Requirements to set up a Panama private interest foundation
Foundation charter, initial assets, foundation council, resident agent and documents signed abroad: what Panamanian law requires before you set up a private interest foundation.
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The foundation charter
The charter is registered at the Public Registry of Panama. It states the name (which must include the word "Foundation"), its purposes, the initial assets, the foundation council, the resident agent, the domicile, how beneficiaries are designated and its duration.
Initial assets
The law requires initial assets of at least US$10,000, which may be contributed in cash or in other assets.
Foundation council
It consists of at least three individuals or one legal entity, and it manages the foundation according to the charter and its regulations.
Resident agent
Every foundation must have a resident agent in Panama, who must be a lawyer or a law firm.
Founder, beneficiaries and protector
The founder creates the foundation. Beneficiaries can be named in the charter or in separate regulations. A protector is optional.
Documents signed abroad
Documents signed outside Panama usually need an apostille or legalization, and a translation into Spanish by an authorized public translator when they are in another language.
General information only. It does not replace advice for your specific case; requirements and official fees may change.