Company Name Check

Business Service Levels

Apply for a Consultation

Print this Page

Panama Important Note

RELATED SERVICES UK Company with Bearer Shares Holding Entities: United Kingdom Register a Branch in the UK Company Formation in Northern Ireland Incorporate in the Republic of Ireland Seychelles: Protected Cell Company BVI Corporate Vehicle for Charitable Use Cyprus: VAT Registration Holding Companies in Hong Kong Boat and Yacht Registration Trademark Registration Incorporate a Public Company in America

BANKING SERVICES Setting Up Your Bank Accounts Opening a Bank Account in the UK Offshore Bank Account

We Accept

1. There are not currency restrictions in Panama. The U.S. dollar is the circulating medium. 2. It is not necessary to have a paid-in capital. 3. There are no requirements to file any reports with the Panamanian government regarding any off-shore activities, except the annual government franchise tax of US$ 250.00 to remain in good standing. 4. Taxation in the Republic of Panama is based to the territorial source principle. Therefore incomes obtained from operations performed abroad are not taxable under our law. 5. It is not necessary for the interested parties to be present for the purpose of organizing a Corporation. In this case, corporations are formed through nominee incorporators in Panama, who execute the basic instrument for the incorporation called Articles of Incorporation. 6. The directors, shareholders and officers, may be of any nationality and resident of any country. 7. Meetings of directors and shareholders may be held in the Republic of Panama, or in any country. 8. Share certificates may be issued to the bearer or in the name of its owner and may be issued with or without par value. Neither the directors nor the officers need to be shareholders. 9. The accounting books of the corporation may be kept within Panama or abroad. 10. Corporations conducting business outside of Panama, do not require a commercial license for offshore activities. +44 (0) 207.637.3802 +44 (0) 289.099.8744 +44 (0) 800.081.1510 info@ukincorp.co.uk

- select a jurisdiction -- Company Formation UK- LLP Formation UK- Holding Co Formation UK- Guarantee Company Formatuion- Incorporate in Northern Ireland - Incorporate in Republic of Ireland - LLC Formation Delaware- LLP Formation Delaware- Delaware Limited Partnership- Company Formation Arkansas- Company Formation California- Company Formation Colorado- Company Formation Florida- Company Formation New York- Company Formation Nevada- Company Formation Oklahoma- Company Formation Oregon- Company Formation Washington- Company Formation Bahamas- Company Formation Belize- Company Formation BVI- Company Formation Cyprus- Company Formation Gibraltar- Company Formation Hong Kong- Company Formation Nevis- LLC Formation Nevis- Company Formation Panama- Setting Up Panama Foundation- Company Formation Seychelles- Company Formation St.Vincent

DEAR VISITORS, If you want to become familiar with the description and the contents of Panamanian corporation formation packages, offered by Coddan and to find above, what kind of service is included in this or that Panama corporation registration package, to get an idea about the price of annual renewal of the service, and about the general legal requirements to the Panamanian corporations creation, please, select the package you need from the list, situated below the banner. The information in the banner will be renewed according to the package you've chosen.

Because of its geographic position, Panama has been a shipping and commercial exchange center since colonial times. Following the construction of the Panama Canal, a vibrant service industry dedicated to the international business community developed to become the country's primary source of economic activity. Political stability, the use of the U.S. dollar as legal tender, the absence of exchange controls, and the enactment of special laws have been instrumental in promoting the growth of this service industry. As a result, a considerable body of Panamanian law has been enacted with international interests in mind.

Offshore investors, offshore financiers, and offshore businessmen find Panama an ideal stable and democratic country for worldwide offshore corporate base and offshore banking, offshore incorporation of offshore companies, offshore foundations and offshore trusts. Coddan is an international offshore corporate consulting and fiduciary services firm which provides the continuous, professional administration of offshore legal corporate affairs on behalf of clients worldwide. Our personnel and associates are multi-lingual, experienced professionals of undoubted discretion, technical expertise, and business acumen.

Our offshore services and facilities are designed to achieve the client's objectives in the shortest time-frame at reasonable costs. Customized long-term relationships and the tailoring of each offshore corporation, offshore foundation, or offshore trust to the client's specific need is our special concern. Headquartered at the heart of Panama's business district, our knowledge and experience allows us to assist a client with the offshore corporate structure that best suits his/her objective.

