Corporations
Two or more persons or business entities can create a corporation in Panama. We are experts on the registration of Panamanian corporations (Sociedades Anónimas). We also offer incorporation of international business companies (IBC's) in other renowned offshore financial centers, such as Bahamas and British Virgin Islands (BVI).

Banking
Since 1999, a new banking law regulates the banking system in Panama. This law introduces modern international banking standards against money laundering. In addition, it provides certainty to foreign investors by maintaining tax and secrecy advantages. We offer services on diverse aspects such as establishing a personal or corporate bank account in Panama, as well as formation, sale, acquisition and merger of Banks, Financial and Trust Companies in Panama. We also provide general advisory on banking and secured transactions.

Immigration Law
Panamanian Immigration Law allows foreigners to apply for Residency permits under certain circumstances. Upon request of our international clients, we make applications to the National Immigration and Naturalization Service for permanent residency permits, annual residency permits, work permits and citizenship.

Trusts
Trusts offer a myriad of advantages to foreign investors. Under Panamanian Trusts Law, they not only provide adequate asset protection, but also considerable tax benefits. Complete secrecy and anonymity is provided in connection with the implementation of trust purposes. We are experts on establishing Asset Protection Trusts on behalf and benefit of our international clients.

Private Interest Foundations
Private Interest Foundations (PIF) are alternatives to traditional asset protection instruments. Unlike Trusts, PIF operate as corporations, having their own set of corporate rules, and no legal requirements to disclose both the founder and the beneficiaries´ identities. Any person providing financial assets to the IPF is free of any adverse claim, unless such a transfer has been fraudulently made. Asset protection is provided regardless of family and inheritance laws within the founder's country of origin.

PIF are commonly used in the following cases: To protect minors and disabled persons who face the risk of losing their assets; As a substitute for wills, since the foundation may be designated to distribute the founder´s assets upon his death, and; As a vehicle to invest in banking accounts, corporate stock, bonds, mutual funds, as well as any other type of securities.


Investment Securities
Panama also enacted in 1999 a new Investment Securities law. This law contemplates some of the same flexible standards for trade and securities exchange adopted by modern statutes on Investments Securitie around the world, such as Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code in the United States, and the Mexican Investment Securities law.
We provide legal advice to our clients on registration of dealership and brokerage companies at the National Securities Commission (NSC), in order for them to participate in the fastest growing Panamanian securities market. Furthermore, the new law imposes no income tax to all gains derived from the trade of securities at the Panamanian securities exchange market.

Tax Planning
The Panamanian legal system has adopted the "territoriality" principle of taxation. Based upon this principle, Panama taxes only local income, hence, income derived from business activities outside Panamanian territory is not subject to income tax in Panama. Our firm has particular experience in the field of international tax planning.

International Litigation, Mediation and Arbitration
Our law firm is specialized in litigation of disputes arising out or in connection with complex domestic and international commercial transactions. In addition, we believe in ADR mechanisms, particularly arbitration, as appropriate alternative devices in light of today's world dynamic trade and business. Consequently, we offer assistance, representation and advice at all stages of the arbitration process, from the drafting of efficient clauses in international contracts to the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.

Intellectual property, Trademarks and Patents
We help our clients to file their applications for available trademarks and patents in Panama. We also represent and provide legal advice in connection with the enforcement and protection of intellectual property rights.

Admiralty Law
The Republic of Panama provides many advantages to shipowners who wish to register their pleasure boats and commercial vessels under its flag. In addition, Panamanian admiralty law states that the Maritime Court of Panama has exclusive jurisdiction over all maritime claims in the Republic of Panama, including those involving accidents while transiting the Panama Canal. Our law firm deals with registration issues, as well as maritime litigation at the Maritime Court of Panama.