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Starting Up in Business in Panama. How to Start an Offshore Business in Panama

OFFSHORE PANAMA COMPANY FORMATION. INCORPORATE OFFSHORE CORPORATION IN PANAMA

Welcome to Coddan online Panama Company formation agent. We recommend reviewing this site in its entirety, so that you are knowledgeable of Panama jurisdiction and the powers granted to Panamanian companies. We will guide you through the process of registering your company and establishing your registered identity. Complete and submit our application form. Adequate completion and submission of this form, along with the provision of payment, will enable Coddan to incorporate your proposed company in Panama within three business days. We will express mail your corporate documents to the mailing address you specify in your incorporation order. If you want to become familiar with the description and the contents of Panama company formation packages, offered by Coddan and to find above, what kind of service is included in this or that Panama companies incorporation package, to get an idea about the price of annual renewal of the service, and about the general legal requirements to the companies incorporation within Panama, 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. For over seventy-five (75) years the Panamanian Corporation ("Sociedades Anonimas") have been recognized, world wide, as an offshore vehicle, with the proper advice, can be successfully used in a variety of International Business, Asset Protection, Estate Planning Structures, among others.

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. Monday - Friday: 9:30am to 17:30pm +44 (0) 207.637.3881 +44 (0) 800.081.1510 info@ukincorp.co.uk

Particular features of Panamanian Corporations:

• Incorporation in 24-48 hours.
• Panamanian Companies can be incorporated without regards to the nationality of its directors and shareholders.
• Incomes generated by a Panamanian Corporation outside of the Panamanian territory are tax exempted.
• The authorized capital does not have to be paid in full or partially.
• There is no need to file any financial reports or tax returns with any government entity in the Republic of Panama, provided that the company does not operate within the territory of Panama.
• Legal entities of any jurisdiction may act as directors, officers and shareholders of a Panamanian Corporation.
• There is no need to hold annual meetings of Directors or Shareholders.
• Directors and Shareholders may attend to the meetings personally, by proxy, by phone or by any other electronic means.
• Three (3) directors are required, either natural persons or legal entities.
• The dignitaries (President, Secretary and Treasurer) do not have to be directors and one person can occupy several or all charges. Natural persons or legal entities can also be appointed as dignitaries.
• Shares may be issued to the bearer or in nominative form. In any event, the name of the shareholder is not require to be registered in the Panamanian Public Registry, thus, ensuring total anonymity.
• A corporation can effectuate transactions and have assets in any part of the world without the obligation of maintaining assets in the Republic of Panama.
• Panamanian Corporations are empowered by law to conduct any lawful act.
• Absence of exchange control.

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.

Incorporation of the company usually takes 3 working days. However, during the holiday season the registry is usually not as responsive to client requests and therefore your patience is requested. Depending on where the client is located, documents can be dispatched overnight or delivered in 48-72 hours. 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 (US$250.00) 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. 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.

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 offshore companies. We are not able to guarantee that any such filing will be acceptable to Companies Registrar , nor are there any contractual obligation upon us to do so. If Companies Registrar rejects incorporation or other filing, we will credit your account with a full refund and the contract between us will be made void. Companies Registrar does not offer a cancellation facility for the incorporation of companies or the 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.

Please read the following before you get started:

FATF/OECD BLACKLISTS

In June 2000, Panama was identified by the FATF as a non-cooperative tax haven in the global fight against money laundering. The result of this was that Panama was one of fifteen tax jurisdictions placed on an FATF blacklist. Each offending tax haven had a year in which to correct its regulations and legislation.

The FATF released its annual report in June 2001, in which the organisation revised its list of countries and territories deemed non-cooperative. Only four were removed from the list, including Panama (the other three being the Cayman Islands, Liechtenstein and the Bahamas). Panama was praised by the FATF for its substantial efforts to conform to forty recommendations set out in a code of good practice governing money laundering.

