Whether you are interested in setting up a personal bank account in Panama, or are looking to create a Panama corporation with a corporate bank account in Panama for doing business, we can help make the introduction to a number of different banks in Panama that we have relationships with, and help you through the due diligence paperwork and process, which can be extensive depending on what type of account you need and what bank you choose to go with, as well as what type of business you are in.
If you would like to set up a bank account through any particular Panama bank or brokerage firm that we do not currently deal with, we can also assist you for a slightly higher set up fee. We have done extensive research to ensure that the recommended financial institutions are secure, stable and reputable. Our experience in assisting our clients with introductions to Panama banks to set up Panama bank accounts is extensive, and we have great relationships with the best banks in Panama.
Contact us and get a free Panama banking consultation today.
Panama Bank Account
Personal Panama Bank Accounts
Panama bank accounts for personal use are generally set up through our recommended Panama banks.
Most of the major Panama banks that we can recommend require clients to be either citizens or residents of Panama (or in the process of obtaining residency in Panama) in order to open a personal Panama bank account. The majority of our clients who open personal bank accounts in Panama are either residents of Panama or are in the process of applying for residency in Panama, and they naturally need a bank account in Panama in order to qualify for residency, pay their local Panama bills, and do business in Panama.
The banks in Panama are very conservative and highly formal when it comes to opening bank accounts for foreigners, and they place a great deal of importance on due diligence of each client to ensure that they are following correct compliance procedures in accordance with the “Know Your Customer” (KYC) laws of Panama. As a result, it is very common for banks in Panama to require each client to appear at the bank for a personal interview, and provide the following documentation:
- Two forms of identification: Passport & Drivers License, for example.
- Proof of source of funds or source of your income: This could be copies of your last few years of tax returns, audited financial statements, etc.
- Proof of your residential address: This could be your utility bill showing your name and address, for example.
- Proof of residency in Panama or application for residency: If you are already a resident, then you would provide your Panama ID card (cedula), or if you are in the process of obtaining residency, then our law firm would provide a letter certifying that you are in the process of applying for residency.
The minimum deposit required to open a Panama bank account will range from $100 to $10,000 depending on what bank in Panama you choose to go with, and whether or not you decide to bank with a Panama private banking service (offers more personalized Panama banking services usually with certain premium investment or deposit options), or if you prefer to go with the standard banking service.
The process of opening a Panama bank account can take from 1 hour to a few days, depending on whether or not your documentation is complete, and the banks compliance department has approved your account, or if they require additional due diligence documentation or have additional questions about your banking needs, etc.
Learn more about setting up a personal Panama bank account.
Corporate Panama Bank Accounts
Bank accounts for Panama corporations are generally set up through our recommended Panama banks.
The majority of our clients who open corporate bank accounts in Panama are either residents of Panama or are in the process of applying for residency in Panama, and they naturally need a corporate bank account in Panama in order to do business in Panama. Most of the major Panama banks that we can recommend require clients to be either citizens or residents of Panama (or in the process of obtaining residency in Panama) in order to open a corporate Panama bank account, plus, the Panama company must be set up for the purpose of doing business in Panama, and have a local Panama business operations permit.
The banks in Panama are very conservative and highly formal when it comes to opening bank accounts for foreigners, and they place a great deal of importance on due diligence of each client to ensure that they are following correct compliance procedures in accordance with the “Know Your Customer” (KYC) laws of Panama.
As a result, it is very common for banks in Panama to require each client to appear at the bank for a personal interview, and provide the following documentation for each signatory, company director, and/or shareholder or final beneficiary:
1. Two forms of identification: Passport & Drivers License or national ID card, for example.
2. Proof of source of funds or source of your income: This could be copies of your last few years of tax returns, audited financial statements, etc.
3. Proof of your residential address: This could be your utility bill showing your name and address, for example.
4. Proof of residency in Panama or application for residency: If you are already a resident, then you would provide your Panama ID card (cedula), or if you are in the process of obtaining residency, then our law firm would provide a letter certifying that you are in the process of applying for residency.
5. Business plan: A short business plan explaining what products or services your company provides, your primary target markets, your financial projections, and your estimated business banking activity.
6. Company documents: Articles of incorporation, new certificate of incorporation, corporate resolution authorizing the opening of the account, declaration of shareholders or beneficiaries, etc.
7. Letter of reference from your law firm.
The minimum deposit required to open a corporate Panama bank account will range from $1000 to $10,000 or more, depending on what bank in Panama you choose to go with, and whether or not you decide to bank with a Panama private banking service (offers more personalized Panama banking services usually with certain premium investment or deposit options), or if you prefer to go with the standard banking service.
The process of opening a Panama bank account can take from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on whether or not your documentation is complete, and the banks compliance department has approved your corporate account, or if they require additional due diligence documentation or have additional questions about your business banking needs, etc.
Learn more about setting up a corporate bank account in Panama.
Bank Accounts in other Countries
Though our focus is in introductions for Panama banking, we also have relationships with banks in other jurisdictions. As a client of International Relocation Firm we can make introductions on your behalf to recommended banks in one of these countries, and help guide you through the process of establishing a bank account to accomplish your business needs.
Contact Us for a consultation for more details.