Company Formation in Panama
Incorporation services in Panama. Full set-up with legal documents and bank account opening in one of the best offshore jurisdictions.
- 0% taxation for offshore companies
- No residency requirements
- No necessity to provide annual reports
- Panama doesn’t share tax information
Consulting team dedicated into advising the best suitable jurisdiction for your project.
FinTech business development expert with leading experiences in innovative payment services providers.
Cost of Company Formation in Panama with LegalBison
Panama is a popular offshore jurisdiction that provides a lot of benefits to entrepreneurs and business owners. LegalBison offers service packages according to your business needs.
Consulting team dedicated into advising the best suitable jurisdiction for your project.
+44 20 4577 0974
FinTech business development expert with leading experiences in innovative payment services providers.
+372 53 42 2033
Free consultation of 30 minutes to advise on your project and provide guidance on Panama company formation.
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Initial consultation
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Turnkey Company Formation
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Company contact person
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Registered legal company address for 1 year
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Remote incorporation
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Notary Services
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Company Secretary
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Nominee Shareholder
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Accounting for 1 year
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Long-term POA
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Apostilled set of documents
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Additional legal support
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Corporate Account
Get your project started with this basic package, including incorporation in Panama, to begin your activity in no time.
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Initial consultation
-
Turnkey Company Formation
-
Company contact person
-
Registered legal company address for 1 year
-
Remote incorporation
-
Notary Services
-
Company Secretary
-
Nominee Shareholder
-
Accounting for 1 year
-
Long-term POA
-
Apostilled set of documents
-
Additional legal support
-
Corporate Account
Full turnkey company formation and support in all necessary aspects. Customized pricing for services you require!
-
Initial consultation
-
Turnkey Company Formation
-
Company contact person
-
Registered legal company address for 1 year
-
Remote incorporation
-
Notary Services
-
Company Secretary
-
Nominee Shareholder
-
Accounting for 1 year
-
Long-term POA
-
Apostilled set of documents
-
Additional legal support
-
Corporate Account
Getting started with company registration in Panama
Panama sits between North and South America and its economy benefits from easy access to shipping routes and international markets. Panama is a trading center that gives all Americans the opportunity to sell their products to the whole world. Privileged location, access to the key markets on the two continents, and highly efficient transportation systems make it much easier for businesses to sell their products internationally.
With a stable economy and favorable political climate, Panama is now one of the world’s most business-friendly regions. Additional benefits for foreign entrepreneurs cannot go unnoticed. Such benefits as high confidentiality for business owners and no restrictions on ownership of assets help the country attract more and more investors these days. Flexible business and tax policies as well as tax incentives create the ideal conditions for business growth and investment. It’s also important to note that Panama’s currency is United States dollar-based, which is stable and generally acceptable for payment across the globe.
For many years, Panama has been known as a reputed financial offshore center that provides businesses with exceptional tolerance. It’s a country where local and international businesses are treated equally. Panama offers excellent conditions and great benefits to new businesses that search for a growth-driven environment. The government has implemented initiatives to support foreigners looking to start a new business or expand an existing business. These include simple and quick remote registration and licensing processes, tax exemptions, the right to have properties or shares, and others. All of this creates favorable conditions for local and foreign businesses, helps attract global investors to the region, and, most importantly, has significantly contributed to the country’s economic growth over the last few years.
- Taxes
- Duration
- Double Tax Agreement
- Annual Records
- Residency Requirements
- Central America
No taxes
Although tax is an important part of the government revenue stream, over 75% of company owners complain that federal income tax is one of the major problems in running a business in Panama.
According to Panamanian law, businesses as well as individuals have to meet certain conditions in order to benefit from the zero-tax policy. One of them is that the income must come from outside. That means that a company has to operate outside of Panama and earn income in other countries. Immigration authorities have outlined the criteria for individuals who are interested in taking advantage of Panama's tax incentives. Meeting these criteria gives them a chance to acquire a residency in the country. Additionally, individuals can legally cut their taxes and get better conditions for business growth. However, businesses and individuals must also comply with international tax laws and regulations to get tax advantages. Doing tax planning in advance helps avoid potential issues.
Fast set-up
Quick and easy company formation is definitely one of the reasons why business owners choose Panama as an offshore jurisdiction. The process of company registration in Panama takes about 1 business week and does not require visiting the country.
Agreements for non-double taxation signed by Panama
The government of Panama does its best to improve transparency and international tax cooperation. To help entrepreneurs avoid double taxation, Panama has signed tax avoidance agreement treaties with such countries as Barbados, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Spain, France, Portugal, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy, Israel, United Kingdom, Singapore, and the Czech Republic.
