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Starting a Company in Panama Begin in 7 Days

Start your Panama business with assurance. Benefit from no-cost expert advice and a quick-track set-up procedure. Our team of experts is able to handle everything from choosing the best organization structure, to preparing your documents necessary for incorporation so that you can focus only on growing your business.

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Fast & Easy Process

Three Simple Steps to Your Panama Company

1

Complete Our Online Form

Fill in basic business information in less than five minutes.

2

Get Expert Advice

from a reputable source. Get individualized advice on which Panama S.A. Corporation or S.R.L. (Panama LLC) is the best choice for your needs.

3

You can get Fully Incorporated

Get your company's documents electronically and get up and running quickly.

Panama Business Registration Services Include:

Federal Incorporation

Register across Panama

Provincial Registration

Select your business location

Tax ID & Business Number

Included in every registration

Trusted by Thousands

We Have Clients Who Trust Us

Join thousands of happy clients who have registered their business with us.

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Since 2018
Business Advantages

Why Register a Company in Panama? ?

Panama is one of the best options for international entrepreneurs. who want to grow with confidence and ease. Here are a few reasons why establishing a business in Panama makes sense:

100% Foreign Ownership

Foreigners may establish and fully own Panamanian companies without having a local partner. Fast, Completely Remote Setup. Incorporation generally takes 3 to 5 business days or 24 hours with speedy processing.

No Taxes on Income from Foreign Sources

Panama runs an ad-hoc tax system in which foreign-sourced income is tax-free with a 25-percentage rate that is only applicable to income from local sources.

Affirmed Financial Privacy and Security of Assets

Panama permits share bearers (under custody) and also uses nominee directors to ensure privacy.

Strong legal Protection

The Strategic Global Trade Hub is home to Panama Canal and special zones such as Colon Free Zone and Panama Pacifico with tax incentives and global distribution effectiveness.

The ability to access Special Economic Zones

Businesses that are established in zones such as Panama Pacifico have access to tax reductions or no taxes and favourable labour regulations, and a superior infrastructure for logistics

Hassle-Free Banking Access

Get help opening a business bank account with leading Panama banks- even as a non-resident. We guide you every step of the way.

Business Structures

Types of Companies You Can Form in Panama

Choose the right structure for your business needs and goals

Type Description
Sociedad Anonima
(S.A.) - Corporation
The most popular structure, which is ideal for international businesses, offers only a limited liability and allows transferability of shares.
S.R.L.
(Panama LLC)
Ideal for family or small companies; requires fewer formalities and gives solid legal security Private Interest Foundation
Private Investment Funds Included are PIF-20 and PIF-50 rules to manage private investment for qualified investors. Not meant for the general public.

Most non-residents prefer a Panama Corporation (Sociedad AnΓ³nima) for greater flexibility and easier name protection across Panama.

Key Requirements

What You Need to Register a Company in Panama

Basic Requirements for non-residents to establish a Panama business

Basic Requirements

Director Minimum of three directors (any nationality, non-resident allowed), plus company officers--President, Secretary, Treasurer (commonly the same persons)
Shareholder(s) At minimum 1 shareholder (individual as well as corporate) Foreign ownership of up to 100% is permitted.
Registered Agent and Office: Mandatory appointment of an Panamanian resident agent (law firm or lawyer licensed in Panama) and maintaining an address for fiscal registration in the country
Application for Company Name: A unique name is reserved through the Public Registry (usually within 1-2 days)
Authorized Capital Minimum requirement not mandatory typically USD 1 or 10,000 for bank or investor visa requirements. No upfront deposit required.

Documents Required

  • Apostilled or notarized copy of passport
  • Evidence of residency (e.g. utility or bank statement)
  • KYC/AML form and declaration of the source of the funds

  • Certificated Articles of Incorporation and list of directors, as well as the financial statement, which are all of which are apostilledΒ 
We help with the preparation of documents and translations, as well as apostilles and the use of nominee services when necessary.
Our Process

Panama Business Setup 5-Step Process

We make business registration effortless with our streamlined process

1

Consultation

Examine your needs for structure and suggest the best entity (S.A. as opposed to .S.R.L.).

2

Document preparation

Documents to be collected as well as full KYC forms.

3

Incorporation

The company is registered by submitting a public deed at the Public Registry.

4

Tax Registration

Request your tax registration number RUC (Tax Identification) from DGI.

5

Banking Account Setting Up

We can help you open the corporate bank account (local or Fintech) via the internet or in person.