Although along with many other offshore jurisdictions Panama issued a 'commitment' letter to the OECD in 2001, following agreement on the EU's Savings Tax Directive in 2003, Panama told the OECD that it considered there was no longer a 'level playing field' and that it did not consider itself by by its commitments.

PANAMA'S LOW-TAX SPECIALISATIONS

Panama has territorial taxation, thus only locally sourced income is taxed. There are no 'offshore' regimes as such other than the Colon Free Zone and the export processing zones. There are more than 120,000 companies in Panama, most of which trade or hold assets externally. It is reasonably easy to form corporations, and privacy is assured. There are no tax treaties. Banking and shipping are Panama's two main 'offshore' industries. There are 140 or more banks, specialising obviously in South and Central American business, and Panama is the world's largest shipping registry. Once, it would have been fair to say that drug running and money-laundering were well-rooted in Panama, but with lots of US pushing and shoving, the country seems to have moved in a better direction lately. There is a small but growing stock exchange, and there is 'captives' legislation which is little used.

MODERATE TAXATION FOR LOCAL BUSINESS

INCOPORATE A PANAMANIAN CORPORATION - £490.00! All our Panama Corporations are general trading companies which include Articles of Incorporation & By-laws, Registered Agent and Registered Address in Panama City. 3-7 days incorporation service which enables you to appoint directors and shareholders 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 Aricles of Incorporation - £110.00. 3. 3 Nominee Directors service for 12 months - £310.00. 4. Nominee Shareholders service for 12 months - £110.00. 5. Apostilled Certificate of Good Standing £140.00. 6. Apostilled Certificate of Tax Residence Letter £140.00. 7. Company with Bearer Shares (additional fee) £45.00. Monday - Friday: 9:30am to 17:30pm +44 (0) 207.637.3881 +44 (0) 800.081.1510

Locally sourced profits are taxed at up to 30%; for individuals this is the top rate of a sliding scale. There is no capital gains tax but gains on real estate count as income. There is a small withholding tax. All foreign-source income is tax-free. There is VAT, and import duties, but these have been reduced substantially in recent years. The Government's extensive investment incentive programmes give substantial tax benefits to incoming investors in many sectors; and the free zones are ideal for locating regional distribution centres. No company with exclusively external assets and commercial operations will pay tax.

PANAMA FORMS OF COMPANY

Panama Company Formation Package - £490.00. We form companies with you as the first directors, and shareholders. Should you wish to incorporate an offshore company, Coddan is able to offer a substantial savings. Coddan is a provider of offshore corporate, financial and electronic commerce services based in the Republic of Panama. We can incorporate a new Panamanian corporation - as well as a Panamanian Limited Partnership (LP). International investors, financiers and businessmen find Panama an ideal foreign base country for worldwide operations and transactions. Panama taxes according to the territoriality principle (that is, it does not tax foreign-source income), only the income produced locally is taxable, disregarding the citizenship of the taxpayer. Dividends are not included as income subject to income tax. Panama is a well-conceived and developed offshore center that caters to the international community. With a strategic geographical location, the ability to quickly form a corporation, and freedom from local taxes on offshore operations, Panama is an excellent location for conducting legitimate business.

If you require additional company services such as nominee directors or company shareholders the following packages have been prepared to simplify our pricing structure. Select the company formation package (our incorporation form allows you to add more services than a form ad) that meets your requirements and contact our team of advisors on + 44 (0) 207.637.3802 (or +44 (0) 800.081.1510) or complete the enquiry form.

Corporation (Sociedad Anonima). The corporation limited by shares is the most frequently used corporate form in Panama, and is the usual choice for an offshore operation. Corporations are formed under the Law No. 32 of 1927 and the Commercial Code (Decree-Law No. 5 of 1997, Article 5). A corporation is formed by two subscribers (or nominees in the case of absent foreign subscribers) who execute the Articles of Incorporation (Statutes) before a notary and then record them at the Public Registry Office, paying a capital tax (minimum US$60.20 on the usual capital of US$10,000). There is an annual registration fee of US$250.

