INVESTMENT BENEFITS

The Panama government offers grants and incentives for many activities associated with Panama tourism, an important source of revenue for the country.

Invest $50,000.00 U.S. or more in a Panama tourism business outside the capital region (not counting the price of land) and the following benefits are available:

Exemption of import duties for 20 years associated with materials, furniture, equipment, and certain types of vehicles not produced in Panama or produced in insufficient quantity;

Exemption for 20 years from real estate taxes;

Exemption from taxes levied on the net worth of the company

Exemption from taxes for using airports, piers or heliports built by the company

Exemption from income tax for creditors investing in building tourist lodgings

Accelerated depreciation of real estate

Exemption of duties on vehicles used exclusively for tourism activities and for hotel, airport and port transportation

A three-year exemption from import duties on vehicles and boats to be used by tourists

Business in Panama City requires a minimum investment of $300,000 to qualify for these benefits. There are no restrictions against buying existing businesses, other than retail.

The government incentives are paying off. Billions in development dollars, and improvements to infrastructure already by the fare the finest in Central America have led to Panama tourism growth that is greater than the world average.

Pensionados, in business or otherwise, have the same rights and freedoms of any Panamanian citizen. The country is economically and politically stable.