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Panama Tax Guide

South America
Updated January 2025
Sources + last updated

This page includes citations to the sources used for this entry. Always verify with official sources before making decisions.

Personal Tax Score
88/100
Very Tax Friendly
Business Tax Score
78/100
Tax Friendly

Personal Income Tax

Tax Residency

Day Threshold
183 days
Note
183 days or center of vital interests; $200k residency by investment available

Income Tax Rates

Top Marginal Rate
25%
Structure
Progressive 0-25% on Panama-sourced income only

Foreign Income Treatment

System
Territorial
Details
Foreign-source income exempt from Panamanian tax; proposed changes under discussion for passive income

Investment Income

Capital Gains
10%%
Dividends
10%%
Interest
0-25%%

Generally 10% on Panama real estate; foreign capital gains exempt


Wealth & Inheritance

Wealth Tax
No - No wealth tax
Inheritance Tax
No - No inheritance tax

Special Regimes

Pensionado Visa
Retiree program with tax breaks and discounts
Friendly Nations Visa
Easy residency for citizens of 50+ countries

Practical Notes

Territorial system means foreign pensions, investment income, and remote work income generally not taxed. Dollarized economy (USD).

Business & Corporate Tax

Corporate Income Tax

Headline Rate
25%
Effective Rate Note
25% on Panama-sourced income; foreign income exempt
Free Zone / Incentives
Free Trade Zones offer exemptions and incentives

Withholding Taxes

Dividends
10%
Interest
0%
Royalties
0%

VAT / GST

Rate
7%
Note
7% ITBMS (VAT) - relatively low

Compliance & Substance

Substance Requirements
Moderate - free zone substance requirements
Compliance Friction
Moderate - developing regulatory framework

Notable Regimes

  • Free Trade Zone incentives
  • ColΓ³n Free Zone
  • Pacifico Special Economic Zone

Data Sources

Last updated: January 2025. Always verify with official sources before making decisions.

FAQ

What is the personal income tax rate in Panama?

Panama has a top personal income tax rate of 25%. The tax structure is: Progressive 0-25% on Panama-sourced income only. See the detailed breakdown above and verify with official sources.

Do I need to pay tax on foreign income in Panama?

Panama uses a territorial system for foreign income. Foreign-source income exempt from Panamanian tax; proposed changes under discussion for passive income

What are the residency requirements for Panama?

Tax residency in Panama generally requires 183 days of physical presence. 183 days or center of vital interests; $200k residency by investment available. Always verify current rules with official sources.

Is there a wealth tax in Panama?

No, Panama does not have a wealth tax. No wealth tax

What is the corporate tax rate in Panama?

The corporate tax rate in Panama is 25%. 25% on Panama-sourced income; foreign income exempt