Please note » The prices payable for the items that you order are clearly set out in the web site. There will be no contract of any kind between you and us unless and until we receive payment from you. We act as your agent in the incorporation of companies and electronic filing of Companies House forms. We are not able to guarantee that any such filing will be acceptable to Companies House, nor are there any contractual obligation upon us to do so. If Companies House rejects incorporation or other electronic filing, we will credit your account with a full refund and the contract between us will be made void. Companies House does not offer a cancellation facility for the incorporation of companies or the electronic filing of documents. We will be unable to cancel any such submission on your behalf and will not refund any payment you have made. All prices shown at Coddan Web Site are in Great British pounds. Credit cards are the preferred method of payment; we accept VISA, MasterCard and Delta. We can accept payment in UK Pounds Sterling, US Dollars, Euros, Australian Dollars and Canadian Dollars.

Live Help » Live Help is a real time "chat" feature which enables you to interact with a customer service representative without a phone call. Get answers to your questions while using our website. Clicking the "Live Help" button will start an on-line session with one of our representatives. Live Help is currently available during normal business hours. Outside of the above opening hours our business center will be closed. When you click on the button you will see an e-mail form that will allow you to send us a mail with your questions. Live Help is absolutely free! There are no hidden fees. We offer the service as a courtesy to our website visitors. Dear visitors, while having a chat session with a customer, we are frequently requested to give a piece of advice on tax planning or business structuring. We would like to inform you that it is against our principles to provide online advice pertaining to these issues. The points that may be covered during a session include service description, package or service price, navigation at our website, ways of making an order, methods of payment etc. Yet, if you wish us to provide you with advice on tax or business structuring, you should be aware that this service is chargeable. If you have any questions please E-Mail or call us: 0800 081 1510 or +44 (0) 207 637 3881, fax: +44 20 7681 3318.

Part of my day-to-day practice involves the incorporation of Panamanian companies for clients. Clients use corporations for a number of purposes, for example: Holding company for real estate in Panama or elsewhere; Holding assets internationally on a favourable tax basis whereby assets can be transferred between persons in a private transaction through the delivery of shares rather than an exchange of the underlying assets themselves; Business start-up in Panama, such as a consulting service internationally or a hotel in the tourism industry; Conduct business in any jurisdiction in which a local or domestic corporation may conduct business; Investment and banking; and borrow or lend money.

Panamanian corporations have enjoyed worldwide acceptance since their creation by Law 32 of 1927 by reason of the flexibility and stability of the law - notwithstanding the occasional political problems - and of the fiscal provisions, which exclude from taxation income earned outside the country. As a result, the use of Panama as a convenient jurisdiction in which to organize and operate corporations has grown steadily over the years, providing significant economic benefits to Panama.

Independent sovereign state. Excellent corporate efficiency. Spanish speaking. Good air and sea communications with the United States. Has suffered from political instability in recent years but corporate 'friendly' environment was and is maintained. Corporate document presentation very similar to Spanish civil law, however, company law is based upon Delaware and New York legislation as it existed in the 1920's (see Law 32/1927).

Coddan offers offshore company formations, private interest foundations and registration of vessels and mortgages. The corporation law of the Republic of Panama provides that any two natural persons acting as the organizers and the subscribers may appear before a Notary Public to organize and constitute a corporation (In Panama Public Notaries govern most entities under the direction of a government institution). It is the usual practice for natural or juridical persons outside of Panama to accomplish the formation of a Panama corporation through a local Panamanian law office, a trust company, or a professional management services firm.

As your company formation agents, we can only act on information and instructions given to us. You should not assume that we have knowledge of any factual matters. All of the information contained on this web site is not meant to be advice, nor should it be followed. The information on this site pertains to U.K. law only and is offered as a public service. It is not intended to give legal advice about a specific legal problem, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. We do not hold ourselves out as offering tax advice, although we do not hold ourselves out as experts in the laws of any foreign country.

If you order an offshore company we usually require to send us by fax, email (as attachments in PDF, GIF or JPEG format) or mail: copy of the passport (with photo, signature and personal data pages) of the beneficial owner of the company; copy of the passport (with photo, signature and personal data pages) of the individual who contacts us and places order with us if he is not the beneficial owner. Beneficial owner is the individual who benefits from ownership of a company regardless of who holds title.

The corporation limited by shares is the most frequently used corporate form in Panama, and is the usual choice for an offshore operation. The corporation will either be resident or non-resident in Panama. If it will be conducting business in the country it will be resident and will be subject to income tax. Taxes in Panama are territorial and, therefore, corporate income earned outside the country will not be taxable. There are no tax treaties with other countries.

