURE
MASTER BUILDERS
VETERINARIAN
ZOOTECHNICS
AGRONOMY and AGROSTOLOGY
ENGINEERING INCLUDING CHEMICAL, CIVIL, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, GEOLOGICAL etc
AGRICULTURAL INCLUDING BOTANY, SCIENCE, ECONOMY, ENGINEERING etc
INSURANCE BROKERS
SURVEYOR
PUBLIC RELATIONS
PILOTS
REAL ESTATE ** A permanent resident that has lived in Panama for 5 years or more can take the real estate test in Spanish. If passed, this person can become an official qualified real estate agent
RESTRICTED BUSINESS
A foreigner is not allowed to open a retail business and will require Panamanian directors.
Businesses in Panama are only allowed to employ up to 10% foreigners within the workforce.
BUSINESS IDEAS & EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS FOR FOREIGNERS
Foreigners can operate online stores, work as teachers / online teachers, work as social media managers, graphic designers, web designers, cleaning services, car washes, accommodation, coffee shops and restaurants, call center agents, trade or work online and more.
** Remember to acquire your work permit and trade licenses for your business. Note that certain types of business require special operation licenses including businesses that trade/supply food, alcohol, medicine, cosmetics and more. Educational and financial businesses require a special registration process with various government departments.
