I run several last-mile facilities that provide storage and logistics services to auto parts suppliers. I learned that recently Panama has rolled out a new immigration regime for manufacture-related service providers. I don’t know if my business can qualify. How should I start the process?
The EMMA program was just recently approved by Law 159 of Aug. 31, 2020. Multinational companies interested in benefiting from this special regime, which includes labor, tax and migratory benefits, must retain an experienced law firm to consult and assist in the process of licensing with the Ministry of Commerce office.
There are two residency permits to be created under this new manufacture-related services law: a two-year renewable permit for technical personnel, and a five-year permit for permanent staff, which may lead to a permanent residency permit. Both programs are still to be regulated and developed by our Immigration authorities. The governing regulation is Law 159 of Aug. 31, 2020, we expect Immigration related procedures to be confirmed soon.
In order to verify if your business qualified to the Special System for the Establishment and Operation of Multinational Companies for the Provision of Services Related to Manufacturing, you should contact a Panamanian lawyer, to verify the following information: the assets of the multinational company; the places or the affiliated companies, parent company or operating subsidiaries of the multinational companies; the commercial or industrial activities or operations carried out by the company; the listing of shares on the stock exchange or internationally; the minimum number of full-time employees and the annual operating expenses of the multinational company in the Republic of Panama. In both cases, they must be appropriate to the nature of the business carried out by the companies.
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