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Open a bank account in Panama

⚠ CRSFully remoteNon-residents OKfrom £1,400

Who we work with

We work with Panamanian commercial banks and international banks. Remote opening is possible at several banks. Minimum deposits from USD 1,000 to USD 5,000 for standard accounts; at some banks the minimum is agreed individually.

About this destination

Panama is one of the best-known and most established offshore financial centres in Latin America. The fully dollarised economy (no currency of its own; the USD is legal tender) offers maximum currency stability. Panama has been a CRS member since 2018 and exchanges account data automatically with over 80 jurisdictions. Banking secrecy is enshrined in law (the Banking Secrecy Law) and protects data beyond the scope of CRS reporting. Opening requires an in-person visit at most banks but no local residency. Panama is ideal for international entrepreneurs looking for USD accounts outside the EU who declare their account correctly.

Banking system

All figures are indicative and subject to change. Not investment advice.

Key banks
Banco Nacional de Panamá (state-owned), Banistmo S.A. (Bancolombia group), BAC Panama (BAC Credomatic), Global Bank Corporation, Multibank Inc., Balboa Bank & Trust, Credicorp Bank, Banco General
Credit rating
S&P BBB (stable, 2024); Moody's Baa2 (2024); Fitch BBB (2024); Panama is investment grade
Deposit guarantee
No formal state deposit-guarantee scheme (no FDIC equivalent); the Superintendencia de Bancos de Panamá (SBP) regulates strictly; careful bank selection matters
Currency
The US dollar (USD) is the sole legal tender (fully dollarised economy); the balboa (PAB) exists only as coinage, 1:1 to the USD; maximum currency stability
Inflation
approx. 1.5–2.5% p.a. (2024/2025), tied to US inflation via the dollar
Deposit interest
Typical savings rates 2.5–4% p.a. on USD accounts; fixed deposits up to 5% p.a. depending on term and bank
Banking secrecy & CRS
Statutory banking secrecy (Ley Bancaria, Decreto Ley No. 9 de 1998). Panama has been a CRS member since 2018 and exchanges account data automatically with over 80 jurisdictions; data beyond CRS scope remains protected by banking secrecy and is released only by court order in proven criminal cases.

Knowledge & background

Why bank outside the EU?

EU account registers, EAPO, bail-in risk and de-banking — the full picture.

How our service works: step by step

Five steps from order to activated account.

Declaring your offshore account: what you must report

CRS, FATCA and national reporting obligations explained clearly.

Enforcement-proof accounts abroad: what the term really means

EAPO, Lugano, foreign judgments — an honest assessment.

Questions first?

We'll tell you within 24 hours whether this destination fits your profile.

Quick overview

CRS status⚠ CRS
Minimum depositfrom USD 1,000
Remote openingFully remote
Non-residentsNon-residents OK
Service feefrom £1,400

Not sure if this fits? Free consultation →

Requirements note

Proof of address and phone number must come from the same country — and that must be a genuine residence, not a PO box address. Our Nomad Package sets up a recognised address in the Philippines, including all required documents. Fully remote, no travel required. Ready in 1–2 weeks.

What's included in our service

  • Personal bank introduction
  • Document preparation and review
  • Application coordination
  • Ongoing support until account is active
  • Compliance and AML guidance

All information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Regulations and bank policies change; always verify current requirements before proceeding.