Panama
25% (domestic income only — foreign-source income 0%)
Körperschaftsteuer
3–5 business days
Gründungszeit
No minimum (standard authorised capital USD 10,000)
Mindestkapital
100%
Ausländisches Eigentum
#86
Geschäftsfreundlichkeit
Panama's territorial tax system is its defining advantage: only income earned from within Panama is subject to Panamanian tax. All foreign-source income — dividends, interest, royalties, trading profits earned outside Panama — is completely exempt. A Panama Sociedad Anónima (SA) — the equivalent of a limited company — has been used for international holding and trading structures for decades. Setup is fast (3–5 days), costs are low, banking infrastructure exists (Panama is a major regional financial centre), and the US dollar economy eliminates currency risk. Post-Panama Papers (2016), compliance requirements have increased significantly, but Panama remains a legitimate and widely used structure for international business with genuinely foreign-source income. The Colon Free Trade Zone is the largest in the Western Hemisphere, adding a physical trading hub dimension that pure offshore jurisdictions lack.
- International trading companies with foreign-source income seeking territorial tax efficiency
- Latin American holding structures for assets across Central and South America
- Real estate holding vehicles for international property portfolios
- Companies routing Latin American and Caribbean trade through a central hub
- Founders seeking a low-cost, USD-denominated offshore structure with regional credibility
- Businesses using the Colon Free Trade Zone for physical goods trading in the Americas
Panama is on various EU and OECD "grey lists" and has faced repeated pressure over transparency. Banking for a newly formed Panama company without local substance is harder than it once was. Due diligence from correspondent banks scrutinises Panama entities carefully. The Panama Papers stigma, while fading, still affects perceptions. If your primary need is a pure offshore holding structure with maximum international banking acceptance, BVI may be a better choice. Panama's advantage is the territorial tax system combined with a real domestic economy and financial centre.
Auf einen Blick
Verfügbare Unternehmensformen
Anonymous Society (Corporation) (SA)
Sociedad Anónima
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International Business Company (IBC)
Sociedad Anónima (offshore use)
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Kostenübersicht
Steuerübersicht
Banking-Realitätscheck
Zeitplan: 2–8 weeks
Panama banking has become significantly more difficult since the 2016 Panama Papers revelations. International correspondent banks (particularly US banks) scrutinise Panama entities closely, and local banks have tightened due diligence requirements substantially. Opening a corporate account for a newly formed Panama SA typically requires an in-person visit, detailed business plans, source-of-funds documentation, and evidence of genuine business activity. Companies without demonstrable local substance or operational history face high rejection rates. Applying to multiple banks simultaneously is advisable. Banistmo, Banco General, and Global Bank are among the larger local options; some smaller private banks may be more accommodating for international structures.
Visa und Einwanderung
Panama offers several residency pathways. The Friendly Nations Visa allows nationals from 50+ countries to obtain permanent residency through economic ties to Panama (company formation, employment, or property ownership). The Qualified Investor Visa requires a minimum investment of $300,000 in Panamanian real estate or $500,000 in securities. The Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (digital nomad visa) allows remote workers earning at least $3,000/month to reside in Panama for up to 18 months. Company formation alone does not automatically grant residency — you must apply through the specific visa programme.
Freihandelszonen und Sonderwirtschaftszonen
15 Freihandelszonen verfügbar
Häufige Fehler
Assuming Panama is a zero-tax jurisdiction
Fix: Panama taxes domestic-source income at 25%. The territorial system only exempts foreign-source income. If your company earns income from Panamanian customers or operations, that income is fully taxable. Structure accordingly and maintain clear records distinguishing domestic and foreign-source income.
Underestimating post-Panama Papers banking difficulty
Fix: Budget 2–8 weeks for banking and expect to provide extensive documentation. Apply to multiple banks. Consider opening a personal account first (if you have Panama residency) and then converting to corporate banking. Some founders open accounts in the US or other jurisdictions and use Panama purely as a holding structure.
Relying on bearer shares for privacy
Fix: Bearer shares in Panama have been immobilised since 2015 — they must be deposited with an authorised custodian who records the beneficial owner. They no longer provide anonymous ownership. Use a standard registered share structure and comply with beneficial ownership reporting requirements.
Forgetting the annual franchise tax
Fix: All Panama corporations must pay a $300 annual franchise tax (Tasa Única) regardless of whether they conduct business in Panama. Failure to pay results in the company being listed as delinquent, which can affect banking and the ability to obtain certificates of good standing.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Den nächsten Schritt machen
Gründungsübersicht erhalten für Panama
Individuelle Kostenschätzung, empfohlene Rechtsform und nächste Schritte.
This content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.