No annual records
Panama is a reputable offshore jurisdiction with a stable economy and favorable tax policy. According to local laws and regulations, offshore companies do not have to file annual records. Panama’s government implements specific measures to cope with tax evasion and money laundering. So, today it requires more transparency from offshore companies.
No residency required
To open offshore company in Panama, you do not have to be a resident of the country. You can set up a company remotely without even visiting Panama. Anyway, you should consult legal and financial experts to make sure that you comply with Panama’s existing laws and regulations.
Strategic location
Its privileged geographical location has made Panama one of the best places for doing business. The country is in Central America bordering Costa Rica and Colombia. Obviously, it was the main reason for constructing the Panama Canal which serves as a critical link between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
This strategic position offers a lot of business opportunities. International trade thrives in this country. Due to the shipping and trade, different types of businesses have quick and easy access to goods in Panama. Banking benefits from Panama’s convenient location as well.
They knew better and trusted us, they tell about their experience
We are happy to cooperate with LegalBison for more than 2 years and during this time they definitely secured a reputation of very professional and reliable partner. Great knowledge, competence and good attitude. Keep up the good work!
The team of LegalBison was very helpful and fast in supporting my company’s structural set up. They are undoubtedly top-level experts when it comes to licensing and registrations in the crypto and web3 industry. Highly recommend!
Quick set-up and straightforward process. It was a smooth process, we are happy to have chosen LegalBison as our Partner for incorporations, globally.
Best company for Crypto Licenses! Kudos to the team for making the incorporation of our company really smooth
I highly recommend Legal Bison to any entrepreneur or business seeking top-notch services for their company formation. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is truly commendable.
Very proactive, responsive, and able to provide solutions and advice. The firm is familiar with the new industry of blockchain and cryptocurrency
Activities undertaken by companies registered in Panama
Forming a holding company in Panama
Foreign companies choose to set up holding companies in Panama for various reasons. It makes a lot of sense to create a holding company for tax planning and financial optimization purposes. Additionally, a holding company provides a business with enhanced asset protection and helps with estate planning.
Panama is a country that offers great conditions and creates a tax-friendly environment for businesses and individuals, which are interested in setting up holding companies. The country respects the privacy and confidentiality of foreign companies and provides them with tax benefits.
A holding company in Panama has the right to own different types of assets (such as properties, bank accounts, shares of stock, intellectual property, etc) around the world. It holds other companies in onshore jurisdictions. In other words, a holding company serves as a barrier between a business and assets and provides a layer of financial insulation and legal protection. The trust is eligible to share profits and dividends from any of its holding companies and can distribute them to beneficiaries.
However, setting up a holding company in Panama can be difficult for a foreign-owned company. The process requires attention to many legal aspects. It’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of Panama’s laws and local regulations, as well as benefits and opportunities. So, the help of experts is immeasurable in this process. At LegalBison, we are always ready to provide legal assistance to businesses that need to set up a holding company in Panama and help them achieve their financial goals.
ICO Special Purpose Vehicle
In Panama, you can start an ICO through a company. In fact, the country offers different types of entities ideal for ICO creation.
As you already know, before launching an ICO, you should register a company. First, it is necessary to select the most appropriate business form. The vast majority of foreign entrepreneurs prefer International Business Company or Limited Liability Company. After that, you should choose the company name and prepare all the necessary documents. File the documents for registration. Once this process is complete, you can get a tax identification number and open a bank account.
Asset management with a company registered in Panama
In Panama, you can often use companies for asset management due to different factors including confidentiality, tax benefits, ease of incorporation, asset protection, currency stability, and unique location.
Despite all the benefits that the Panamanian government provides, make sure that you comply with the local laws and regulations. It is a crucial step that will help you start and grow your business successfully in this beautiful country.
International trading with a company registered in Panama
Panama is a country that has built the reputation of a tax haven. Additionally, the country has a strategic geographical location in America. It is one of the major reasons behind its dramatic economic growth and development, especially in the international trade and commerce sectors. Panama plays a key role in the global maritime transport network. It serves as a bridge between Columbia and Costa Rica.
Virtual assets services companies in Panama
To start an offshore crypto business in Panama, entrepreneurs must follow the latest legal developments to ensure compliance with Panamese and international regulations. LegalBison can guide you on the do’s and don’t’s of a cryptocurrency company in Panama. Such a formation is possible, provided that the right structure is sorted out by competent specialists, hence our invitation to contact our consultants.