Following incorporation, only one shareholder is necessary. Shares can be of various classes, can have par value or not, may be registered or bearer. There is no minimum capital, and no paying-up rules, except that no-par-value and bearer shares must be fully-paid when issued. Strict regulations now apply to bearer shares: the registered agent must keep the bearer share certificate in safe custody and must notify the Registrar about such shares.

There must be at least three (3) directors, and their names must be in the Articles as filed; changes to directors must also be filed. Each corporation must have a resident Panamanian agent (a lawyer), named in the Articles; there are no other filing requirements unless the Articles are changed or the corporation is merged or dissolved.

Foreign Corporation. A foreign company can be registered in Panama by depositing the following documents at the Public Registry Office: a notarised Spanish translation of the Articles of Association; a Board minute authorising the Panamanian registration. Copies of the most recent financial statements. A certificate from a Panamanian Consul confirming that the company is organised according to the laws of its place of incorporation. Notification of the allocation of capital to the Panamanian operation. Capital taxes on formation and annual registration fees are payable as for Panamanian corporations.

A foreign company can transfer its 'seat' (meaning roughly speaking the place from where its directors control the company) to Panama, and will then be subject to Panamanian laws regarding public policy, while remaining under its originating law in other respects. A foreign company operating in Panama but not registered there may be sued in the courts of Panama but does not have the right to sue.

General Partnership. A General Partnership is permitted under the Commercial Code. The partners have unlimited liability.

Panama Limited Partnership Registration Package - £700.00. Limited Partnership. Limited partnerships (sociedad de responsibilidad limitada) are governed by the Commercial Code and Law No 24 of 1966. Such a partnership may have between two and twenty partners. There is no restriction on the nationality of the partners or their domicile. Capital must be between US$2,000 and US$500,000. The names of the partners must be registered in the Public Registry Office along with details of the amount of capital committed and paid in (in cash or kind) by each of them. The liability of each partner for the debts of the partnership is limited to the amount subscribed to but unpaid. The partners can appoint an independent administrator for the partnership whose name must also be registered. A limited partnership with up to 5 members is not obliged to hold meetings. Otherwise, the partners must meet at least once each year. There is no requirement for annual returns or the filing of accounts.

An Individual Limited Proprietorship (empresa individual de responsibilidad limitada) is set up in the same way as a limited partnership with the exception that there is only one member. Details must be recorded at the Public Registry. The sole proprietor transfers assets to the business for the purpose of trading. The business liability of the proprietor is then limited to the amount of the assets committed.

Civil Partnership. The Commercial Code and Law No 24 of 1966 also govern the Civil Partnership (sociedad civil), which has legal personality, although the liability of the partners is unlimited. This type of partnership is often selected by professionals such as lawyers and accountants.

Commandite Company. The Commercial Code and Law No 24 of 1966 also govern the Commandite Company (sociedad en commandita) which is a hybrid partnership and corporation. At least one partner must have unlimited liability, while the liability of the limited partners is limited to the amount of capital subscribed. In one form, the Commandite Company can have shares which are transferable; but the Commandite Company is seldom used nowadays.

Foundation. The Private Foundation Law 1995 governs private foundations in Panama. Unlike the common law trust, the foundation is an autonomous legal entity with no members or shareholders. It is generally used for the protection of assets and no business activities are permitted.

The founder establishes the foundation by depositing a notarised private foundation charter at the Public Registry; or the Charter can be executed before the Notary Public. The Charter must specify the names of the Foundation Council (who administer the foundation on behalf of the beneficiaries), the property of the Foundation, its domicile, the name of its Panamanian agent and other details; but the names of beneficiaries and principles of operation can be contained in separate Regulations which do not need to be filed.

The minimum capital requirement is US$10,000. No accounts are necessary and an audit is not required. As with all Panamanian entities, tax is only levied on income generated within Panama. Foundations are subject to the same capital taxes (minimum US$60) and annual registration fees (US$250) as are Corporations. Panamanian law specifically excludes the operation of foreign 'forced heirship' rules or judgements against foundation assets. Panama itself has abandoned these typical civil law provisions in its own legislation.

