Panama good standing certificate from the Public Registry

What does a Panama good standing certificate prove?

The Public Registry of Panama certifies what is recorded in the company's file (folio) on the day the document is issued. That is why it is used to show third parties that the company is still active, has not been dissolved and who can act on its behalf.

According to the Public Registry's official forms, every certificate also states the liens, charges and restrictions in force and any filings pending registration. The recipient can therefore see whether any procedure is under way on that company.

Types of company certificate

When ordering a certificate for a Panama corporation (S.A.), a limited liability company (S. de R.L.), a registered foreign company or a civil company, you choose one of these types:

• Standard: the most requested one. This is what is known as the certificate of good standing or certificate of existence.
• Standard with powers of attorney: adds the registered powers you specify, useful when someone will sign on the company's behalf.
• Directors, officers and legal representative: focuses on who manages the company, for banks or counterparties that only need that detail.
• Dissolution: certifies that the company was dissolved, for example to close accounts or pending matters.
• History: shows the changes recorded since incorporation, such as amendments and changes of directors or resident agent.

What does the standard certificate show?

Under the official 2026 form, the standard company certificate contains:

• Company name and registration number (folio).
• Date of incorporation and current status.
• Subscribers to the articles of incorporation.
• Directors, officers and other positions.
• Resident agent.
• Legal representation.
• Capital and its breakdown.
• Duration and domicile.

Capital certificate and certificate of directors

When a bank or a foreign authority asks for a "capital certificate", the standard certificate is usually enough, because it includes the company's capital and its breakdown under the registered articles. If they only need proof of who runs the company, the certificate of directors, officers and legal representative is shorter and more direct.

The Public Registry does not certify who the shareholders are: in a Panama corporation they are not registered and are recorded in the company's own share register.

Certificate for a private interest foundation

Foundations have their own form. The standard certificate shows the name, folio, date of incorporation, status, founder, foundation council members and other positions, resident agent, legal representation, endowment and its breakdown, duration and domicile. It can also be ordered showing only the council members, the positions and signing authority, or the history.

What about a certificate of incumbency?

The certificate of incumbency that many banks outside Panama ask for is not one of the certificates issued by the Public Registry. It is a document usually prepared by the resident agent or the company secretary from their records. If you are asked for one, we explain which document replaces or supports it in your case and pair it with the official certificate.

How to order a good standing certificate in Panama

1. Identify the company by its name and registration number (folio). If you do not have it, we look it up at the Public Registry first.
2. Choose the certificate type requested by the entity that will receive it. Getting it right matters: according to the Public Registry, once a certificate is issued it is not corrected if it certified what was requested.
3. File the request through the Public Registry's Virtual Office, paying online, or at one of its offices.
4. Choose delivery: electronic, by email, or pick-up at the counter. If the certificate will be apostilled, the Public Registry requires email delivery.
5. If you are in a hurry, there is a priority processing service for an additional charge, paid when the request is filed.

Electronic certificate and verification

Since Resolution JD-060-2020, the Public Registry no longer issues certificates on security paper. Today the certificate is an electronic document that the receiving entity can verify using the details printed on it.

Using the certificate in another country

For the certificate to be valid abroad, it is apostilled at Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs if the destination country is a party to the Hague Convention, or legalized at the consulate otherwise. If the recipient needs the text in English or another language, a translation by an authorized public translator is added.

The certificate reflects the company's situation on the day it is issued, so many banks and authorities ask for a recent one. Ask the recipient how old a certificate they will accept.

Before ordering: check the company is up to date

A company that is behind on its annual government fee (tasa única) can be suspended under Article 318-A of the Fiscal Code, and that is the first thing a bank checks. If that is your case, we guide you on bringing it up to date before ordering the certificate.

How Panainfo helps

We order the Public Registry certificate you need, send it to you digitally and, if you will use it outside Panama, also handle the apostille and the official translation. We only need the company name or registration number and to know what you will present it for.

Legal basis

• Law 3 of January 6, 1999, which created the Public Registry of Panama.
• Civil Code of Panama, in its provisions on the Public Registry.
• Law 32 of 1927 (corporations), Law 4 of 2009 (limited liability companies) and Law 25 of 1995 (private interest foundations).
• Public Registry Resolution JD-060-2020, which eliminated security paper for certificates.
• Resolution 212 of April 18, 2013 (Official Gazette 27283-A) and Resolution JD-004-2026 (Official Gazette 30538), cited in the official certificate forms.
• Article 318-A of the Fiscal Code, on the annual government fee.
• Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, ratified by Panama through Law 6 of 1990.