Crypto license in Panama

A crypto license in Panama allows companies to legally conduct digital asset activities within the framework of existing financial intermediation regulations. Obtaining the status of a Subject to Financial Intermediation (SFI) confirms the legality of operations and helps build trust with clients, banks, and business partners.

Although there is no specialised law comprehensively regulating cryptocurrency companies, the jurisdiction maintains financial and compliance requirements, providing some regulatory flexibility. This creates favourable conditions for the development of innovative projects while adhering to current national and international standards.

Cost of the service
from 3 650 EUR

Panama is strengthening its position as a promising jurisdiction for fintech and blockchain initiatives, attracting international companies with a favorable business environment and a flexible approach to digital assets. The jurisdiction offers predictable corporate procedures, fast company registration, and a territorial tax system.

The legal framework for digital assets is still evolving; however, crypto-related activities can be conducted under existing financial and corporate regulations. Companies structure their operations in accordance with requirements applicable to financial intermediation entities and compliance standards.

This regulatory approach enables companies to operate digital asset businesses legally while maintaining corporate flexibility and supporting international scalability.

Regulatory framework

At present, there is no specialised law in Panama that comprehensively regulates the activities of digital asset service providers. Instead, crypto-related operations are structured under the existing financial intermediation regime through the status of Subject to Financial Intermediation (SFI).

Companies engaged in digital asset activities are required to:

  • incorporate a legal entity in Panama with the appropriate scope of business activities;
  • comply with financial reporting and corporate governance requirements;
  • adhere to applicable anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations;
  • maintain an adequate level of capitalisation to ensure financial stability.

Bill No. 697, aimed to regulate the use and circulation of crypto-assets, is currently under revision following a partial presidential veto. Until its final adoption, digital asset activities remain permissible, provided that existing financial legislation is observed. In 2025, a new draft bill was discussed to establish a clearer legal framework. It may introduce licensing requirements for virtual asset service providers, alignment with international AML/KYC standards, and a specific tax regime applicable to digital asset operations.

Permitted crypto activities in Panama under SFI status

Companies holding Subject to Financial Intermediation (SFI) status may lawfully engage in digital asset activities within the framework of the applicable financial legislation. The principal permitted activities include:

  • Trading and exchange of cryptocurrencies.
  • Payment services involving crypto-assets.
  • Cryptocurrency custody and wallet management (custodial services).
  • Mining and staking.
  • Token issuance and the conduct of ICOs.
  • Development of blockchain projects and fintech solutions.

Note: Such activities are permitted subject to compliance with applicable AML/KYC requirements and corporate governance standards.

Advantages of obtaining SFI status in Panama

Obtaining Subject to Financial Intermediation (SFI) status in Panama provides companies with broad opportunities to operate digital asset businesses in a lawful and commercially efficient manner.

Panama applies a territorial tax principle: companies are not taxed on income generated outside the country. This makes the jurisdiction particularly attractive for international business operations.

Panama applies a territorial tax principle: companies are not taxed on income generated outside the country. This makes the jurisdiction particularly attractive for international business operations.

There are no citizenship or residency requirements for shareholders or directors. This allows fully foreign-owned companies to manage their business freely while retaining full control over corporate decision-making.

There are no citizenship or residency requirements for shareholders or directors. This allows fully foreign-owned companies to manage their business freely while retaining full control over corporate decision-making.

The company registration process is fast and involves minimal administrative burden. With professional support, incorporation is typically completed within a few working days.

The company registration process is fast and involves minimal administrative burden. With professional support, incorporation is typically completed within a few working days.

Panama is one of the leading financial centres in the region. Reliable banking institutions and modern technological solutions ensure stable digital asset operations and support international transactions.

Panama is one of the leading financial centres in the region. Reliable banking institutions and modern technological solutions ensure stable digital asset operations and support international transactions.

Digital asset activities are conducted in compliance with applicable AML/KYC and corporate governance requirements, strengthening confidence among partners, investors, and financial institutions.

Digital asset activities are conducted in compliance with applicable AML/KYC and corporate governance requirements, strengthening confidence among partners, investors, and financial institutions.

