CORPORATE LAW
Corporate Law Services in Panama
Comprehensive legal solutions for businesses operating in Panama.
Legal Expertise for Your Business in Panama
Our corporate lawyers in Panama provide strategic advice and legal support to help businesses establish, grow, and operate smoothly. From structuring companies to handling complex transactions, we ensure your legal compliance and business success.
Our Corporate Legal Services
We provide comprehensive corporate law services, including:
- Company formation and structuring
- Drafting and reviewing shareholder agreements
- Mergers and acquisitions advisory
- Corporate governance and compliance
- Commercial contracts and negotiations
- Tax and fiscal consulting for businesses
Supporting Local and International Businesses
Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a multinational corporation, we provide tailored legal services to navigate Panama’s corporate landscape efficiently.
Expert Real Estate Legal Services in Panama
Protect your investment with professional and personalized legal advice.
Corporate Governance and Compliance
We help businesses comply with Panama’s corporate laws and international regulations. Our attorneys design governance frameworks to minimize risk and improve transparency.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Business Transactions
Our firm offers expert guidance through all stages of mergers, acquisitions, and other business transactions, ensuring seamless legal support for successful outcomes.
Drafting and Reviewing Business Contracts
We prepare and review commercial contracts that safeguard your interests, from supply agreements to joint ventures, ensuring clarity and enforceability.
FAQ
Do I need to be present in Panama to manage my company?
No. Panama corporations can be managed entirely from abroad. Directors’ and shareholders’ meetings can be held anywhere in the world, and resolutions can be adopted by written consent without a physical meeting. Day-to-day operations can be handled remotely, and your Resident Agent in Panama serves as the registered point of contact for legal and regulatory purposes. Powers of attorney can be granted to local representatives for specific transactions. This remote management capability makes Panama especially attractive for international entrepreneurs who want a Latin American corporate presence without relocating.
What are the annual compliance requirements for a Panama corporation?
Every Panama corporation must meet the following annual compliance obligations: pay the $300 USD annual franchise tax before July 15 each year, maintain a Resident Agent with an active license in Panama, keep accounting records that accurately reflect the company’s financial position (Law 52 of 2016), retain supporting documentation for at least five years, maintain an updated register of beneficial owners available through the Resident Agent, and hold at least one annual board meeting and shareholders’ meeting (which may be conducted remotely). Failure to pay the franchise tax for three consecutive years can result in the company’s suspension from the Public Registry.
What is the role of a Resident Agent in Panama?
A Resident Agent is a licensed attorney or law firm in Panama that every corporation must appoint by law. The Resident Agent serves as the company’s official legal representative before Panamanian authorities, maintains custody of the company’s corporate records, holds the register of beneficial owners as required by Law 52 of 2016, files documents with the Public Registry, and serves as the point of contact for legal notifications. At Paralelaw, we serve as Resident Agent for hundreds of corporations, providing ongoing compliance support, document management, and legal advisory services to keep your company in good standing.
Does Panama have beneficial ownership disclosure requirements?
Yes. Since Law 52 of 2016, all legal entities in Panama must maintain records identifying their ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs). This information must be kept by the company’s Resident Agent and made available to competent authorities upon request. Panama also participates in international information exchange frameworks. However, beneficial ownership information is not publicly accessible — it is only disclosed to authorities in the context of legitimate investigations or compliance with international agreements. This balance between transparency and privacy is a key feature of Panama’s corporate framework.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Panama?
Yes. Panama’s corporate legislation places no restrictions on foreign ownership. A foreigner can own 100% of the shares of a Panama corporation (Sociedad Anónima or S.A.), serve as a director and officer, and manage the company without needing a local partner or shareholder. There is no requirement for Panamanian nationality or residency for directors, officers, or shareholders. This open ownership framework, established under Law 32 of 1927, makes Panama one of the most accessible jurisdictions in Latin America for international investors and entrepreneurs looking to establish a business presence in the region.
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