Trusts. Panamanian trust law was updated with Law No 1 of 1984. Panamanian trusts (Fideicomiso) must be expressed in writing, so cannot be constructive. Trusts can be stated to be revocable but otherwise are irrevocable. The settlor, trustees and beneficiaries need not be Panamanian nationals or resident in Panama. A Panamanian lawyer must act as an agent for the trust. Trusts may be settled in respect of existing or future property; additional property may be included after the settlement either by the settlor or a third party.

There are no registration or minimum capital requirements, or fees, and trust documents can be in English or Spanish. Unlike foundations, trusts are not protected by specific provisions against foreign inheritance laws, judgements or creditors. However, purpose trusts are allowed for.

If a trust earns a taxable income in Panama, then tax is levied directly on the trust and not on the trustee. The National Banking Commission of Panama regulates the transactions of entities acting as trustees. The Banking Commission does not have the authority to investigate the terms of particular trusts or the relevant parties, except where complaints are raised by beneficiaries.

At the end of 2000, Panama enacted two laws addressing money laundering and has issued Executive Decrees to effect accompanying administrative changes. As a result of these new laws, all financial institutions in Panama will come under the scrutiny of the bank superintendency, including trusts, whereas previously only banks were legally bound to report financial transactions over US$10,000 and other suspicious activities.

PANAMA CORPORATION (SOCIEDAD ANONIMA)

The corporation limited by shares is the most frequently used corporate form in Panama, and is the usual choice for an offshore operation.

Benefits: no reporting requirements. It is possible to keep a business under direct control while maintaining complete confidentiality. Names of beneficial owners are not publicly available. It is not required to file any changes to ownership schedule, after the registration is complete. It is not required to maintain a legal address. No citizenship or residency requirements or restrictions with respect to owners, directors and officers as with most other tax havens. Stockholders' and directors' meetings may be held anywhere in the world. Capital shares may be issued in a nominative form, or to "bearer" - the ideal protection of the corporation owner's identity and total privacy. Funds and accumulated offshore profits can be deposited or invested in any country in the world without becoming subject to taxation in Panama. One person might hold all three positions of a President, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer.

Other common advantages of Panama companies are: ultimate financial privacy. Asset Protection. Income Tax Reduction. No inheritance, succession or gift taxes. Protection from inflation. Reduction in legal liabilities. Reduction in operating expenses. Freedom from currency exchange control. Local Government concessions, subsidies and support. Data on owners and directors are not publicly available and remain confidential. Easy access to North American and European capital markets. No international trade tariffs. No annual tax return requirements. No import/export quantity limitations. No costly bureaucracy.

In June 2000, Panama was identified by the FATF as a non-cooperative tax haven in the global fight against money-laundering. The result of this was that Panama was one of fifteen tax jurisdictions placed on an FATF blacklist. Each offending tax haven had a year in which to correct its regulations and legislation. The FATF released an annual report in June 2001, in which the organisation revised its list of countries and territories deemed non-cooperative. Only four were removed from the list, including Panama (the other three being the Cayman Islands, Liechtenstein and the Bahamas). Panama was praised by the FATF for its substantial efforts to conform to forty recommendations set out by the FATF in a code of good practice governing money laundering.

The purpose of this summary is to provide the basic information for incorporating a company in the Republic of Panama, which can conduct personal and/or business affairs. The law governing companies is set out in Law 32 of 1927 and many of its provisions have been copied by other leading offshore financial services centers since it was promulgated over 70 years ago. Despite the popularity of many of these centers, only Hong Kong has more registered companies (some 400,000) than Panama (approximately 350,000) at present.

If you have a need for an offshore corporation, Panama will still offer the most flexibility and security. Your corporation will be complete within three days of receipt of payment and you will not be subject to tax liabilities unless your corporation operates and generates direct income from Panama. That means you can open offices and employ local Panamanians for any business activity that does not generate its income from Panama, and you will still be tax exempt.