All our Panama Corporations are general trading companies which include Certificate of Incorporation & By-laws, Registered Agent and Address in Panama City. 3-5 days incorporation service which enables you to appoint members details straight away. This procedure applies to all or packs with the payment of all government fees. This pack is sent directly to you via DHL. THE FOLLOWING UPGRADES CAN BE ADDED TO THE ABOVE PACKAGE: 1. Company Pliers Seals - £20.00. 2. Apostilled Certificate of Incorporation - £110.00. 3. Three Nominee Directors service for 12 months - £210.00. 4. Nominee Shareholders service for 12 months - £110.00. 5. Certificate of Good Standing £140.00. +44 (0) 207.637.3802 +44 (0) 289.099.8744 +44 (0) 800.081.1510 info@ukincorp.co.uk

Therefore Panama Corporations may have accounts in any country and in any bank. Panamanian corporations may be organized by two or more persons of legal age (who can be Panamanian or foreigners) as well as juridical entities, for any lawful purpose (or purposes) whereby the incorporators subscribe to at least one share each of the capital stock of the corporation under formation. In practice, two persons or juridical entities from the incorporating attorney's office act as incorporators and immediately upon incorporation the two persons endorse (in blank) their subscription rights, thus the total authorized capital remains intact and may be issued to the beneficial owner(s) in full.

The standard capital is US$10,000.00, divided into either: 100 shares of US$100.00 each or 10,000 shares of US$1.00 each. It is also possible to have shares of no par value. A share capital of no par value as well as a higher authorised capital will increase the cost of incorporation, so please inquire regarding the cost.

The purposes for which the corporation has been established are usually detailed in the Articles of Incorporation. Where the company has been established for a particular purpose, this is usually listed first and then is followed by other possible business purposes. It is standard practice to use a catch-all purpose at the end of the article, which ensures that the corporation may undertake any and all legitimate business purposes, including those not expressly listed. This ensures flexibility, should the corporation change its focus later on.

The corporation MUST have at LEAST 3 (three) directors, who may be natural or legal persons. It is necessary to provide for each of these people their full name and address. The details of the directors of the corporation will be filed at the Public Registry and are therefore publicly available. Many clients prefer to retain the services of nominee directors for this reason.

The corporation must also have at least 3 officers - a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. It is also possible to appoint such Vice-Presidents, Sub-Secretaries, etc. as the client desires. It is usual practice for the three directors to be assigned the respective offices of President, Secretary & Treasurer. However, the client may wish for a single person to hold all of these offices.

The corporation should have a legal representative. Generally, the legal representative of the company is the President, and in his absence the Secretary and/or Treasurer. However, the client can indicate who should be the legal representative of the company.

The company must have a Registered Agent, who should be a Panamanian lawyer or law firm. Usually this service is provided by the lawyer or firm that incorporates the company. A company seal is optional, and most Panamanian Corporations do not adopt one. If a company seal is adopted, then this should be used on all official company documents, including resolutions of the Board of Directors.

After the corporation has been established, you will need to consider the costs of maintaining the corporation in good standing. This means that you will need to pay the Annual Renewal Fees of the corporation for the Government Franchise Tax and the Registered Agent fees. If the company has nominee directors, then there will also be fees payable for this service.

Annual renewal fees for companies are payable in two periods annually. Companies incorporated between January and June must pay before the end of June. Companies incorporated between July and December must pay in December. We invoice the annual renewal fees in January and July, to provide clients ample opportunity to get the payment to our office on time. Reminders will be sent out monthly, so that you do not forget.

Should you require further services, such as mail forwarding, please let us know at the time of incorporation. After the company has been established, we can assist with the preparation of company resolutions, as well as shareholder agreements, etc. which may be required for the corporation.

TAXATION.

The corporation will either be resident or non-resident in Panama. If it will be conducting business in the country it will be resident and will be subject to income tax. Taxes in Panama are territorial and, therefore, corporate income earned outside the country will not be taxable. There are no tax treaties with other countries. Usually, it is the non-resident corporation that it is formed because it is not subject to Panamanian taxes - except for an annual government corporate tax. If a non-resident corporation conducts banking business in Panama (savings accounts and fixed deposits, for example) the income derived is exempt from Panamanian taxes, which is a very attractive feature.

REQUIREMENTS FOR INCORPORATION.