Panamanian legislation provides a high level of corporate confidentiality, safeguarding information regarding company ownership and structure.

Panamanian legislation provides a high level of corporate confidentiality, safeguarding information regarding company ownership and structure.

Cost of obtaining a cryptocurrency license in Panama

COREDO offers its clients the option to select any of the following services individually or as part of a full package.

01. Basic package

3650 EUR + VAT

  • Dedicated consultant with an individual approach.
  • Full turnkey company establishment.
  • Company activity registration.
  • Company name check.
  • Set of corporate documents with apostille and translation into English.
  • Resident Agent fee for the first year.
  • Annual maintenance – 2500 EUR + VAT per year.

02. Advanced package

9750 EUR + VAT

  • All services from the “Basic package”.
  • AML/KYC policy preparation.
  • Assistance with corporate account opening.
  • Legal Opinion confirming the company’s status.
  • Virtual office rent for 1 year with provision of a local address and utility bill as proof of address.
  • Annual maintenance – 3700 EUR + VAT per year.

03. Full package

12650 EUR + VAT

  • All services from the “Advanced package”.
  • Provision of 3 local nominee directors for 1 year.
  • Annual maintenance – 5650 EUR + VAT per year.

The price may vary depending on the specific project.

Factors affecting the final cost of COREDO services:

  • Results of the Initial Case Assessment — determining the level of COREDO specialists’ involvement in preparing the application and developing the required documents.
  • Necessary of services.

Stages of obtaining SFI status in Panama

The process of obtaining Subject to Financial Intermediation (SFI) status with COREDO consists of three key stages:

01

Collection of preliminary documents

The applicant is required to provide:

  • three proposed company names;
  • the incorporation form for state registration;
  • passport copies of all shareholders and directors;
  • proof of address (utility bill or equivalent document not older than 3 months).
02

Company registration and authorisation for crypto-related activities

At this stage, the following steps are carried out:

  • submission of a notification to the Public Registry;
  • company incorporation;
  • preparation of constitutional and corporate documents;
  • payment of the annual franchise tax.
03

Opening of a corporate account

This stage includes:

  • selection of a suitable bank or payment provider, taking into account AML policies and the client’s risk profile;
  • collection of documentation relating to the source of funds, the source of wealth, business activities, key partners, and other required information;
  • full support of the company throughout the corporate account opening process.

COREDO’s support in obtaining a cryptocurrency license in Panama

Pavel Kos
Pavel Kos
Head of the legal department
Basang Ungunov
Basang Ungunov
Lawyer at Legal Department
Yulia Zhidikhanova
Yulia Zhidikhanova
Customer Success Associate

By working with COREDO, you benefit from:

We understand all the nuances of crypto regulation across different jurisdictions.

In-depth expertise

We understand all the nuances of crypto regulation across different jurisdictions.

We handle the entire licensing process — from application to registration.

End-to-end support

We handle the entire licensing process — from application to registration.

We customise our solutions to your business model, covering exchanges, brokers, DeFi projects, and other structures.

Tailored approach

We customise our solutions to your business model, covering exchanges, brokers, DeFi projects, and other structures.

We provide advice on AML, reporting, and regulatory compliance.

Post-licensing support

We provide advice on AML, reporting, and regulatory compliance.

We operate fully within the law, strengthening your reputation with banks and business partners.

Transparency and trust

We operate fully within the law, strengthening your reputation with banks and business partners.

The entire process typically takes 1–2 weeks, provided all documents are ready and coordination with banks proceeds smoothly.

COREDO manages the full SFI status process in Panama on a turnkey basis. Our experts assist with company incorporation, preparation of corporate documents, implementation of AML/KYC policies, and opening of a corporate account. With professional support, companies can start operations more quickly and effectively develop their digital asset business at an international level.

Do you still have questions about obtaining a licence for your business? Get a consultation on obtaining Subject to Financial Intermediation (SFI) status in Panama today.
Our expert will contact you and explain how to obtain a licence for your business without unnecessary delays.

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