{"id":92704,"date":"2025-02-06T05:27:17","date_gmt":"2025-02-06T05:27:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/?p=92704"},"modified":"2025-03-01T09:33:09","modified_gmt":"2025-03-01T09:33:09","slug":"how-to-set-up-an-offshore-company-in-panama-a-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/business-strategy\/how-to-set-up-an-offshore-company-in-panama-a-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Come aprire una societ\u00e0 offshore a Panama: Una guida"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Panama is a popular <a href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/offshore-investment\/offshore-financial-services\/offshore-companies\/\">offshore jurisdiction for companies<\/a>, offering tax benefits, solid privacy laws, and a stable business environment for international investors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This post will explore how to open an offshore company in Panama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gws-offshore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/corplaw.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/gws-offshore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/corplaw.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Panama Corporation Law of 1927<\/a> provides the legal framework for offshore entities, making it one of the most business-friendly jurisdictions for <a href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/offshore-investment\/offshore-trusts\/offshore-asset-protection-trust\/\">protezione dei beni<\/a>, international trade, and investment holding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Se state cercando di investire come espatriati o individui con un alto patrimonio netto, che \u00e8 ci\u00f2 in cui sono specializzato, potete inviarmi un'e-mail (advice@adamfayed.com) o un messaggio WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Questo vale anche per chi \u00e8 alla ricerca di un secondo parere o di investimenti alternativi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alcuni fatti potrebbero cambiare rispetto al momento della stesura del presente documento e nulla di quanto qui scritto rappresenta una consulenza finanziaria, legale, fiscale o di qualsiasi tipo, n\u00e9 una sollecitazione a investire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notably, there are things that have changed in recent years that expats wishing to make an offshore company in Panama should know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide outlines the step-by-step process, legal requirements, and compliance obligations for setting up an offshore company in Panama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Open an Offshore Company in Panama<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Panama Offshore Company Benefits <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A Panama offshore company offers several advantages, making it an attractive choice for international entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the primary benefits is 100% foreign ownership, meaning there is no requirement for a local shareholder or director, allowing full control over the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/pexels-jibarofoto-1681452-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"An offshore company in Panama offers several advantages.\" class=\"wp-image-92919\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/pexels-jibarofoto-1681452-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/pexels-jibarofoto-1681452-512x342.jpg 512w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/pexels-jibarofoto-1681452.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, income generated outside of Panama is completely tax-exempt, as the country operates on a territorial tax system, ensuring that offshore companies are not subject to local corporate taxation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another significant advantage is strong privacy protection. Shareholder identities are not publicly disclosed, offering a high level of confidentiality for business owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike companies in other jurisdictions, Panama offshore entities do not have mandatory financial audits or tax filings, reducing administrative burdens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The setup process is also fast and straightforward, with company registration typically completed in 5 to 10 business days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to note that maintaining proper accounting records is still required under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quijano.com\/panama-accounting-records-law-52-of-2016\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.quijano.com\/panama-accounting-records-law-52-of-2016\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Law 52 of 2016<\/a>. These records must be available if requested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, businesses will need to meet tax reporting requirements in their home country related to your ownership of a foreign corporation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Panama offshore companies have no minimum capital requirement, allowing for flexible capital structuring based on business needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, they provide global banking access, meaning companies can open multi-currency corporate bank accounts in Panama or internationally, facilitating seamless financial transactions across borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Panama-offshore-companies-512x341.jpg\" alt=\"Panama offshore company accounting records\" class=\"wp-image-93178\" style=\"width:449px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Panama-offshore-companies-512x341.jpg 512w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Panama-offshore-companies-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Panama-offshore-companies-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Panama-offshore-companies-scaled.jpg 825w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><sub><sup>immagine da Pixabay<\/sup><\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing the Right Business Structure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common legal entity for offshore business in Panama is the Sociedad An\u00f3nima (S.A.), which is equivalent to a corporation (Inc.) in other jurisdictions. This structure is widely used due to its flexibility, legal protections, and ease of incorporation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Panama Corporation (S.A.) can engage in any lawful business activity, with the exception of banking, <a href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/insurance\/\">assicurazione<\/a>, or trust services, which require special licensing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of its key advantages is no nationality restrictions for shareholders or directors, allowing full foreign ownership without local participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Panama corporations can issue both registered and bearer shares, though bearer shares must be held by an authorized custodian due to anti-money laundering regulations. These are no longer very practical for many businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, there is no requirement to hire local employees or maintain a physical office in Panama, making this structure ideal for holding assets, international trading, <a href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/expat-financial-advisor\/expat-wealth-management\/\">gestione patrimoniale<\/a>, and other offshore business activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Set Up an Offshore Company in Panama<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Choose a Company Name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The company name must be unique and comply with Panama\u2019s corporate naming regulations. It can be in any language but must include a suffix such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&#8220;Corporation&#8221; (Corp.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;Incorporated&#8221; (Inc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;Sociedad An\u00f3nima&#8221; (S.A.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Restricted terms such as &#8220;bank,&#8221; &#8220;insurance,&#8221; or &#8220;trust&#8221; require special licensing. The name must be verified and approved by Panama\u2019s Public Registry before incorporation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-to-set-up-an-offshore-company-in-Panama-512x341.jpg\" alt=\"steps to set up an offshore company in Panama\" class=\"wp-image-93180\" style=\"width:422px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-to-set-up-an-offshore-company-in-Panama-512x341.jpg 512w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-to-set-up-an-offshore-company-in-Panama-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-to-set-up-an-offshore-company-in-Panama-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-to-set-up-an-offshore-company-in-Panama-scaled.jpg 825w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><sub><sup>immagine da Pixabay<\/sup><\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Appoint Directors and Shareholders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A Panama offshore company requires at least three directors, who can be of any nationality and reside anywhere in the world. The directors\u2019 names appear in the public registry, but nominee directors can be used for confidentiality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shareholders are private, and there is no limit to the number of shareholders. A single person can act as both the sole shareholder and beneficial owner. Shareholder information is not publicly accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Draft and Execute the Articles of Incorporation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Articles of Incorporation outline the company\u2019s purpose, structure, share capital, and management rules. This document must be notarized and registered with the Panama Public Registry. The Articles must include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Company name and business purpose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Details of directors and registered agent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Authorized share capital and types of shares issued.