Jurisconsultas forms your Panama Corporation (Sociedad Anónima) from start to finish — Articles of Incorporation, notarization and Public Registry filing. One of the world's most recognized corporate structures for international business, asset protection and tax planning. No need to travel to Panama.
The Panama Corporation — formally known as Sociedad Anónima (S.A.) — is the most widely used corporate structure in Panama, governed by Law 32 of 1927, one of the most flexible corporate legislation frameworks in the world. It has been trusted by entrepreneurs, investors and multinational companies for nearly a century.
A Panama S.A. is a separate legal entity with its own rights, obligations and assets — fully independent from its shareholders and directors. It can own property, open bank accounts, enter contracts, hold shares in other companies and conduct international business, all in its own name.
Panama's territorial tax system means that income generated outside Panama is not subject to local taxation — making the Panama Corporation one of the most tax-efficient structures for international operations. Combined with privacy, speed and low maintenance costs, it remains a top choice globally.
Foreign-source income is not taxed in Panama. Ideal for international holding companies and global operations.
Shareholders need not appear in public records. Nominee directors available for enhanced privacy.
A Panama Corporation can be incorporated in days once all information is provided. Remote process — no travel required.
The Panama S.A. is recognized in over 140 countries. One of the most established offshore corporate structures in the world.
No residency requirements for directors or shareholders. Bearer shares have been eliminated — all shares are registered.
Panama uses the US dollar as its official currency. No currency risk for US-dollar denominated operations and assets.
Every Panama S.A. has the same foundational structure required by Law 32 of 1927. Understanding these elements helps you make informed decisions when forming your corporation.
The Pacto Social (Articles of Incorporation) is the founding document of the corporation. It establishes the company name, purpose, capital structure, directors and governance rules. Jurisconsultas drafts this document on your behalf.
A minimum of three directors is required (individuals or one legal entity). Directors can be of any nationality with no residency requirement in Panama. Nominee directors are available for clients who prefer privacy.
Every Panama Corporation must have a registered agent — a qualified Panamanian attorney or law firm — as its official point of contact with the Panamanian state. Jurisconsultas provides registered agent services.
The corporation must designate a President, Secretary and Treasurer. These roles can be held by the same person and do not need to be Panamanian residents. They can overlap with the board of directors.
No minimum capital requirement. The standard structure uses registered shares (bearer shares were eliminated in 2015). Shares can be issued in any currency and in multiple classes with different voting and economic rights.
Panama Corporations pay an annual franchise tax of $300 USD to maintain good standing. This is due each year and is separate from the registered agent fee. Late payment incurs penalties.
Our formation process is straightforward and fully remote. Once you provide the required information, we handle everything through registration at the Public Registry of Panama.
Provide your preferred company name and director/officer details. We verify name availability at the Public Registry.
We draft the Articles of Incorporation and have them notarized by a Panamanian notary public — all handled remotely.
We file and register your corporation at Panama's Public Registry. Once registered, your S.A. is a recognized legal entity.
You receive the registered Articles of Incorporation, share certificates and corporate books — ready to operate.
Timeline: A Panama Corporation can typically be incorporated within 5 to 10 business days from the date all required information is submitted. Rush incorporation may be available upon request.
Conduct international trade, services and business operations under a stable, recognized legal entity with Panama's territorial tax advantages for foreign-source income.
Use a Panama S.A. as a holding company to own shares in other corporations, investments, bank accounts or real estate across multiple jurisdictions.
Own Panamanian or international real estate through a corporation for privacy, simplified transfer of ownership and protection from personal liabilities and claims.
Separate personal assets from business liabilities. Corporate assets are shielded from personal creditors of shareholders, providing a legal layer of protection.
Use a Panama S.A. as a vehicle for investments — stocks, bonds, funds and financial instruments — benefiting from Panama's tax-neutral treatment of foreign-source investment income.
Maintain confidentiality of ownership through nominee directors and registered shares. Beneficial ownership information is maintained privately, compliant with current Panama regulations.
Common questions from our international clients about forming a Panama Corporation.
The Panama Corporation (Sociedad Anónima) is governed by Law 32 of 1927 and registered at Panama's Public Registry (Registro Público). Every Panama S.A. must have at least three directors, a registered agent and officers (President, Secretary and Treasurer). There is no minimum capital requirement and no residency requirements for any corporate position.
Panama's corporate law is intentionally flexible to attract international business. The Panama S.A. can be structured with multiple classes of shares, variable capital, nominee arrangements and comprehensive governance rules — all tailored to the specific needs of the founder and shareholders.
When people refer to a Panama offshore company, they typically mean a Panama S.A. used for international business outside Panama. The territorial tax system means these companies pay no Panamanian income tax on foreign-source revenue. Combined with the country's political stability, dollarized economy and strong legal framework, Panama remains a top offshore jurisdiction.
The Panama holding company structure — using a Panama S.A. to own shares in other entities — is widely used by international groups to consolidate ownership, simplify corporate governance and benefit from Panama's tax-neutral treatment of dividend income and capital gains from foreign sources.
To incorporate a company in Panama, the process involves: (1) selecting a unique company name, (2) appointing directors and officers, (3) drafting and notarizing the Articles of Incorporation, and (4) filing at Panama's Public Registry. The entire process is managed by Jurisconsultas on your behalf — remotely, in English, with fixed fees.
Compared to other jurisdictions, Panama company formation is fast, cost-effective and operationally straightforward. There are no complex ongoing compliance requirements for companies that operate exclusively outside Panama, making it one of the easiest offshore structures to maintain.
Foreigners can open a company in Panama without any restrictions. There is no requirement to be a Panamanian citizen or resident to be a shareholder, director or officer of a Panama Corporation. The process is entirely remote — you never need to visit Panama.
Panama offers both the Sociedad Anónima (S.A.) and the Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.), similar to an LLC. The S.A. is preferred for international use due to its broader recognition, share-based structure and greater flexibility. The S.R.L. is typically used for smaller, closely held domestic businesses. Jurisconsultas advises on the optimal structure for your specific situation.
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