How many banks are there in Panama? Some publications say more than 100, others more than 200. But in reality there are "only" 75 banks in Panama. That number includes:
2 official government owned banks.
41 banks with a General (Full) Banking License. These banks are Class A banks authorized to do business with clients from all over the world, including Panama.
36 banks with an International (Offshore) Banking License. These banks are Class B banks authorized to do business with clients from all over the world, not including Panama.
Note: 4 banks have both a General and International Banking License. Therefore the total number is only 75.
Offshore banking and opening an offshore bank account in Panama is easier than it sounds, but not as simple as it used to be.
Many Panama banks do open non-resident bank accounts for foreigners, but if you don't live in the country it's a bit more difficult and can take a relatively long time (several weeks or even months). Typical account opening requirements for non-residents include two bank references from your home country, as well as two professional references and two personal references, preferably from within Panama.
You can contact Panama banks directly, but things often move more smoothly if you go through a lawyer or an existing client of the bank who can introduce you to an account representative.
List of Banks in Panama http://ouvrirencomptebancairebanquesoffshore.blogspot.com/2011/10/ouvrir-un-compte-bancaire-au-panama.html
http://openoffshorebankaccountfornonresidentsonline.com/
2 official government owned banks.
41 banks with a General (Full) Banking License. These banks are Class A banks authorized to do business with clients from all over the world, including Panama.
36 banks with an International (Offshore) Banking License. These banks are Class B banks authorized to do business with clients from all over the world, not including Panama.
Note: 4 banks have both a General and International Banking License. Therefore the total number is only 75.
Offshore banking and opening an offshore bank account in Panama is easier than it sounds, but not as simple as it used to be.
Many Panama banks do open non-resident bank accounts for foreigners, but if you don't live in the country it's a bit more difficult and can take a relatively long time (several weeks or even months). Typical account opening requirements for non-residents include two bank references from your home country, as well as two professional references and two personal references, preferably from within Panama.
You can contact Panama banks directly, but things often move more smoothly if you go through a lawyer or an existing client of the bank who can introduce you to an account representative.
List of Banks in Panama http://ouvrirencomptebancairebanquesoffshore.blogspot.com/2011/10/ouvrir-un-compte-bancaire-au-panama.html
http://openoffshorebankaccountfornonresidentsonline.com/
