Limited Partnership (Sociedad en Comandita Simple) in Panama — E-commerce Formation Guide
Choose a jurisdiction with strong payment gateway support (like Stripe or PayPal) and clear VAT/Sales Tax thresholds. Consider a US LLC for global reach or a UK/Estonian company for European market access.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
25.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$350
Annual Fee
$300
Forming a Limited Partnership (Sociedad en Comandita Simple) in Panama as a E-commerce means a total tax burden of 25.0% and an official formation cost of $350. There is no minimum capital requirement. Standard formation takes 3-5 business days, or 1-2 business days expedited. No local director is required; the process can be managed remotely. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.
First-year total cost
≈ $1,390
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $650
Why Limited Partnership (Sociedad en Comandita Simple) for E-commerce?
Selling physical or digital goods online directly to consumers or businesses. E-commerce businesses require robust payment gateways, favorable VAT/Sales Tax regimes, and efficient customs handling.
Ideal for
- Dropshippers
- Amazon FBA Sellers
- Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Brands
- Print-on-Demand Creators
Challenges to watch
- Managing cross-border VAT and sales tax compliance
- High shipping and fulfillment costs
- Payment gateway restrictions in certain countries
- Inventory management and customs duties
Key decision criteria
- Access to global payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, Shopify Payments)
- Import/export regulations and customs duties
- Corporate tax rates and dividend withholding taxes
- Distance selling regulations and consumer protection laws
Limited Partnership (Sociedad en Comandita Simple) formation requirements
Minimum capital
None
Standard timeline
3-5 business days
Expedited timeline
1-2 business days
Local director
Not required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Required
A local director is not required, but the partnership must appoint a Resident Agent (a Panamanian lawyer or law firm).
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $150,000 revenue)
Simulate with your own revenue →
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard rate 7%. Registration threshold: 36,000 USD. Foreign providers of digital services are generally required to register and collect the 7% ITBMS if their services are consumed in Panama. Non-resident businesses without a permanent establishment may face reverse-charge mechanisms for B2B sales.
Banking & payments for E-commerce
Opening a local corporate bank account in Panama as a non-resident can be rigorous, typically requiring extensive KYC, proof of economic ties, and an in-person visit. However, using international fintechs or specialized offshore banks can streamline the process for remote founders.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Payoneer
A global fintech platform that supports Panamanian entities for receiving international B2B payments.
MultiPass
A UK-based EMI that provides multi-currency accounts for offshore entities, including Panama.
Panama incentives & advantages
Territorial Tax System
0% corporate and personal income tax on all foreign-sourced revenue.
Special Economic Zones (e.g., Panama Pacifico)
Exemptions from corporate income tax, import duties, and dividend taxes, plus expedited visa processing for foreign workers.
Limited Partnership (Sociedad en Comandita Simple) formation steps
Choose and verify the availability of the partnership name at the Public Registry of Panama.
Draft the Partnership Agreement (Pacto Social) detailing the general and limited partners, capital contributions, and management rules.
Notarize the Partnership Agreement before a Panamanian Notary Public to create a Public Deed (Escritura Pública).
Register the Public Deed at the Mercantile Section of the Public Registry of Panama.
Pay the initial Annual Franchise Tax (Tasa Única) of $300 to activate the entity.
Obtain a Tax Identification Number (RUC) from the Directorate General of Revenue (DGI).
Apply for a Notice of Operation (Aviso de Operación) through the PanamaEmprende portal if conducting commercial activities locally.
E-commerce FAQ
Which country is best for incorporating an e-commerce company?
The US (Wyoming or Delaware LLC) is popular for global payment gateway access and low maintenance. For the EU market, Estonia (OÜ) or the UK (LTD) are excellent choices due to ease of remote management and straightforward VAT registration.
Do I need to pay VAT or Sales Tax if I sell internationally?
Yes, depending on your customers' location and your sales volume. The EU has the OSS (One Stop Shop) scheme for cross-border sales, while the US has economic nexus laws that require sales tax collection once specific state thresholds are met.
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Related guides
Complete Limited Partnership (Sociedad en Comandita Simple) guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, compliance
Limited Partnership (Sociedad en Comandita Simple) cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
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