Thread: Call Center Jobs Without a Work Permit

Hi everyone,

Is it possible to get a call center job in Panama without a work permit? I'm currently doing exactly that in Costa Rica, but I'm thinking of making the move to Panama.

I'm guessing the answer is "some will do it, some won't do it" -- but is it common for companies to hire under the table? Would I have a realistic chance of getting a call center job without a work permit? For what's it worth, I'm a native English speaker and I have 10 years of call center management experience.

Thanks in advance for any replies. I visited Panama a few months ago and I'm really hoping the answer is YES. I'm starting to get really burned out on Costa Rica.

Thanks!

Yes it's possible. Not sure how much you're getting paid in C.R. but if you're GOOD -- you can probably make $700 to $1000 if you find the right gig.

Cool, thanks for the reply and the info. I just might give it a try and see if I can find something.

My company sent me to CR from the US, and is still paying me a US salary. Moving to Panama would mean a huge pay cut, but I'm OK with that. i was really impressed with how developed Panama City is compared to San Jose. Plus, everything seems so much cheaper in Panama compared to Costa Rica.

Thanks!

Yes I agree Panama city is much more developed than downtown San Jose, you also have many nice areas like Escazu in Panama, however dont no about "much cheaper" Panama can be very expensive, I still think Jaco is a bargain in comparison to say Coronado beach

I am not sure how much you getting paid in CR . You may gain maximum gain.

hey! did u relocate already? im a foreigner and study in panama in english and am looking for a job maybe u can be of help if you were successful...

I use to work at call center here in Panama. It's called Sitel and its located in Panama City, Tumbo Muerto. Although I am a Panamanian American (meaning I am permitted to work in both countries), as long as you speak very good English they will hire you. I don't think the work permit will be an issue. They pay anywhere from 650-1000 a month (which include bonuses). Its a pretty easy job and very good money considering the normal wage Panamanians are paid.

Marley1Love perhaps you know my cousin Reggie who is a trainer there... I believe he has been at Sitel Tumba Muerto for like 6 years... Did anyone ever come up with a answer to this... I can tell you that I'm in Chorrera and I want to work in a way I cannot describe... Tetris if you went to Sitel you could probably get a work permit through them if you had a lawyer... Anyone else no any places where a foreigner can get a job in this country?

The big boys like Sitel will not hire you unless you are already legally able to work in Panama. You may be lucky and find some "grey area" operations will hire you under the table.

If I could just come across one of these gray areas

Yea...Reggie is the homie....all about positive vibrations...I can dig it.

Originally Posted by Digital Rockstar

If I could just come across one of these gray areas

If I come across anything I'll let you know.