Panama

Panama operates a strict territorial tax system: only income derived from activities within Panama is subject to taxation. Foreign-source income — dividends, interest, royalties, and business income earned outside Panama — is completely exempt from Panamanian tax, regardless of residency status.

Panama's Friendly Nations Visa programme grants residency to nationals of over 50 countries who can demonstrate economic ties. The Pensionado programme offers generous discounts to retirees. The country uses the US dollar, has a modern banking sector, and serves as a major logistics hub due to the Canal.

Tax residency in Panama is generally triggered by physical presence exceeding 183 days in a calendar year. The country operates on a territorial basis: income sourced abroad is not subject to local income tax for residents, making it particularly attractive for individuals with cross-border income streams. No statutory CFC rules apply, which can facilitate the use of foreign holding structures without automatic income attribution. Special tax regimes available include: territorial system, Friendly Nations Visa, Pensionado. Panama taxes only income derived from Panamanian sources. Foreign-source income is completely exempt regardless of residency status. Panama maintains a network of approximately 16 double taxation treaties, which may reduce withholding rates and provide certainty on income sourcing.

For individuals operating foreign businesses from Panama: 0% effective rate on foreign-source income. The 25% corporate rate applies only to Panama-source income.

The standard corporate income tax rate is 25%. Company formation typically takes approximately 7 working days, at an estimated cost of €1,500. The administrative process is considered straightforward, with minimal bureaucratic friction. Ongoing annual compliance costs are estimated at €800, covering statutory filings, accounting, and audit obligations where applicable. Free zone structures are available. Colón Free Trade Zone is the second-largest free trade zone in the world. Panama City also has the City of Knowledge and Panama Pacifico free zones.

Banking access in Panama is attainable but may require more documentation and time than in simpler jurisdictions. Panama has a well-established banking sector with over 80 licensed banks. However, enhanced due diligence is common due to FATF grey listing. Many international banks have reduced correspondent relationships. Internet infrastructure is developing. Speed and reliability can vary by location and should be assessed for business-critical operations.

Panama is currently on the FATF grey list, indicating enhanced monitoring by the international AML/CFT body. This may affect banking relationships and counterparty due diligence requirements. EU tax blacklist status: grey_list. Structures involving this jurisdiction may attract additional scrutiny or reporting obligations under EU member state rules. Panama participates in CRS (Common Reporting Standard), FATCA, meaning financial institutions will automatically exchange account information with relevant tax authorities. OECD compliance rating: partially_compliant. Points to consider: FATF grey list (since 2019); Panama Papers legacy — enhanced due diligence; Limited double tax treaty network; Substance requirements for holding structures. Panama was added to the FATF grey list in June 2019. The "Panama Papers" (2016) significantly damaged its reputation, though major reforms have been implemented.

Panama was added to the FATF grey list in June 2019. The "Panama Papers" (2016) significantly damaged its reputation, though major reforms have been implemented.

Based on our scoring model, Panama ranks highest for Digital Nomad and Freelancer. It offers a reasonable proposition for digital nomad (score: 64/100). It offers a reasonable proposition for freelancer (score: 61/100).