Two or more persons of full age, of any nationality even though not domiciled, nor physically present, in the Republic of Panama, may form a corporation for any lawful purpose pursuant to the formalities stipulated therein.

In addition, the referred Law Number 32 of 1927 imposes no restrictions upon the ownership of shares of a Panamanian corporation by foreign citizens or corporations, nor are there any nationality restrictions nor residence requirements imposed upon directors or officers of Panamanian corporations under the said law.

In practice, corporations are formed through nominee incorporators in Panama, who execute the basic instrument for incorporation called Pacto Social, or more commonly known in English as the Articles of Incorporation, before a Notary Public of the Republic of Panama, and who obtain its registration at the Public Registry office in Panama, at which time corporate existence begins.

The Articles of Incorporation may be executed anywhere, within or outside the Republic of Panama, and in any language, and the same may be executed by means of a public instrument, or in any other form, as long as the signatures appearing thereon are certified by a Notary Public, or by any other public officer authorized to certify at the place of execution thereof. If the Articles of Incorporation have been executed outside of Panama, they must be legalized by a Panamanian Consul, or in absence thereof, by the Consul of friendly nation, or apostilled.

Thereafter, the Articles of Incorporation must be protocolized with a Notary Public in Panama and registered at the Public Registry office in Panama.

The required contents of the Articles of Incorporation are prescribed by Article 2 of Law Number 32 of 1927, and may be summarized as follows:

The name and domicile of each of the subscribers of the Articles of Incorporation, i.e., the incorporators.

The name of the corporation, which shall not be the same nor similar to that of another existing Panamanian corporation, and which shall include a word, phrase or abbreviation to indicate that it is a corporation and which may be expressed in any language. As a matter of precaution it is always advisable to provide several possible names in order of preference, and thus avoid expenses and delays in communications.

The general purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized, i.e., commercial, shipping, trading, tourism, etc., and which may be ample and general.

The proposed capital structure of the corporation, or its authorized capital, including the number and classes of shares, whether with or without par value, whether bearer or nominative (registered) shares, and if there are to be shares of different classes, the number of shares in each class, the designations and relative rights, preferences and limitations thereof.

In connection with the above, it should be noted that the amount of the authorized corporate capital and the par value of the shares may be expressed in currency of the Republic of Panama, or in legal currency of any country, or in both.

The number of shares that each of the subscribers to the Articles of Incorporation agrees to take. The domicile of the corporation, which may be in Panama or elsewhere, as well as the name and domicile of its Resident Agent in Panama, who must be an attorney or an attorney's firm in Panama.

The duration of the corporation, which may be perpetual. The full names and addresses of at least three directors. Any other lawful clauses which the subscribers may agree. It is usual practice to include the full names of the first officers of the corporation consisting of at least a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, as this affords a considerable time saving.

DIRECTORS.

Every corporation REQUIRES 3 DIRECTORS AND 3 OFFICERS (President, Secretary and Treasurer). The directors and officers can be either individuals or corporations and the directors can also be the officers, or vice versa. The corporation must have two subscribers when it is incorporated, but needs to have only one shareholder. A shareholder does not have to be either a director or an officer and the share certificate/s can be issued in his name or in bearer form. Those clients seeking maximum privacy usually request the professional forming the corporation to provide nominees to fill the positions of officers and directors. This will be reflected in the annual fee charges. Although the only documentation on public record will usually be the deed of incorporation (and any amendments), the names and addresses of the directors, officers and Registered Agent are also recorded. Beneficial ownership of a corporation or Annual Returns (common in many offshore jurisdictions, which detail basic information about the corporation) are not, however, required to be filed with the Registry.

Despite of the fact that Panama Registry is opened one - to maintain anonymity of the client allow: the use of Nominee Directors, General Power of Attorney and BEARER SHARES. The law requires all corporations to have a legal address, which must be provided by a local lawyer or law firm as Registered Agent. The incorporating attorney, or his law firm, generally acts as the statutory Resident Agent of the corporation, a legal requirement in Panama.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Under Panamanian Law, the management and administration of a corporation is vested in a board of directors, composed of at least three natural persons of full age, and subject to that which is prescribed by law and provisions to that effect in the Articles of Incorporation. The board of directors has absolute control and management of corporate affairs, including the adoption, amendment and repeal of By-Laws.

A quorum for board of directors' meetings, in absence of a provision to that effect in the Articles of Incorporation, is constituted by the presence of a majority of the members of the board of directors and the resolutions of the majority of directors present at a meeting in which there is the required quorum, are considered as resolutions of the board of directors.

