Civil Partnership (Sociedad Civil) in Panama — Import / Export & Trading Formation Guide
Choose a jurisdiction with strong logistics infrastructure, favorable customs agreements, and access to major trade blocs (like the EU or US). Consider VAT deferral schemes and free trade zones.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
25.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$50
Annual Fee
$0
Forming a Civil Partnership (Sociedad Civil) in Panama as a Import / Export & Trading means a total tax burden of 25.0% and an official formation cost of $50. There is no minimum capital requirement. Standard formation takes 5-7 business days, or 2-3 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
≈ $950
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $800
Why Civil Partnership (Sociedad Civil) for Import / Export & Trading?
A business model focused on sourcing goods from one country and selling them in another. Success relies heavily on supply chain efficiency, customs compliance, and navigating international trade tariffs.
Ideal for
- Physical product brands
- Wholesalers and distributors
- Dropshippers scaling to bulk inventory
- Cross-border B2B traders
Challenges to watch
- Complex customs and import duties
- High shipping and logistics costs
- Cash flow management due to inventory delays
- Regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions
Key decision criteria
- Proximity to major ports or logistics hubs
- Availability of Free Trade Zones (FTZs)
- VAT and sales tax registration requirements (e.g., EORI in the EU)
- Double taxation treaties between sourcing and selling countries
Civil Partnership (Sociedad Civil) formation requirements
Minimum capital
None
Standard timeline
5-7 business days
Expedited timeline
2-3 business days
Local director
Not required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Required
A local resident agent (lawyer or law firm) is required. Note that practicing certain professions requires Panamanian citizenship.
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $1,000,000 revenue)
Simulate with your own revenue →
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard rate 7%. Registration threshold: 36,000 USD. Foreign providers of digital services to consumers in Panama are generally required to register and charge 7% ITBMS.
Banking & payments for Import / Export & Trading
Opening a corporate bank account in Panama can be rigorous due to strict KYC and AML regulations. While remote opening is possible with the assistance of a resident agent, it often takes 4 to 8 weeks and requires extensive documentation, including apostilled passports and reference letters.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Towerbank
Crypto-friendly bank that allows remote account opening with the assistance of a resident agent.
Panama incentives & advantages
Territorial Tax System Exemption
0% corporate and personal income tax on foreign-sourced earnings.
Civil Partnership (Sociedad Civil) formation steps
Step 1: Choose a unique name for the Sociedad Civil and verify its availability in the Panama Public Registry.
Step 2: Draft the Partnership Agreement (Pacto Social) detailing partner contributions, profit-sharing ratios, and management rules.
Step 3: Execute the Partnership Agreement before a Panamanian Notary Public to create a Public Deed (Escritura Pública).
Step 4: Register the Public Deed at the Panama Public Registry (Registro Público de Panamá).
Step 5: Pay the initial Annual Franchise Tax (Tasa Única) of $300 to activate the entity.
Step 6: Obtain a Tax Identification Number (RUC) from the Directorate General of Revenues (DGI).
Step 7: Register ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO) information in the Panamanian UBO registry through your resident agent.
Step 8: Obtain a Notice of Operation (Aviso de Operación) from the Ministry of Commerce if engaging in local commercial activities.
Import / Export & Trading FAQ
Do I need a company in the country I am importing to?
Not always. You can often act as a Non-Resident Importer (NRI), but having a local entity can simplify customs, VAT registration, and local banking.
What is an EORI number and do I need one?
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is required for businesses importing or exporting goods into or out of the European Union.
Should I incorporate in a Free Trade Zone (FTZ)?
FTZs offer tax exemptions and simplified customs procedures, making them ideal if you plan to re-export goods without them entering the local domestic market.
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Related guides
Complete Civil Partnership (Sociedad Civil) guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, compliance
Civil Partnership (Sociedad Civil) cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
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🇨🇾 Import / Export & Trading — Sole Proprietorship
Tax 0.0% · formation $100
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