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Panama has solidified its reputation as one of the most business-friendly jurisdictions for foreign investors and international entrepreneurs. Known for its modern banking system, favorable tax policies, and strategic geographic location, Panama is an ideal hub for those looking to open a company in Panama or establish an offshore entity for global operations.
In this guide, we will explore how to register a company in Panama, the legal and tax benefits, and the exact steps required to open an offshore company in Panama. Whether you're launching a holding company, e-commerce structure, or a multinational enterprise, Panama offers a flexible, confidential, and efficient corporate environment.
Panama has long held its position as a premier offshore and international business hub. Its popularity among entrepreneurs isn’t just due to tax savings; it's also about strategic access to global markets, legal predictability, and business-friendly procedures. Key Benefits:
Whether you’re launching a trading company, holding assets, owning intellectual property, or expanding your international footprint, the benefits of opening a company in Panama make it a top-tier jurisdiction in the offshore world.
Benefits of opening a company in Panama
When looking to open a corporation in Panama, the most common business structures include:
Note: Bearer shares are technically allowed but must be immobilized with a licensed custodian who maintains records of the beneficial owner. Full anonymity through bearer shares is no longer possible. Since the 2015 reforms, full anonymity through bearer shares is no longer allowed.
For those seeking to open an offshore company in Panama, the Panama Corporation (S.A.) is typically the structure of choice.
Structures for Company Formation in Panama
Before you can register a company in Panama, you must choose a unique name. It must not conflict with existing entities registered in the Public Registry.
Panama law requires the use of a licensed Panamanian attorney or law firm as your registered agent. This professional will prepare your legal documents and submit filings to the Public Registry.
The Articles of Incorporation must include:
The document is signed by the founder and notarized before submission.
The registered agent files the notarized Articles of Incorporation with the Public Registry of Panama. Once approved, you will receive your Certificate of Incorporation, the official confirmation of legal existence.
If you intend to conduct local business in Panama (i.e., not offshore-only activities), you must obtain a business license. This is not required for companies that operate exclusively outside Panama.
5 Steps to Register a Company in Panama
After you open a company in Panama, the next step is to open a corporate bank account. Panama is known for strict due diligence, so be prepared to provide:
Opening a bank account in Panama can be challenging due to strict due diligence requirements. Offshore Company Corp primarily supports account openings with international banking partners outside Panama, many of which offer remote onboarding for eligible clients.
To maintain good standing after you register a company in Panama, businesses must:
No corporate income tax filings are required for purely offshore income. However, Panamanian law requires all companies to maintain accounting records for a minimum of 5 years, even if no local tax filings are necessary.
Now let’s focus on the specific benefits of registering a company in Panama, particularly for offshore use:
No requirement for local shareholders or directors.
Operate in USD and gain access to both local and international banking networks.
While shareholder identities can be shielded through nominee services, the names of directors are publicly listed in Panama’s Public Registry. Additionally, Panama complies with CRS and TIEAs, so beneficial ownership information may be disclosed under legal request.
Ideal for holding investments, real estate, and intellectual property offshore.
Company formation in Panama typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Expedited services may reduce this to 2–3 days, depending on documentation and agent support.
Opening an Offshore Company in Panama
Choosing to open an offshore company in Panama makes sense for:
If your operations or clientele are spread across multiple countries, Panama’s territorial taxation offers unmatched advantages.
While forming a Panama company is relatively straightforward, beware of these pitfalls:
Opening a company in Panama continues to be a top-tier strategy for international entrepreneurs in 2025. From tax efficiency and ease of formation to privacy and asset protection, the jurisdiction remains a powerhouse in the world of offshore structuring.
Whether your goal is to register a company in Panama for global commerce, establish a holding structure, or open a corporate Panama for investment purposes, the advantages are both immediate and long-term.
That said, success lies in doing it right, working with professionals, complying with international standards, and choosing the right entity structure. For those ready to open an offshore company in Panama, expert guidance and proper planning are essential to leveraging Panama’s full potential.
Offshore Company Corp is here to assist. With extensive experience in Panama company formation, banking support, and international compliance, we simplify the process from start to finish, ensuring your structure is legally sound and globally effective.
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