In addition, directors may be removed at any time by the votes, given to that effect, of the holders of the majority of the subscribed shares with voting rights in the election of directors.

In absence of a provision to the contrary in the Articles of Incorporation, it is not necessary that the members of the board of directors be shareholders. Additionally, if expressly authorized by the Articles of Incorporation, it is possible for directors to be represented at meetings of the board of directors through proxy holders, who need not be directors, and who must be appointed by public or private instrument, with or without power to substitute.

OFFICERS.

Under Panamanian Law, corporations must have at least a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, who are elected by the board of directors, and in addition, may have all the officers, agents and representatives determined by the board of directors, the Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws, and who are to be elected in the manner established therein, and all of whom may be replaced at any time by resolution adopted by the majority of the members of the Board of Directors at a meeting thereof, or in any other manner set forth in the Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws.

If so provided by the Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws, the same person may hold two or more offices, although it is recommended that the President and Secretary be two different persons. Furthermore, in absence of a provision to the contrary in the Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws, it is not necessary that a person be a member of the Board of Directors or Shareholder to be an officer of the corporation.

WHEN YOU NEED A NOMINEE DIRECTOR.

Nominee Directors are needed when you must maintain a certain level of anonymity when conducting transactions. Nominee Directors are appointed by the offshore company and are carried in the Register of Directors.

WHAT NOMINEE DIRECTORS WILL DO FOR YOU.

Based on the Articles of Incorporation and resolutions of the Board, nominee directors can be authorized to sign specific contracts and agreements or can be given general authority to sign all contracts and agreements.

SPECIFIC ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE NOMINEE DIRECTOR(S).

Prior to signing any documents, the nominee director must first read through the document to ascertain the specific risk attached to the document for the signatory. Because this service must be performed by professionals with some experience a charge is normally imposed for the inspection of such documents.

TERMINATING NOMINEE DIRECTOR SERVICES.

When you appoint Nominee Director(s) you will receive a pre-executed resignation. When you are ready to terminate the services, you simply enter the date in the resignation and notify us.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE.

Under Panamanian Law, the Articles of Incorporation must set forth the amount of the corporate capital and the number and par value of shares into which it is divided.

The corporation may issue shares without par value, if the Articles of incorporation so provide, and if it does the said articles must stipulate (a) the total amount of shares that the Corporation can issue, (b) the number of shares with par value, if any, and value of each one, (c) the number of shares without par value, and (d) one or the other of the following statements: (1) that the corporation's capital shall be at least equal to the total amount represented by the shares with par value, plus a stated amount with respect to each share without par value which is issued and the sums that from time to time may be incorporated into the corporate capital by means of a resolution or resolutions of the board of directors; or (2) that the corporate capital shall be at least equal to the total amount represented by the shares with par value, plus the value received by the corporation for the issuance of shares without par value, and the amounts that from time to time may be incorporated into the corporate capital by means of a resolution or resolutions of the board of directors.

In addition, if the shares are to be divided into several classes, the Articles of Incorporation should set forth the designations of each class and a statement of the preferences, privileges, voting powers, restrictions and relative rights concerning the shares of each class.

Furthermore, the Articles of Incorporation may impose restrictions for the transfer of shares, but any restriction which in an absolute manner prohibits the transfer of shares is null and void.

Under Panamanian Law, shares may be issued in exchange for money, labor, services or property of any kind, and must be issued pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors. Shares may be nominative or registered, or bearer. If nominative, or registered, such shares may be issued as fully paid and non-assessable, as partially paid, or even without any payment having been made thereon, and are transferable by endorsement and the subsequent registration on the books of the corporation (Stock Register Book). If bearer, such shares may not be issued unless they have been fully paid and non-assessable, and are transferable by delivery of the corresponding certificate.

Under Panamanian Law, share certificates are required to state upon their face the following data: the registration data of the corporation at the Public Registry. The authorized capital of the corporation. The number of shares belonging to the holder thereof. The class of the shares, if there are different classes, as well as any special conditions, designations, preferences, privileges, premiums, advantages and restrictions or requisites that any of the classes of shares may have over the other classes. If the shares represented by the certificate are fully paid and non- assessable, this fact shall be expressed in said certificate. If not fully paid and non-assessable, the sum that has in fact been paid shall also be stated in the certificate. If nominative or registered shares, the name of the person to whom the shares are issued.

SHAREHOLDERS.

