diff --git a/xdgshellclient.cpp b/xdgshellclient.cpp
--- a/xdgshellclient.cpp
+++ b/xdgshellclient.cpp
@@ -1012,6 +1012,13 @@
         // a closing window does not accept focus
         return false;
     }
+    if (isPopupMenu() || isPopupWindow()) {
+        auto possiblyAPanel = qobject_cast<const XdgShellClient*>(transientFor());
+        if (possiblyAPanel && possiblyAPanel->m_plasmaShellSurface) {
+            return true;
+        }
+        return false;
+    }
     if (m_unmapped) {
         // an unmapped window does not accept focus
         return false;