OFFICIAL BANKS (GOVERNMENT-OWNED BANKS)
GENERAL LICENSE (BANKS WITH A FULL BANKING LICENSE)
These banks are Class A banks authorized to do business with clients from all over the world, including Panama.
INTERNATIONAL LICENSE (BANKS WITH AN INTERNATIONAL BANKING LICENSE)
These banks are Class B banks authorized to do business with clients from all over the world, not including Panama.
INTERNATIONAL LICENSE (BANKS WITH AN INTERNATIONAL BANKING LICENSE) THESE BANKS ARE CLASS B BANKS AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS WITH CLIENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, NOT INCLUDING PANAMA.
Offshore banking & 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 & 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 & 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.