Generally speaking, the management of the affairs of a corporation is vested in the board of directors, and shareholders are attributed few administrative functions per se.

However, under Panamanian Law, the shareholders constitute the supreme power of the corporation, and shareholder action is required in connection with (a) amendments to the Articles of Incorporation; (b) removal of directors; (c) if so provided by the Articles of Incorporation or by-laws adopted by the shareholders, the adoption, amendment and repeal of By-Laws; (d) extraordinary corporate matters such as the sale, lease, exchange or disposal of capital assets, including its clientele and privileges, franchises and rights; (e) if so provided by the Articles of Incorporation, the transfer of assets in trust or to pledge or mortgage them to guarantee the liabilities of the corporation or third parties; (f) agreements for the merger or dissolution of the corporation.

However, other than the above and in absence of provisions to that effect in the Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws, there are no particular requirements for the holding of a shareholders' meeting.

In absence of a provision in the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws, shareholders' meetings must be held within the Republic of Panama. Written notice of time, place and purpose is required to be given to call a meeting of the shareholders of a corporation. Said notice is given in the name of the President, Vice-President, Secretary or Assistant Secretary, or of any person or persons authorized for this purpose by the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws. Notice of the meeting must be given in the manner contemplated by the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws, and in default thereof, notice must be given personally or mailed not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days prior to the date of the meeting to the shareholders' registered address; and in the case of bearer shares, by publication in accordance with the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws.

Shareholders, or their legal representatives, may waive notice of any meeting in writing, and the attendance of all the shareholders at a meeting thereof will operate as an automatic waiver of notice of the meeting.

Under Panamanian Law, resolutions adopted in any meeting in which all shareholders are present, whether personally or by proxy, are valid; and resolutions adopted in a meeting in which there is a quorum, having those shareholders who are absent waived notice, will be valid for all purposes enumerated in the waiver. The quorum requirements for shareholder meetings may be determined by the Articles of Incorporation, and in default thereof, the presence of the majority of the shareholders will constitute a quorum. If a quorum is present, the majority vote of the shares represented will be sufficient to constitute a valid resolution of the shareholders, unless otherwise provided by law or a provision to that effect in the Articles of Incorporation.

Furthermore, unless restricted by the Articles of Incorporation shareholders have the right to be represented by a proxy holder at all shareholders' meetings, who may be appointed by private or public instrument, with or without power to substitute, and who need not be a shareholder of the corporation.

Lastly, the Articles of Incorporation may provide for cumulative voting for the elections of members to the board of directors.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

A Panamanian corporation which does not operate in Panama is not required to file any financial reports or tax returns and may maintain its books of account in any manner it desires in any part of the world. Panamanian corporations operating in Panama are required to file Income Tax Returns. No other financial reports, with the possible exception of certain statistical reports which may be requested by various government offices, and a municipal tax declaration are required.

RESTRICTIONS ON NAME.

Names must end with one of the following words, or abbreviations thereof- Limited, Corporation, Incorporated, Societe Anonyme or Sociedad Anonima. The following words, and their associated activities, cannot be used: Assurance, Bank, Building Society, Chamber of Commerce, Chartered, Cooperative, Imperial, Insurance, Municipal, Royal and Trust.

LOCAL REQUIREMENTS.

The company law requires that Panamanian corporation maintain a registered office address within Panama.

BEARER SHARES.

Since the shares of capital stock may be par value or non par value, when the shares are without par value, that amount of the capital need not be mentioned, but it will be necessary to state the total amount of shares of stock that the corporation is authorized to issue. Whether the corporation may issue its certificates of shares to bearer, or on nominative form, or either way. If the corporation is to issue shares of different classes: the number of shares of each class and the designations, preferences, privileges, voting rights, restrictions and requisites of the shares of each class of the statement that said designations, preferences, privileges, voting rights, restrictions and other requisites may be determined by a resolution adopted by the majority of the Directors.

Documents Download »
Decree Law No.9 of 1998 (Summary) (20Kb RTF file)
Panama Law No. 25 June 12, 1995 Whereby Private Foundations are regulated (34Kb RTF file)
Republic Of Panama Law 32 of February 26, 1927, General Corporation Law (70Kb RTF file)
LAW 24 (of February 1, 1966) Regulating Enterprises of Limited Liability (55Kb RTF file)
Executive Decree No. 417 (of August 8, 1995) (33Kb RTF file)
Law No. 1 Of January 5, 1984 (81Kb RTF file)