EMMA VISA PROGRAM FOR MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES 

The EMMA program is established for multinational companies involved in manufacturing-Related Services.  This framework created by the Government of Panama to attract foreign investments and promote the country’s economic growth.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SETTING UP AN EMMA VISA PROGRAM FOR YOUR COMPANY?

The EMMA program is suitable for some multinational companies. The EMMA program is particularly attractive to multinational companies seeking to establish a presence in Panama to provide manufacturing-related services, such as assembly, manufacturing, re-manufacturing, conditioning, maintenance, logistics services, repair, and product processing.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US TO FIND OUT HOW TO SET UP EMMA PROGRAM IN PANAMA

HOW EMMA PROGRAM WORKS?

Currently, more than 182 companies are registered under the EMMA and SEM programs in Panama. This growth is attributed to the attractive advantages offered by the EMMA & SEM benefits, as well as Panama’s political and economic stability, its strategic location, and world-class infrastructure. For example, EMMA program provides a range of benefits to companies registered under its umbrella, including tax, immigration, and labor incentives. You can find more information by contacting our specialized EMMA program. The EMMA program so far has had a significant positive impact on the Panamanian economy and has contributed new foreign investments, creating job opportunities, and promoting the country’s economic growth.

BENEFITS OF EMMA PROGRAM

 1  EMPLOYEES TAX BENEFITS: Under EMMA program, foreign employees of multinational companies, are excempt from paying any income taxes, social security and educational insurance in Panama.

 2 MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES ARE EXEMPT FROM RESTRICTED PERCENTAGES: Multinational companies are not restricted to general Panama company restrictions of 10 or 15 percent employees and can have as much as foreign nationals working for them as they wish.

  • EMMA: Temporary visa for dependent of permanent staff of a multinational company ( manufacturing-related services) 

  1. Notarized power of attorney 
  2. Five (5) passport-size photos
  3. Valid passport
  4. Police clearance report ( apostilled ) 
  5. Certificate of good health issued by a doctor in Panama.
  6. Letter of employment and responsibility from the EMMA company signed by the legal representative. The letter should include the assigned position, duration of the contract, duties to be performed, salary, source of salary, indication of the insurance to which the staff member will belong, and the company’s commitment to repatriation if necessary.
  7. Certification of a medical insurance policy, whether collective or individual.
  8. Certification issued by the Technical Secretariat of the Multinational Company Headquarters Licensing Commission.
  9. Proof of relationship: Marriage certificate, birth certificate of the permanent staff, or birth certificate of the children, or judicial certificate of guardianship and upbringing duly apostilled or authenticated by the Consulate of Panama in the issuing country.
  10. Letter of Responsibility from the Permanent Staff with EMMA Visa to their dependent(s).
  11. Utility bills, lease agreement, hotel reservation, or any other document proving foreign domicile during their stay.
  12. For children or individuals under guardianship and upbringing who are of legal age but under twenty-five years, the following must also be provided:

  • EMMA: Temporary visa for temporary staff of multinational companies ( manufacturing-related services) 

The requirements for applying for permanent residency:

  1. Notarized power of attorney 
  2. Five (5) passport-size photos
  3. Valid passport
  4. Police clearance report (apostiled) 
  5. Certificate of good health issued by a doctor in Panama.
  6. Letter of employment and responsibility from the SEM company signed by the legal representative or person authorized for this purpose. The letter should include the assigned position, the duration of the period for which services will be provided, the remuneration for the services rendered, the suitability or specialization of the personnel, and the operational or training functions.
  7. Certification of a medical insurance policy, whether collective or individual.
  8. Certification issued by the Technical Secretariat of the Multinational Company Headquarters Licensing Commission.

  • EMMA: Permanent visa for foreigner who has worked as permanent staff for multinational companies ( manufacturing-related services) 

The requirements for applying for permanent residency are:

  1. Notarized power of attorney 
  2. Five (5) passport-size photos
  3. Valid passport
  4. Certificate of good health issued by a doctor in Panama.
  5. Payment of $250.00 to the National Treasury for the right to migratory category. (Certified check)
  6. Proof of investment in the national territory, which will be demonstrated by presenting at least one (1) of the following requirements:
    1. Bank certification for a minimum  of One Hundred Fifty Thousand dollars ($150,000.00)
    2.  Ownership of real estate, property with a minimum value of One Hundred Fifty Thousand dollars ($150,000.00) 
    3. The applicant may also demonstrate a mixed investment, a minimum value of One Hundred Fifty Thousand dollars ($150,000.00).
  7. Letter of employment and responsibility from the EMMA company signed by the legal representative or person authorized for this purpose. The letter should specify the position held, the duration of employment with the company, the termination of the employment relationship, the salary, and the functions performed.
  8. Certification issued by the Technical Secretariat of the Multinational Company Headquarters Licensing Commission.

  • EMMA: Permanent visa for foreigner who continues to work in a multinational companies ( manufacturing-related services )

The requirements are:

  1. Notarized power of attorney 
  2. Five (5) passport-size photos
  3. Valid passport
  4. Certificate of good health issued by a doctor in Panama.
  5. Certified check of $250. to the National Treasury 
  6. Letter of employment and responsibility from the EMMA company signed by the legal representative or person authorized for this purpose. The letter should specify the position held, the exact time of employment with the company, the salary, the functions performed, and it must also specify that the worker continues to work for the company.
  7. Bank Certification: This must be issued by a Panamanian licensed bank, from the month before the submission of the application, reflecting a balance of no less than four average figures, which must be increased by a thousand balboas for each dependent (if applicable).
  8. Documentary proof of the foreign worker’s affiliation with the Social Security Fund, which may be:
    1. Copy of the Social Security card.
    2. Any other document required by the Social Security authority and immigration authority to verify this purpose.
  9. Certification issued by the Technical Secretariat of the Multinational Company Headquarters Licensing Commission.

ARE YOU LOOKING TO ESTABLISH AN EMMA PROGRAM FOR YOUR COMPANY?  

PANAMA LEGAL CENTER’S ATTORNEYS, are experienced with the EMMA PROGRAM  and can assist multinational companies to analyze the feasibility and whether your company meets the EMMA requirements. For more information, Email us at: customer@panamalegalcenter.com 


PANAMA LEGAL CENTER

EMAIL: CUSTOMER@PANAMALEGALCENTER.COM
WHATSAPP: +(507) 6604-0388


 

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