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Voting rights and corporate governance structure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Appoint a Registered Agent and Office<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every Panama offshore company must have a registered office and a registered agent within Panama. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The registered agent must be a licensed Panamanian attorney or law firm responsible for handling official correspondence and ensuring compliance with Panamanian corporate law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"340\" src=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/registered-agent-in-Panama-512x340.jpg\" alt=\"Panama registered office\" class=\"wp-image-93183\" style=\"width:456px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/registered-agent-in-Panama-512x340.jpg 512w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/registered-agent-in-Panama-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/registered-agent-in-Panama-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/registered-agent-in-Panama-scaled.jpg 825w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><sub><sup>immagine da Pixabay<\/sup><\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Determine Capitalization and Share Issuance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no minimum capital requirement for a Panama offshore company. The standard authorized share capital is USD 10,000, divided into 10,000 shares of USD 1.00 each, but no actual capital deposit is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shares can be issued as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Registered shares (shareholder names recorded in corporate books).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bearer shares (highly restricted, must be held by a custodian due to updated compliance laws).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Submit Registration and Pay Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The incorporation documents must be submitted to Panama\u2019s Public Registry, along with the applicable fees. The total cost for company registration typically ranges between USD 1,500 and USD 3,000, depending on legal and administrative fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Processing time is 5 to 10 business days from the date of submission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7: Open a Corporate Bank Account<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the company is registered, a <a href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/offshore-investment\/offshore-banking\/offshore-business-bank-account\/\">corporate bank account<\/a> can be opened in Panama or internationally. Panamanian banks conduct strict Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, requiring:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Company incorporation documents (certificate of incorporation, Articles of Association).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beneficial owner information (passport copies and proof of residence).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business plan or description of activities (for compliance screening).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panama-offshore-company-bank-account-512x341.jpg\" alt=\"Panama corporate bank account\" class=\"wp-image-93185\" style=\"width:426px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panama-offshore-company-bank-account-512x341.jpg 512w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panama-offshore-company-bank-account-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panama-offshore-company-bank-account-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/panama-offshore-company-bank-account-scaled.jpg 825w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><sub><sup>image by Jill Wellington<\/sup><\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/offshore-investment\/offshore-banking\/easiest-offshore-bank-account-to-open\/\">Some banks<\/a> may require an initial deposit and proof of business activities before approving the account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Requirements, Compliance and Ongoing Maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Annual Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Panama offshore companies are not required to file tax returns or financial statements, as long as they do not generate income within Panama. However, they must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pay an annual renewal fee to the Public Registry (USD 300 to USD 500).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain accounting records under Law 52 of 2016. These records can be kept anywhere in the world, but must be available upon request.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Panama operates a territorial tax system, meaning that income earned outside Panama is not subject to taxation. However, companies engaging in domestic business must comply with local tax laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Confidentiality laws in Panama are strong, but global financial transparency initiatives (e.g., CRS, FATCA, AML laws) require that financial institutions report beneficial ownership details to regulatory authorities if requested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Restrictions on Offshore Companies in Panama<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Panama offshore companies cannot:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Conduct business within Panama (except for holding local bank accounts).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engage in regulated activities (e.g., banking, insurance, <a href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/offshore-investment\/\">fondi di investimento<\/a>) without special licensing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Issue bearer shares without a designated custodian (due to compliance laws).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Setting up an offshore company in Panama provides a strategic and secure platform for international business, but it\u2019s essential to work with a qualified legal advisor, an <a href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/expat-financial-advisor\/\">consulente finanziario per gli espatri<\/a> or registered agent to ensure full compliance with Panamanian regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Siete afflitti dall'indecisione finanziaria? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"288\" src=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Adam-Fayed-Contact_CTA3-512x288.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-117505\" style=\"width:683px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Adam-Fayed-Contact_CTA3-512x288.jpg 512w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Adam-Fayed-Contact_CTA3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Adam-Fayed-Contact_CTA3-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Adam-Fayed-Contact_CTA3-scaled.jpg 825w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/become-adams-client\/\">Diventa mio cliente<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/good-match-quiz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fare il quiz sull'idoneit\u00e0 del cliente<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contatto<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Adam \u00e8 un autore riconosciuto a livello internazionale in materia finanziaria con oltre 830 milioni di visualizzazioni di risposte su Quora, un libro molto venduto su Amazon e un contributo su Forbes.<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Panama \u00e8 una giurisdizione offshore molto popolare per le societ\u00e0, in quanto offre vantaggi fiscali, solide leggi sulla privacy e un ambiente commerciale stabile. Come si pu\u00f2 costituire una societ\u00e0 offshore a Panama? <\/p>","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":93174,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"facebook_10166176115445471_100883565069113":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","footnotes":""},"categories":[11539],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-92704","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-strategy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92704","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=92704"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92704\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":103661,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92704\/revisions\/103661"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/93174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=92704"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=92704"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=92704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}