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Business Licenses

Panama Notice of Operations (Aviso de Operaciones) formerly knows as Commercial License (Licencia Comercial)

We assist clients in the process of creating, opening and register companies in Panama. We can obtain the "Notice of Operations", formerly known as "Business License, which allows your company operates in Panama.

A Business License allows a natural or legal person to carry out commercial activities within Panamanian jurisdiction. The legal entity or natural person must be previously registered at the Directorate of Revenue (DGI).

The Panama Notice of Operations is personal and non-transferable, and the holder can only carry out the activities declared on the license.

Business Licenses Regulated Activities:
The Ministry of Commerce and Industries of Panamá granted the license for specific activities. Government-regulated commercial or industrial activities, such as investment advising, stock exchange, financing, pharmaceutical establishments, clinics, hospitals, insurance agencies, and commercial activities that involve selling alcoholic beverages (such as discotheques, restaurants, cafeterias, and supermarkets) must fulfill all legal requirements before starting operations. Moreover, they may follow other requirements and costs to have their Business License approved.

Specific Activities Solely for Panamanians:

According to the Constitution and Laws of the Republic of Panama, the retail trade and the professions listed below may be exercised solely by Panamanians:

Agricultural Sciences

Pharmacy

Dental assistant

Barbering

Cosmetology

Veterinary

Chiropractors

Nutrition

Physiotherapy

Economy

Public Relations

Social Work

Engineering

Architecture

Speech Therapy, therapists and similar

Journalism

Chemical Laboratory Technicians

Chemistry

Medical Assistant

Accounting

Sociology

Medicine

Medical radiology

Psychology

Nursing

Odontology

Law


Legal Fee and Expenses:

Service

Legal Fee

Requirements

Process Time

Commercial License.

USD 450

Notes: Our fee included the cost of a USD 55 general license if an entity and USD 15 general license if the applicant is a natural person.

Payment: 100% at acceptance of the quote.

Confirm the commercial activity to carry on in Panama.

Confirm the commercial address of the corporation in Panama.

For a general license 3 business day.

For new corporations: 3 to 7 working days, counting since the date of registration of the AOI at the Public Registry.


Issuance Time:
Panamanian business licenses for a company properly registered and meeting all requirements are issued on the day they are requested.

Notes:

  1. Once the commercial license is registered and if the commercial address is located in Panama Province, the registration is automatically notified to the county office. The county office will start charging a tax. The tax will depend on the type of activity and the numbers of activities registered. The minimum to pay is USD 12.00 monthly. Besides, every year, you have to submit an income statement to the county office before March 31st.
  2. If you will have operations and generate income in Panama, the corporation has to submit an income statement at the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) as well. We suggest hiring an accountant. 

Government Fee

  1. There will be an annual fee of 2% of the company’s social capital or a minimum of USD 100.00 payable to the Directorate of Revenue.
  2. Also, municipal taxes will be payable to the County Office where the business is located. 

Government entity: Ministry of Commerce and Industries
Legal sources: Law No. 5 of January 11, 2007