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HPT Group
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Americas · Jurisdiction

Panama

We advise on company formation, structuring and related work in Panama, and coordinate local formation agents, banks and counsel where the matter requires them.

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Our work in Panama

What clients most often ask us for here

Other HPT services are available in Panama where the matter calls for them.

  • Panama Private Interest Foundation
  • Friendly Nations Visa (residency)
  • Yacht and aircraft registration
  • Tax residency (territorial)
  • Banking introductions

Key facts

Headline corporate tax
0% offshore
Typical formation
1 to 2+ weeks
Formation, first year
From £2,600, government fees included
Annual renewal
From £2,900, government fees included
Classification
Hybrid
Region
Americas

Headline tax rates and formation times are indicative and change. We confirm the current position in writing for each matter.

Talk to us

Sheung Wan and Mayfair

Hong Kong and London. Meetings by appointment only

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We aim to reply within 48 hours.

Advisers in discussion at a meeting table

Common questions

Panama: questions we are often asked

Is Panama suitable for my structure?
That depends on where you and the other owners are resident, where the business operates, where it will bank and how counterparties will view Panama. We review those points before recommending any jurisdiction.
Can a Panama entity open a bank account?
Often, but it depends on the activity, the owners and the bank. We consider banking before anything is formed and will tell you if we think an account is unlikely.
What substance is required?
Substance rules differ by jurisdiction and by activity. We set out what applies to your structure, and what it costs to meet, in the written recommendation.
What will it cost?
We agree our fee in writing before work begins. Formation and annual renewal fees include the standard government fees and the registered agent. Other third-party costs, such as local counsel, are set out separately in the same document.

Compare

Other Americas jurisdictions

Other Americas jurisdictions
JurisdictionClassificationHeadline corporate taxTypical formation time
Delaware (USA)HybridPass-through3 to 7+ days
Wyoming (USA)HybridPass-through3 to 7+ days
Nevada (USA)Hybrid0% state3 to 7+ days
Florida (USA)Onshore5.5%3 to 7+ days
Americas overview

Insights

Further reading

All insights
The old town in Panama City.

Corporate

Panama Company Formation: A Complete Guide for 2026

Iglesia de San Francisco in the Old Town of Panama City.

Corporate

Panama S.A. Corporation: Formation and Operating Guide

View from helicopter November 2014 of the town of Boquete, Panama.

Structures

Panama Private Interest Foundation: A Complete Guide

We do not give legal or tax advice in jurisdictions where we are not qualified to do so; where needed, we coordinate local counsel and tax advisers.

Fees agreed in writing before work begins. Where a bank or provider pays us for an introduction, we tell you before the introduction is made.

See also what we will not do and prohibited and restricted matters.

Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong, at night

Next step

Considering Panama?

Tell us about the structure you have in mind. A senior adviser will review it and reply with the questions we would need answered.

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