Strangely enough, often the most difficult part of what is very straightforward process is choosing a name for the corporation. Once one has been chosen, it is recommended that you also pick a standby alternative as well it must be approved by the Companies Registry and it is possible to have this done in a day. You can reserve a name for up to 30 days if necessary. The name of the corporation can be in any language, but must end with one of the following suffixes: S.A., Inc., Incorporated, Corp. or Corporation.

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 of US$250.00 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.

Your Panamanian corporation will come complete with a translation in English. It will contain all of the necessary documents including certificate of incorporation, General power of Attorney, Nominee Directors and Registered Agent for one year. Your package will also contain a Minutes Book, Stock Ledger and your Stock Certificates. You will also have for your personal security undated signed letters of resignation from the Nominee Directors. Application forms for corporate bank accounts and optional debit cards will also be included.

Among the interesting features of Panamanian Corporations, we can find the following: Panamanian companies can be incorporated without regards to the nationality of its directors and shareholders. Income generated by a Panamanian Corporation outside of the Panamanian Territory is tax exempted. There is no need to file any financial reports or tax returns to the Panamanian authorities, if the company does not operate in Panama. Companies may act as directors, officers and corporate liquidators. There is no need to hold annual meetings of Directors or Shareholders in Panama. Directors and Shareholders may attend to the meetings personally, by proxy, by phone or by any other electronic means. Shares may be issued to the bearer or registered. In any event, the name of the shareholder is not disclosed to the Public Registry. There are no restrictions for the objects of a Panamanian Corporation, as long as they are not considered illegal by the authorities. The time of incorporation is around three to five working days tax.

Panama offers the most favorable and most flexible incorporation laws available in the world. Panama corporations are used by individuals from all over the globe who are interested in asset protection, tax minimization, privacy, investment diversification, affordability and convenience. Panama corporations can be used for international trade, to settle trusts or foundations, to establish and own bank or brokerage accounts, or hold ownership of real estate or any other type of asset. In some cases, Panama corporations are formed for very private and confidential business transactions such as the movement of funds to another jurisdiction for the protection of the assets.

Panama offers the strictest corporate book and banking secrecy laws available in the world, therefore providing legal protection to your assets and your identity through the confidentiality of corporate business and banking transactions. Most other offshore jurisdictions, such as the British influenced countries, have vowed down to recent legislation that has begun the removal of bank secrecy in those British colonies around the globe. Panama is a totally sovereign nation, not governed or controlled by any other country in the world.

PANAMA COMPANY FORMATION

The following details are required to incorporate a Panama company:

The name of the corporation. It must end in any of the following words or abbreviations: Corporation, Corp., Incorporated, Inc., Sociedad Anуnima or S.A. Names in a foreign language are permitted. Availability of names must be cleared for use by the Public Registry. Name(s) available may be reserved, if desired, for a period of 30 days only at a cost of US$30.00 each. The specific objectives of the corporation. Usually broad general objectives are listed; however, mention is also made in the corporate charter of certain specific objectives for which the corporation is organized, if desired. The amount of authorized capital, stating also the number of shares and their respective par values. (If no par value shares are used, then the government values each share at US$20.00 for purpose of computing of registration fee on authorized capital). The type of shares - Nominative and/or bearer, common and/or preferred, and the class of shares - class A or class B, (when applicable) voting or non-voting, as well as any rights and/or restrictions applicable thereto. The law requires a minimum of three (3) directors, which may be natural persons or juridical entities. For natural persons, the full names (initials are not acceptable) and addresses are required. For juridical entities, complete official name(s) and address(es) accompanied by a notarized and apostilled certification (or Panamanian Consul authentication) from the regulatory body or registrar of the corresponding jurisdiction(s), indicating that the entity is validly existing and who is its legal representative are required. If so desired, the services of directors and/or officers are provided for a yearly fee by local attorneys and management companies. The full names of the first officers: president, secretary and treasurer. Vice President(s) and other officers are optional. One person may hold two positions, but the president should not be the secretary as well, for practical reasons. Directors may also act as officers. Directors and officers need not be shareholders, Panamanian, or local residents or entities. Duration of the corporations, which may be in perpetuity. Name and address of the Resident Agent (a local attorney or a law firm). Domicile of the company (Registered address).