Establishing a crypto business in Panama requires meticulous planning. Make sure that you implement strong security measures to protect your company members and clients’ assets. If you have any questions about starting and running a crypto company in Panama, feel free to contact our experts who are always ready to help.
- Holding Company
- Initial Coin Offering
- Asset Management
- International Trade
- Cryptocurrency Activities
Forming a holding company in Panama
Foreign companies choose to set up holding companies in Panama for various reasons. It makes a lot of sense to create a holding company for tax planning and financial optimization purposes. Additionally, a holding company provides a business with enhanced asset protection and helps with estate planning.
Panama is a country that offers great conditions and creates a tax-friendly environment for businesses and individuals, which are interested in setting up holding companies. The country respects the privacy and confidentiality of foreign companies and provides them with tax benefits.
A holding company in Panama has the right to own different types of assets (such as properties, bank accounts, shares of stock, intellectual property, etc) around the world. It holds other companies in onshore jurisdictions. In other words, a holding company serves as a barrier between a business and assets and provides a layer of financial insulation and legal protection. The trust is eligible to share profits and dividends from any of its holding companies and can distribute them to beneficiaries.
However, setting up a holding company in Panama can be difficult for a foreign-owned company. The process requires attention to many legal aspects. It’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of Panama’s laws and local regulations, as well as benefits and opportunities. So, the help of experts is immeasurable in this process. At LegalBison, we are always ready to provide legal assistance to businesses that need to set up a holding company in Panama and help them achieve their financial goals.
ICO Special Purpose Vehicle
In Panama, you can start an ICO through a company. In fact, the country offers different types of entities ideal for ICO creation.
As you already know, before launching an ICO, you should register a company. First, it is necessary to select the most appropriate business form. The vast majority of foreign entrepreneurs prefer International Business Company or Limited Liability Company. After that, you should choose the company name and prepare all the necessary documents. File the documents for registration. Once this process is complete, you can get a tax identification number and open a bank account.
Asset management with a company registered in Panama
In Panama, you can often use companies for asset management due to different factors including confidentiality, tax benefits, ease of incorporation, asset protection, currency stability, and unique location.
Despite all the benefits that the Panamanian government provides, make sure that you comply with the local laws and regulations. It is a crucial step that will help you start and grow your business successfully in this beautiful country.
International trading with a company registered in Panama
Panama is a country that has built the reputation of a tax haven. Additionally, the country has a strategic geographical location in America. It is one of the major reasons behind its dramatic economic growth and development, especially in the international trade and commerce sectors. Panama plays a key role in the global maritime transport network. It serves as a bridge between Columbia and Costa Rica.
Virtual assets services companies in Panama
To start an offshore crypto business in Panama, entrepreneurs must follow the latest legal developments to ensure compliance with Panamese and international regulations. LegalBison can guide you on the do’s and don’t’s of a cryptocurrency company in Panama. Such a formation is possible, provided that the right structure is sorted out by competent specialists, hence our invitation to contact our consultants.
Establishing a crypto business in Panama requires meticulous planning. Make sure that you implement strong security measures to protect your company members and clients’ assets. If you have any questions about starting and running a crypto company in Panama, feel free to contact our experts who are always ready to help.
Full process: Incorporation in Panama in 2025
The incorporation process in Panama is fairly straightforward. Once you decide on the key aspects of your future company, all that is required is the provision of the necessary documents and information about the new company. The process can be very short, as Panama is an effective jurisdiction when it comes to fast company formation.
PROJECT PLANNING
Starting a company in Panama requires project planning. It all begins goal setting. When starting a company in Panama, you have to make it clear what the main objective of your business is. When the main objective of your company is clear, its legal structure (shareholder structure) is determined. After that, it’s necessary to choose a name for a company in Panama.
COMPANY FORMATION IN PANAMA
After choosing the most appropriate company name, it’s crucial to appoint directors and shareholders of the company. The next step includes preparing Articles of Incorporation where you should outline the name of your company, its main goal, share structure and office address in Panama.
Once all the documents are ready, you should file them for registration. Our professionals can lead you through your company incorporation process helping at each step of the way. We will send you emails informing you on the updates. Once the incorporation process is complete, you will receive a set of documents. With us, the whole process will be quick, simple and smooth.
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT FOR A COMPANY REGISTERED IN PANAMA
It’s necessary to take the following three steps to open a bank account in Panama.
- Partner with a local group in Panama. Language barrier is one of the challenges that business owners face when opening a bank account in Panama. So, it would be great to partner with a local group to help you with the process.
