In a real estate market as dynamic as Panama’s, having real estate lawyers in Panama is not just recommended—it’s essential to ensure legal security in every investment. Our legal team advises both local and international clients on all types of real estate transactions: buying, selling, leasing, property management, and defending property rights. With our personalized approach and deep knowledge of Panamanian regulations, every investment is executed safely and efficiently.
Over the last two decades, Panama has become a key hub for real estate investment in Latin America. Its expanding infrastructure, political and economic stability, and strategic position as a bridge between two oceans have attracted capital from around the world.
Key investment areas include:
Panama City: with its growing skyline and luxury projects.
Beaches and coastal areas: such as Coronado, Pedasí, and Bocas del Toro, ideal for tourism and second homes.
Commercial areas: driven by logistics growth and the Panama Canal.
Panamanian law allows any natural or legal person, regardless of nationality, to purchase real estate. There are no discriminatory restrictions for foreigners, except in border areas where national security limitations apply.
In your personal name: simple and direct, ideal for those who want property under their name.
Through corporations: offering confidentiality and ease of property transfer.
Through private interest foundations: providing asset protection and succession benefits.
Our firm evaluates each case to recommend the most suitable legal structure according to the investor’s profile and tax objectives, ensuring the purchase is secure and fully compliant.
Travel is not required to complete a purchase in Panama. With a power of attorney, the buyer can authorize a lawyer to handle all procedures.
Our real estate lawyers in Panama handle:
Reviewing property documents and titles.
Drafting and negotiating the sales contract.
Coordinating with notaries and the Public Registry.
Ensuring compliance with tax obligations.
This allows investors from anywhere in the world to acquire property in Panama safely and efficiently.
COMMERCIAL CODE
Articles 740 to 782 regulate sales as commercial acts, including the rights and obligations of buyers and sellers, and provisions on breaches.
CIVIL CODE
Article 1215 states that a sale is a contract whereby one party agrees to deliver a specific item and the other pays a certain price. The transfer must be done through a public deed registered in the Public Registry to be valid against third parties.
Hire a real estate lawyer in Panama.
Agree on price, payment method, and conditions.
Draft the contract draft.
Obtain tax and utility clearance certificates.
Pay the transfer tax (2%) and 3% capital gains withholding.
Sign the public deed before a notary.
Register the property in the Public Registry.
A real estate lawyer in Panama does much more than draft contracts. Their responsibilities include:
Conducting due diligence to ensure the property has no liens, mortgages, or pending litigation.
Verifying zoning and land use compliance with the buyer’s plans.
Ensuring the transaction complies with all tax and anti-money laundering regulations.
Panama’s banking system offers mortgage loans to locals and foreigners, with terms of up to 30 years. Our firm assists with:
Comparing interest rates and conditions.
Reviewing contractual clauses with banks.
Coordinating legal registration of the mortgage and property purchase.
Up to $120,000: 0%
$120,001 – $700,000: 0.5%
Above $700,000: 0.7%
Exemptions exist for primary residences, agricultural properties, and properties owned by people with disabilities.
Frequent frauds include:
Sale of unregistered properties.
Hidden mortgages.
Identity theft of the property owner.
Our real estate lawyers in Panama perform prior legal verification to prevent buyers from encountering problems later.
In compliance with Law 23 of 2015, real estate lawyers must:
Implement KYC (“Know Your Client”) processes.
Report suspicious transactions.
Verify the source of funds documentation.
In residential and commercial complexes, the Horizontal Property Law regulates rights and obligations. We assist in cases involving:
Improper maintenance fee charges.
Challenging assemblies.
Conflicts with management.
How long does the purchase process take?
2 to 6 weeks, depending on payment method and documentation.
Do I need residency to buy in Panama?
No, foreigners can purchase property without residency.
Can I buy in the name of my foreign company?
Yes, but it’s recommended to evaluate legal and tax implications.
Can contracts be in English?
They can be drafted in English and Spanish, but the legally valid version is the one written in Spanish.
Buying or investing in real estate in Panama is a strategic decision that can generate high returns. Hiring real estate lawyers in Panama ensures that every transaction is legally sound, avoiding risks and optimizing benefits.