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 authorized capital of a Panama corporation does not have to be fully subscribed or paid up.

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 (Coddan), generally acts as the statutory Resident Agent of the corporation, a legal requirement in Panama.

No records have to be kept by the Panamanian Registered Agent and although every corporation must maintain a minute book and stock register, they can be held anywhere in the world. Neither are accounts required by statute and a corporate seal is optional. The flexibility of Panamanian corporations is further illustrated by the fact that annual general meetings of either shareholders or directors are not mandated and when meetings are held, they can be by proxy and take place anywhere. The meetings can be via telephone or other electronic means and the resolutions passed will be valid even if they are ultimately signed on different dates and in different locations by the parties.

There are no exchange controls and Panamanian corporations can conduct business in any country or currency. They have a multitude of uses and are used, for example, to settle trusts and foundations, maintain bank accounts and hold stock market and mutual fund investments. Real estate is often held in the name of a corporation, especially houses, apartments and commercial properties. Sometimes a corporation is formed for a particularly sensitive and very confidential business transaction.

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, labour, 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). Bearer shares may not be issued unless they have been fully paid and non-assessable, and are transferable by delivery of the corresponding certificate.

The jurisdiction has, perhaps, the most secure confidentiality laws to be found anywhere. Those who have been following developments in jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Isle of Man will appreciate just how privacy is being eroded elsewhere. In Panama, however, only serious crimes relating to drug trafficking and money laundering will cause confidentiality to be lifted. Therefore businessmen and others making legitimate use of the jurisdiction will find that Panama can provide both the professionals and the infrastructure to achieve their objectives from a strategically located international financial services center.

PANAMA CORPORATION TAX INFORMATION

Income tax is payable on the income of a Panama or foreign corporation or other entity derived from business carried on within Panama; a corporation carrying on business both inside and outside Panama will pay tax on the proportion of its income that arises within the country. Capital gains are counted as income after deduction of allowances. The rate of income tax in Panama is 30% on chargeable income; a higher rate of 34% applies to income over PAB 500,000 for companies that are registered with the Official Registry of National Industry or that have government contracts. Companies with gross income below PAB 200,000 pay lower rates on the first PAB 100,000 of their taxable income.

There is a withholding tax of 10% on dividends paid out of taxed income. If less than 40% of taxed income is distributed, then Undistributed Profits Tax of 10% becomes payable on the undistributed balance; this therefore amounts to a maximum of 4% tax. In effect this is an advance withholding tax, and it is creditable against the 10% tax on later distributions of the taxed profit. Branches of foreign corporations pay the 10% "deemed dividend tax" on their full taxed income (making their effective taxation rate equal to 37%); but they are not subject to withholding tax on eventual distributions. The tax year is the calendar year, ending 31st December, although a different year can be agreed with the tax authorities. A tax return is due within three months (can be extended to six). The previous year's tax return must be accompanied by a forecast of the current year's tax, which is then payable in three instalments after six, nine and twelve months after the end of the previous year.

Non-Resident Panama Corporations offer the following tax advantages: no tax reporting requirements. No income tax. No capital gains tax. No interest income tax. No sales tax. No tax to shareholders. No capital stock tax. No property tax. No estate tax. No gift tax. No stamp tax. No succession tax. No inventory tax. With all this advantages is no wonder why over 100 banks and foreign companies have chosen Panama as their strategic base of operations for the Latin American region! International investors, financiers and businessmen find Panama an ideal foreign base country for worldwide operations and transactions. Panama taxes according to the territoriality principle (that is, it does not tax foreign-source income), only the income produced locally is taxable, disregarding the citizenship