Total Processing Time

10-14 business days

Begin Your Application
Location Matters

Choose Your Panama Company Structure

We'll assist you in choosing the most suitable business structure for your needs whether for international commerce local operations, local operation or protecting assets.

Panama Corporation

Most Popular
  • Operates throughout the entire country of Panama
  • Perfect for international business and holding companies.
  • Allows 100% foreign ownership
  • Solid security of assets and privacy for shareholders
  • Flexible transfer of shares as well as board structures
  • You are eligible to receive tax-free foreign-sourced income

Panama LLC (Simple & Flexible)

Fastest Processing
  • Lower costs for setup and maintenance
  • Two-50 participants that have limited liability
  • Ideal for small and family businesses
  • Less formalities for the year as compared to an S.A.
  • Foreigners can own 100% of the company.
  • Name protection throughout Panama

Private Interest Foundation

Asset Protection & Estate Planning
  • Not intended for commercial use
  • Perfect ideal for the management of wealth and planning for succession
  • It provides solid security and legal protection of assets
  • Can have bank accounts as well as real estate or shares in companies
  • No estate or inheritance taxes on foreign assets

Special Economic Zone Company

Tax & Trade Advantages
  • Companies in Panama Pacifico or Colon Free Zone enjoy
  • Exemptions from import/export tax
  • Trade and customs procedures are simplified
  • Immigration and labour policies that favour preferential treatment
  • The perfect solution to use for distribution, logistics and distribution companies
Immigration Benefits

Visa & Immigration Pathways for Panama Business Owners

The ownership of a Panama company (S.A.) as well as an LLC (S.R.L.) will provide multiple residence and immigration options that you can and your entire family.

Business Investor Visa (Inversionista Empresarial)

To qualify for Panama residency through business investment, a minimum investment of US$160,000 must be made in a Panamanian company that employs at least five Panamanian citizens. This program grants temporary residence for two years, which can be renewed. After completing two years under this residency, the applicant becomes eligible to apply for permanent residency. Furthermore, this path can serve as a foundation for acquiring Panamanian citizenship after maintaining five years of permanent residency in the country.

Friendly Nations Visa (Business Stream)

The Friendly Nations Visa program is open to citizens of 50+ approved countries, including the USA, Canada, UK, EU member states, and Australia. To qualify, applicants must either incorporate a company in Panama and establish economic ties, or secure employment with a Panamanian companyβ€”including their own. The initial residency granted typically lasts for three to six months, with a pathway to permanent residency (PR) available within 2 to 3 years, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and professionals from eligible countries.

Reforestation or Economic Investor Visas

Investors can obtain residency in Panama by participating in government-approved reforestation programs with a minimum investment of USD $100,000, which grants a 2-year temporary residency. Alternatively, individuals may invest USD $300,000 or more in Panamanian real estate, fixed-term bank deposits, or a combination of both to qualify directly for permanent residency, offering a flexible route for those looking to settle through investment.

Multinational Headquarters (SEM)

The Multinational Headquarters (SEM) License in Panama is specifically designed for foreign companies seeking to establish a regional center in the country. It provides a permanent work permit for top executives and key personnel, along with a range of tax advantages and fast-tracked immigration processes for both employees and their family members, making it an ideal framework for multinational corporations expanding into Latin America.

Can Company Vista Help?

Although we don't directly file immigration applications We do cooperate together with authorized Panamanian attorneys along with immigration experts to assist you in:

  • Your company should be structured so that you can be eligible for visas for investors or business
  • Create the business plan and prepare financial documents to be used for immigration purposes.
  • Connect you to licensed lawyers to file application for citizenship or residency
Request Immigration Consultation
Banking Solutions

Panama Business Banking Options

We assist entrepreneurs from outside the country gain access to Panama's top-of-the-line banking services essential for managing your company and complying with local requirements for compliance.

Traditional Panamanian Banks

In-Person Visit Required

Preferred by high-volume businesses with physical operations in Panama. Includes major banks like:

Banco General Banistmo BAC Scotiabank Panama
To complete the company registration process in Panama, at least one director of the company must travel to Panama to undergo Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. The process also requires submission of key corporate documents, including the Articles of Incorporation and a list of shareholders. Additionally, the identification of the Beneficial Owner must be provided, along with proof of the source of funds, to comply with Panamanian regulatory and anti-money laundering requirements.

Fintech & Digital Banks

Remote Setup Available

Great ideal for international entrepreneurs as well as online companies.

  • Multi-currency accounts (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)
  • Virtual debit cards and online transfer
  • Lower charges than traditional banks
  • Lower fees than traditional banks
Wise Business Payoneer Airwallex Relay
In our corporate registration packages - that include complete remote assistance for setup.
What You Get

Included in Your Panama Company Registration

All the important papers and procedures for you to officially establish and manage your Panama company.

