Mexico vs Panama: which digital nomad visa fits you?
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa and Panama Short Stay Remote Worker Visa, side by side. Every figure comes from the official government source, with the date we last checked it.
- Income
- Different tests
- Family
- Mexico: Not confirmed · Panama: Not confirmed
- Renewable
- Mexico: Not confirmed · Panama: Yes
| MexicoTemporary Resident Visa | PanamaShort Stay Remote Worker Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum income | No fixed USD figure | ≈ $3,000/mo$36,000 / year |
| Official rule | Monthly net income > 680 days of UMA (≈€3,993) over last 6 months, OR average balance of 11,460 days of UMA (≈€67,325) over last 12 months | B/.36,000 per year (B/.3,000/month) from foreign source |
| Stay | More than 180 days up to 4 years | 9 months |
| Renewable | Not confirmed | Yes |
| Family | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Fees | Not confirmed | B/.250 to SNM + B/.50 ID card |
| Processing | Consulate decides within 10 business days; then you get your card from INM within 30 days of arrival | Not stated |
| Official source | consulmex.sre.gob.mx ↗Verified, checked Oct 25, 2026 | migracion.gob.pa ↗Verified, checked Oct 25, 2026 |
USD figures are approximate (FX Oct 20, 2026). The official currency figure is what the authority applies.
Key differences
- Panama’s bar is a flat B/.3,000 a month (B/.36,000 a year) of foreign-source income. Mexico’s is indexed to the UMA: net monthly income above 680 days of UMA (≈€3,993, per the Barcelona consulate) over the last 6 months, or an average balance of 11,460 days of UMA (≈€67,325) over the last 12 months, so only Mexico offers a savings route.
- Mexico’s temporary residence runs from more than 180 days up to 4 years. Panama gives 9 months, extendable once for another 9.
- Where you apply differs: for Mexico you apply at a Mexican consulate, which decides within 10 business days; you then enter Mexico within 180 days and get your resident card from INM within 30 days of arrival. Panama’s visa is applied for in Panama through a lawyer (with a notarised power of attorney).
- Panama asks for health insurance valid in Panama for the whole stay, a criminal record certificate and a health certificate, and rules out work for Panamanian clients or companies. Mexico’s route is for people who will not be paid in Mexico; its fee is non-refundable. Panama’s fees are B/.250 to the immigration service plus B/.50 for the ID card.
Quick answers
Which needs less income, Mexico or Panama?
They test different things, so there's no like-for-like ranking. Mexico Temporary Resident Visa: Monthly net income > 680 days of UMA (≈€3,993) over last 6 months, OR average balance of 11,460 days of UMA (≈€67,325) over last 12 months (consulmex.sre.gob.mx, checked Oct 25, 2026). Panama Short Stay Remote Worker Visa: B/.36,000 per year (B/.3,000/month) from foreign source (migracion.gob.pa, checked Oct 25, 2026).
Which lets you stay longer, Mexico or Panama?
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa: More than 180 days up to 4 years. Panama Short Stay Remote Worker Visa: 9 months. Extendable once, for another 9 months.
Can I bring my family on the Mexico or Panama visa?
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa: not confirmed on the official page we checked. Panama Short Stay Remote Worker Visa: not confirmed on the official page we checked.
How much do the Mexico and Panama visas cost?
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa: not confirmed on the official source. Panama Short Stay Remote Worker Visa: B/.250 to SNM + B/.50 ID card.
Full official notes
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa
Temporary Resident (economic solvency): for people who will not be paid in Mexico. EUR approximations are those quoted by the Barcelona consulate (page updated 17 Jun 2026); amounts are indexed to the UMA. The consulate decides within 10 business days. The visa must be used to enter Mexico within 180 days, then you get the temporary resident card from INM within 30 days of arrival. Fee is non-refundable.
Sources: consulmex.sre.gob.mx
Panama Short Stay Remote Worker Visa
Extendable once for 9 months. Applied for in Panama via a lawyer (poder notariado). Health insurance valid in Panama for the whole stay, a criminal record certificate and a health certificate are required; no work for Panamanian clients or companies. Income must come from abroad.
Sources: migracion.gob.pa · propanama.gob.pa
Not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the issuing authority before you apply. How we verify
Ambassador link
Panama's Short Stay Remote Worker Visa asks for health insurance
The official requirements for Panama's Short Stay Remote Worker Visa mention health insurance. SafetyWing offers nomad insurance.
See SafetyWing plans
We're a SafetyWing Ambassador and may earn a commission. Disclosure