Panama is one of the world’s most vibrant economies, with numerous business opportunities for domestic and global entrepreneurs. The consistent foreign direct investment and the flourishing import and export markets make the Latin American country desirable for business expansion.
This guide details why you should explore Panama for your business needs and how to set up a legal entity in the country.
Business opportunities in Panama
Panama is home to lots of diverse businesses catering to the vast population. Thanks to its tax system and pro-business policies, many investors are willing to explore the country. If you are also looking to invest in the country, consider the following business opportunities:
Construction equipment rental
The infrastructure sector is thriving in Panama. The country plans to enhance its outlook and invite more business opportunities from global investors. Hence, construction equipment is in high demand resulting in sky-high prices and cut-throat competition.
Hospitality services
Many tourists visit Panama to explore the ethnicity and scenic beauty of the country. On the other hand, many investors travel to and fro from the country for business matters. Therefore, hotels, restaurants, and spas generate consistently high revenue to suit the visitors’ needs.
Employment agency
Many professionals and investors enter Panama unaware of the hiring and compliance laws. Some people don’t have enough knowledge of the work culture in the country and need direction. Your employment agency can connect employers and employees per their requirements and ensure they comply with the regulations.
Real estate
Residential and business properties are in consistent demand in Panama. On the other hand, many people buy properties at a discounted price and resell them at a higher value sometime later. This is a much future-proof business opportunity prevalent in many countries, including Panama.
Benefits of Starting a Business in Panama
Starting a business in Panama reaps the following benefits:
Easier entry
The incorporation procedure in many countries is tedious and full of stringent rules that impact the business scenario. However, it will hardly take you two weeks in Panama to start a venture without the need for your physical presence in the country. Furthermore, the shareholders and directors of the company can be of any nationality and actively participate in the business.
The Panamanian population is very diverse, thanks to the accommodating visa policies and straightforward procedures. The country fosters a healthy business environment and welcomes people from around the globe to contribute to economic growth. Hence, it is easier for both professionals and investors to explore Panama.
No taxes on overseas profits
Panama follows a territorial tax system, which means you must pay tax only on the income earned within the country. This system motivates many investors to set up global ventures in Panama to reduce the taxable amount and increase profit. Moreover, the country supports a smooth flow of capital from global sources without remittances and currency exchange control.
Supportive government policies
The Panamanian government has improved its business and visa policies, lending much-needed support and credibility to legitimate and tax-paying businesses. The country’s government is stable, pro-business, and invites investor interest. Panama is staunch in remaining the preferred destination for businesses and has taken various steps to foster a promising economic scenario.
Requirements for starting a business in Panama
You must have the following before starting a business in Panama:
Business name
You may register the business name in any language. The Law mandates adding a suffix such as Incorporated, Inc, Corporation, Corp, S.A., as necessary. The name must be unique from the existing registered businesses.
Registered office and agent
Panama’s laws require you to register an office and hire an attorney or a law firm as your Panamanian agent.
Shareholders
According to Panamanian law, a shareholder can be an individual or a company from any country. Every business entity needs at least one shareholder, who must be issued at least one share of $100.
Directors and officers
Every business entity in Panama needs at least three directors. The directors must be individuals above 18 years old with any citizenship. The Board of Directors appoints the Secretary, Treasurer, President, officers, and other directors.
Authorized capital
The Panamanian law requires businesses to divide the standard authorized capital of $10,000 into a maximum of 100 registered shares valued at $100 each. However, the company cannot issue all its shares totaling the authorized capital at any point.
Annual fees
Companies registered in Panama must pay an annual renewal fee from their second year of registration.
Types of Business Structures in Panama
Before starting a venture in Panama, you must decide on a business structure that suits your company’s services. The Corporations Law of Panama legalizes the following business structures:
Business Structure | About The Structure |
Sole Proprietorship |
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General Partnership (Asociacion General) |
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Limited Partnership (Sociedad de Responsibilidad Limitada) |
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Civil Partnership (Sociedad Civil) |
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Corporation (Sociedad Anónima) |
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Ordinary Limited Partnership (Sociedad en Comandita Simple) |
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Company registration process
Once you have decided a unique name and structure for your business, follow the given steps for registration:
Draft and legalize the bylaws
The bylaws are basically the “constitution” of the company that describes its ethics and value. They also include the following information:
- Frequency and nature of the board/shareholder meetings
- Documentation of all the details of the company, that include name, address, location, company type, etc.
- Procedure for record-keeping
- Company’s business objectives or ‘objetivo social‘
As a part of the signing of the bylaws, you must disclose this information to the shareholders. According to Panamanian laws, a company must have two or more shareholders (individuals or business entities), and at least one must be a resident or citizen of Panama.
Register the company
To register your company in Panama, you must:
- Present the bylaws before a Public Notary in Panama and obtain the Public Deed. This usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- Register before the Public Registry of Panama, which takes around 2 to 3 weeks
- Register the society before the General Office for Taxation, the District Municipality, and the Ministry of Commerce
- Register with the Ministry of Labore and the Social Security Fund of Panama before hiring professionals. This step takes 20 to 30 days.
Open a bank account
Opening a Panamanian bank account requires you to follow these simple steps:
- Partner with a local group
- Match your business objectives with a suitable local bank
- Complete all the documentation
Are Foreigners in Panama on Certain Passes Allowed to Start a Business in Panama?
Panama does not allow foreigners to become doctors, engineers, attorneys, architects, or open a retail business in the country. Anybody willing to enter the real estate or insurance brokerage industry must be a legal resident of Panama for more than 10 years.
How Can Multiplier Help?
It is difficult to set up and operate a business in Panama without knowing the relevant laws and regulations. A slight deviation from the compliance rules can land you in major legal trouble and hefty fines. Multiplier’s EOR solutions ensure that you quickly grow your team in Panama and remain within the legal boundaries without setting up an entity.
With our services, you don’t have to wait to set up a business structure to onboard and pay your employees across the globe. Furthermore, you can manage your team’s benefits, contracts, leaves, and payroll seamlessly from our digital platform.
Connect with us to know more.