Thread: Offshore and criminal record

It is required any certificate of "no criminal record" to start an offshore company in panama?

I think that is for any type of residency visa but check with an attorney.

yes but to form an offshore company is not required to have any residency in panama.
that is why i ask

Nope, I just formed a Corp and I will be on the perpetual tourist visa. Now if you have a felony on your record I don't believe you will ever be able to get a real visa but that still does not mean you cannot do business.

Now that I think about it I am not even sure if you can get into the country if you are a convicted felon? Check with an attorney.

I checked with my attorney. Yes you can get into the country if you are a convicted felon. You will have a problem getting any type of visa.

Originally Posted by Darkroom

It is required any certificate of "no criminal record" to start an offshore company in panama?

The short answer is no, the company owners to not have to provide a certificate of "no criminal record," but the law requires the company to have a Registered Agent in Panama, which is usually a local attorney or law firm.

Hence, there is no need for you to travel to Panama. If you want to visit Panama, tourists may travel to Panama for 30 days on a Tourist Card or a Tourist Visa, (extendable to 90 days at discretion of Immigration authorities), without a criminal record check.

However, if you plan to live in Panama, then you must get a Panama Visa, which usually requires a clean criminal record check.

Formation of a Non-resident Corporation in Panama.
Incorporation Procedure

Two or more persons of full age, of any nationality form the corporation for any lawful purpose in any country.

Offshore Corporation in Panama and Criminal Record

The Articles of Incorporation may originate in any country, in any language. Signatures should be certified by a Notary Public or other public officer and apostilled.

In Panama, two natural persons, which are company representatives, appear before a Notary Public to execute the Articles of Incorporation. A local law firm or attorney typically serves as the company’s Registered Agent in Panama and provides the two company representatives.

The application for incorporation needs the Full names and addresses of at least three directors, and 3 company officers, which are natural persons, but they do not have to be the company owners. The same person can server as both an officer and a director, so only 3 names are needed.

Names and identifications the 3 directors are recorded in the public registry, but they do not have to be the company owners.

thanks for very informative post Santiago