Formation Documents

  • Public Deed of Incorporation(issued by a Panamanian notary)
  • Certificate of Incorporation (Certificado de Registro Publico)
  • Articles of Incorporation / Bylaws (Estatutos Sociales)
  • Share Certificates & Shareholder Registry
  • The Official Registration for Tax ID (RUC) Registration with DGI

Tax & Legal Setup

  • Franchise Tax (Tasa Unica) Registration
  • Initial Board Resolutions
  • Power of Attorney (if nominee directors are employed)
  • Government Registration Fees
  • Digital Corporate Kit
  • Annual Tax Compliance Guidance

Additional Services

  • 1 Year Registered Office & Resident Agent in Panama
  • Directors and Shareholders of Nominee Directors (if asked for privacy)
  • Support for Local and Fintech Bank Account Setup
  • Digital Compliance Dashboard for Ongoing Requirements
Ongoing Compliance

Post-Incorporation Requirements in Panama

Be 100% in compliance with Panamanian corporate rules to keep your business operating in good order.

Annual Compliance Checklist

Requirement Frequency Responsible Agency
Annual Franchise Tax (US $300) Yearly Panamanian DGI & Public Registry
Accounting Records Maintenance In-continued (5 years) Internal (per Law 254)
Income tax filing (only when you earn Panamanian revenue) Yearly (by May 31) DGI (Direccion General de Ingresos)
Registered Agent & Address Renewal Yearly Public Registry
Update of Directors/Shareholders If needed Public Registry via Resident Agent

Our Compliance Services

We provide annually scheduled service plans to make it easier for all required forms and renews

  • Tax payment for franchises and renewal of the resident agent
  • Review of the annual accounting and maintenance of the records
  • Filing and preparation of local tax returns (if required)
  • Recent updates for Public Registry for directors or shareholders
  • Renewal of nominee services as well as Registered address
  • Access to the digital dashboard for compliance
A typical annual cost for maintenance: US $850-$1,500 depending on the level of company performance and additional nominee services.
Simple Pricing

Choose Your Perfect Package

Transparent, all-inclusive packages with no hidden fees. Select between federal or provincial incorporation.

Essential

Basic Panama Incorporation

$2700
+ government fees
  • Name Reservation & Registration
  • Panama Corporation (Sociedad AnΓ³nima)
  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Public Registry Filing
  • 1 Year Registered Agent
  • Nominee Director
  • Bank Account Assistance
MOST POPULAR
Recommended

Standard Package

$3500
+ government fees
  • Everything in Basic
  • 1 Year Nominee Director
  • Bank Account Introduction
  • Corporate Seal
  • Share Certificates
  • Annual Franchise Tax
Premium

Premium Package

$4900
+ government fees
  • Everything in Standard
  • Annual Franchise Tax Filing
  • Trademark Search
  • Business Website Setup
  • Priority Processing
  • Legal Consultation

All prices in USD. Additional Panama government fees may apply. Annual franchise tax applies after incorporation.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Panama company registration

Anyone can register their own company in Panama; it is an open country in the world. Panama allows 100% foreign ownership, with no need for local shareholders or directors.

The most common types are:

  • Sociedad AnΓ³nima (S.A.) – Panama Corporation
  • Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S. de R.L.) – Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • Private Interest Foundation – for asset protection and estate planning

In most cases, no. You can register a company remotely through a licensed resident agent (lawyer or law firm). However, for banking and some investment visas, at least one director may need to travel for KYC verification.

Company formation typically takes 3 to 10 business days. However, setting up a corporate bank account or obtaining licenses may take a few additional weeks.

No. While you can specify any amount of authorized capital (commonly USD $10,000), no actual deposit is required during formation.

The main ongoing requirements are:

  • Passport copies of shareholders and directors
  • Proposed company name (3 options recommended)
  • Shareholder details
  • Articles of Incorporation (prepared by your agent)
  • Identification of the Beneficial Owner
  • Proof of the source of funds (especially for banking)

Yes, but Panama's banks require strict KYC/AML documentation. Some may ask for a personal visit. Alternatives include offshore or regional banks.

Panama uses a territorial tax system, meaning only income earned within Panama is taxable. Foreign-sourced income is tax-exempt, making it highly attractive for international entrepreneurs.

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Expert Guidance for Your Panama Business

Our team of incorporation specialists is ready to help you navigate Panama business registration with confidence.

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+1 (505) 480-4746
+91 99-884-483-22

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