- Pick a suitable Panama bank that provides solutions to your company’s needs. All banks are different in the country, so depending on your business needs and the transactions you will be running, you need to find the bank that best suits your business.
- Provide a bank with all required documentation.
The reality is that you can’t complete a corporate bank account set-up online from abroad. This process requires paperwork. Finally, you have to return the hard copy to the bank. The help of a local attorney in opening a bank account is immeasurable. We can take care of the necessary paperwork for you.
Overall, you don’t need to fly to Panama in order to start an offshore business in the country. Instead, you can let experts from Legal Bison take care of the process completely! Since you are not operating in Panama, the commercial business licence is not required. The licence is mandatory only for businesses that will earn revenue within the country.
Company formation in Panama
Get in touch with a company formation specialist today and lay down your plan. Receive professional advice and a quotation for your company in Panama.
Panama Company Registration in Details
In Panama, company formation requires several steps. The most important steps are the choice of legal structure and company name, the appointment of shareholders and directors, preparing Articles of Incorporation, submission of the documents to the Public Registry, getting a tax identification number and opening a bank account.
How to successfully incorporate a company in Panama?
In Panama, the company incorporation process is simple and fast.
Necessary documents
In Panama, for a successful company formation, you will have to prepare and provide documents mostly pertaining to the beneficial owner(s) of the newly formed company. This set of documents usually includes passport copies of all shareholders and directors.
In order to register an offshore company in Panama, you need to describe its main activities and provide the office address as well as the names and emails of all company members. It’s worth mentioning that there are no minimum share capital requirements to register a company in Panama. That means that you can establish a company by investing the amount of money you can or consider necessary.
Remote incorporation
After analyzing all the benefits that Panama’s government provides to foreign entrepreneurs and business owners, you will agree that choosing this country as an offshore jurisdiction is definitely the right decision. The good news is that you do not have to be present in the county to register your company. You can do the whole process remotely.
Panama offers a simple and straightforward company formation process. And an opportunity to incorporate the company remotely makes this process even much easier. Remote company formation helps foreign entrepreneurs minimize their taxes and improve their business strategies.
How to: registration company in Panama
Panama provides a favorable business climate to attract entrepreneurs and investors. Company registration is an easy and simple process that does not require too much time. First, you should understand what type of business structure is best for your company. It’s crucial to assess the long-term goals of your company to be able to select the appropriate business structure.
The next phase is to prepare all the necessary documents for LegalBison’s project management team to file them for registration. Once the registration process is complete, LegalBison provides you with assistance in opening a bank account for conducting business transactions and managing the company finances effectively.
What are the taxes for companies registered in Panama?
The Panama’s government creates favourable tax conditions to attract more foreign entrepreneurs and investors.
According to the existing Panamanian laws and regulations, the offshore companies do not have to pay corporate income tax if they generate profit outside of the country.
What are the requirements in Panama for accounting and audits?
According to Panama’s laws, there are no specific requirements for offshore companies to file audit reports, but it is important to keep accounting records to understand the financial situation of the company.
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Panama is a reliable offshore jurisdiction that provides a favorable business environment for investors and entrepreneurs. There is no compulsory obligation for companies to submit annual records. Auditing is not mandatory as well.
Auditing requirements
Despite the fact that the Panamanian government does not impose auditing requirements on offshore companies, undergoing audits can still be important for the evaluation of your company’s financial performance.
About the registry of companies in Panama
The Public Registry of Panama plays an extremely important role in registering and maintaining information about companies and their assets. Once you incorporate a company in the country, you will need to have it added to the Panama business registry.
Registry of directors in Panama
According to Panamanian laws and regulations, you should appoint a board of directors to be able to register your company successfully. It’s worth mentioning that there is no registry of company directors that the general public has access to. However, you should keep internal records about the company directors.
You should keep the information about the board of directors in the local office. The records usually include names, addresses, contact information, and copies of identification documents. The regulatory authorities as well as shareholders may access the records when such a need arises.
Registry of shareholders in Panama
In Panama, the company formation process includes the appointment of directors as well as shareholders. In fact, there is no registry of company shareholders available to the public. The companies should keep this information internally. The internal registry information should include details about shareholders such as their names, addresses, number of shares, and class of shares.
Are nominee services legal in Panama
According to Panamanian laws, you can appoint a nominee director or shareholder to increase privacy and protect your identity. Despite the fact that nominee services are legal, you must make sure that all your actions comply with the existing Panama’s laws and regulations.
Economic substance requirements for company registration in Panama
There are some specific substance requirements that apply to the offshore companies in Panama but no requirements for residency.
