Panama corporation, LLC or foundation? Find out which one suits you
Answer 5 questions and see which Panama structure best fits what you want to do: a corporation, a limited liability company or a private interest foundation. It takes one minute and asks for no personal data.
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The quiz needs JavaScript. Below you will find a comparison of the three structures.
Panama corporation, LLC or foundation: how they differ
- Corporation (Law 32 of 1927): has shareholders and a board of directors. It is the most widely used structure for doing business, investing, holding real estate or owning a vessel. Shares transfer easily and shareholders are generally not listed in the Public Registry.
- Limited liability company, S. de R.L. (Law 4 of 2009): has members holding quotas and simpler management. It suits family businesses or companies with a few members who want to control who joins. Members appear in the registered articles.
- Private interest foundation (Law 25 of 1995): has no owners; the assets it receives form its own separate estate. It is used for family asset protection and to decide how and when assets pass to beneficiaries. It cannot carry out commercial activities on a regular basis.
Can they be combined?
Yes, and it is common: a private interest foundation can own the shares of a corporation that runs the business or holds the assets. The corporation does business and the foundation organizes who will receive everything in the future.
How to use your result
The quiz gives general guidance based on Panamanian law. The best option for you also depends on the laws of the country where you live and on your specific plans. When you finish, you can message the owner of Panainfo directly on WhatsApp with your result to get a written quote.
Legal basis
- Law 32 of 1927, on corporations.
- Law 4 of 2009, on limited liability companies.
- Law 25 of 1995, on private interest foundations.
Frequently asked questions
Is the quiz result legal advice?
No. It is general guidance. The owner of Panainfo confirms the best option for your case before any procedure starts.
Can I have a corporation and a foundation at the same time?
Yes. It is a common combination: the foundation owns the shares of the corporation.
Do I need to live in Panama to form any of the three?
No. All three can be formed remotely, with owners, members or founders of any nationality. Only the resident agent must be in Panama.
Does the quiz store my answers?
No. Your answers stay in your browser. They are only sent if you choose to message us on WhatsApp with your result.
General information. It does not replace advice for your specific case; requirements and official fees may change.