Economic substance in Panama
In Panama, you have to comply with the current laws and regulations to be able to register a company successfully. The specific substance requirements usually include the necessity to have a local address, local office and hire full-time local workers. Make sure that you maintain an adequate number of employees.
You should also have bank accounts and hold meetings in Panama. It’s crucial to meet all the requirements. It will help you run your company successfully in Panama and turn it into a prosperous business.
Residency requirements of shareholders and directors in Panama
A favorable business environment makes Panama one of the most popular offshore jurisdictions. When it comes to appointing directors and shareholders of the company, there are no residency requirements you should meet. Directors and shareholders can be from different countries and do not have to live in Panama.
As you already know, Panama offers a wide range of benefits to foreign entrepreneurs and business owners. Despite this fact, you should always consult experts to make sure that you comply with the existing laws and regulations. It will help you establish and run your company successfully in this reliable jurisdiction.
Opening a bank account for a company registered in Panama
Panama is a country with a healthy banking system. In this jurisdiction, opening a bank account for your company can be a straightforward process if you meet the existing requirements. You can always consult our highly experienced professionals to make sure that you are on the right way.
Once your company registration is complete, you can start preparing all the necessary documents to open a bank account in Panama. The country has different local and international banks. So, choosing the right one will not be a problem. We are always ready to assist you in this matter.
The different possible companies one can register in Panama
In Panama, there are different types of business structures you can choose from.
- International Business Company
- Limited Liability Company
- Trust
- Foundation
IBC is a company type that you can use for different business interests. It has the elements of a corporation. LLC has the elements of a partnership and a corporation as well. Trusts and foundations are popular legal structures that provide a wide range of benefits in terms of privacy and asset protection.
Alternatives to Panama Company Registration
Company Formation in Canada LP
from 1.600 €-
Tax-free structure
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Prestigious jurisdiction
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No filing of any kind
Company Formation in Costa Rica
from 2.350 €-
Tax-free
-
Discretion of board members
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Not listed as a tax haven!
Company Formation in Hong Kong
from 750 €-
Ideal offshore jurisdiction
-
Advantageous taxation
-
Fast and cheap process
Company Formation in Marshall Islands
from 990 €-
0% Tax
-
Bearer shares allowed
-
Doesn't share information
Company Formation in Mauritius
from 1.900 €-
Very low taxation
-
Top choice for financial business
-
Business-friendly jurisdiction
Company Formation in Saint Kitts & Nevis
from 1.300 €-
0% Tax
-
Bearer shares allowed
-
White listed jurisdiction
About company registration in Panama
No. The standard share capital is 10.000 USD but it doesn’t need to be sitting anywhere.
Depending on your objective and your business model, another jurisdiction might fit better. The best way to determine if Panama is the best place for your business is to get in touch with our legal experts.
Yes, Panama is on the OECD tax haven list, as well as on its blacklist for non-cooperation with tax information to other countries. It is also on the EU blacklist.
With very beneficial rules for operation, Panama is indeed a very effective jurisdiction. It would not fit every business model, though. To define whether this jurisdiction aligns with your project plan, get in touch with our experts.
It’s necessary to have a certificate of incorporation in order to register a company in Panama. The Panama Public Registry issues an original certification of incorporation. The certificate of incorporation confirms the legal existence of the company. It’s the final step of the company formation. At this step, you have to add the company to the Panama Registry. According to Panama’s laws, businesses have to submit articles of incorporation and pay fees.
Panama has a quick and easy company’s registration process. On average, it takes 2 – 5 days to register a business in the country as a foreigner. The process consists of several stages including business name registration, complying with specific legal requirements, tax registration, bank account opening, commercial registration, notary and legal procedures. It’s important to know that the length of this process mainly depends on such factors as the type of a business and its location in Panama. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to be physically present in the country to set up a company in Panama.
Panama is one of the best countries for offshore banking. The country has a favourable tax system and business-friendly environment. The country has great banking laws and Panama’s offshore banks offer beneficial tax conditions. It’s worth noting that the tax system in Panama is territorial, so businesses don’t have to pay taxes on the income earned outside the country. The process of opening an offshore bank in a Panama account is simple and doesn’t take too much time. It’s possible to open an offshore bank account in Panama remotely with the help of our lawyers.
Contact Us
Request more information about incorporation in Panama and benefit from a free consultation. Have a legal expert call you back and provide you with a customized project roadmap and a final quotation. Contact us now to schedule the call in the next 24 business hours.
Consulting team dedicated into advising the best suitable jurisdiction for your project.
FinTech business development expert with leading experiences in innovative payment services providers.
