Panama updates its Permanent Residency Regime for Qualified Investors

The new provisions introduce significant changes to the requirements and procedures applicable to foreign nationals seeking permanent residency under the Qualified Investor Program.  Through Executive Decree No. 17 of September 8, 2026, published in the Official Gazette on September 16, 2026, Panama has updated the immigration regime applicable to Qualified Investors.  The new Decree replaces

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Ecuadorian Nationals May Apply for the Friendly Nations Residence Permit

The Ministry of Public Security, through Executive Decree No. 16 of August 31, 2026 (hereinafter, the “Decree”), amends the list of countries whose nationals may apply for the residence permit available to foreign nationals of specific countries that maintain friendly, professional, economic, and investment The Republic of Ecuador is added to the list of countries whose nationals may apply

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Regulation of Law 526 of 2026: 10 Key Aspects of Economic Substance Rules in Panama

Law 526 of 2026 introduces a new regulatory framework on economic substance for certain entities with international structures. Below, we share 10 key aspects to help understand the new regulatory requirements and their implications beginning in 2027.  What does the new Executive Decree regulate? Executive Decree No. 32 of September 2, 2026 introduces Law 526

ICLG Lending & Secured Finance 2026: Panama Chapter

Morgan & Morgan contributed to the ICLG Lending & Secured Finance Laws and Regulations 2026: Panama Chapter. Authored by partner Kharla Aizpurúa Olmos, together with associates Eduardo Oteiza and Perla Piña, the chapter provides an overview of the legal and regulatory framework governing lending and secured finance transactions in Panama. The guide is a recognized

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Chambers Corporate Immigration Global Practice Guide 2026: Panama.

Morgan & Morgan’s Immigration Law team, comprised of partner Albalira Montufar, senior associate Carolina Tejada, and associate Ivette González, contributed to the Panama chapter of Chambers Corporate Immigration Practice Guide 2026, the fourth edition of this guide globally. Our analysis offers an expert opinion on corporate immigration policies in Panama, including main labor and investment residence categories and requirements,

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Morgan & Morgan advised Mercantil Holding Financiero Internacional, S.A. in the acquisition of the remaining minority equity interest of Mercantil Capital, S.A. completing 100% ownership of Mercantil Banco, S.A.

Morgan & Morgan advised Mercantil Holding Financiero Internacional, S.A. (“MHFI”), in the acquisition of the remaining minority equity stake in Mercantil Capital, S.A. (“Mercantil Capital”), the holding company that owns 100% of the shares of Mercantil Banco, S.A. (“Mercantil Banco”). As a result of this transaction, MHFI consolidated full ownership of Mercantil Capital and, consequently,

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New developments regarding Panamanian entities and high net worth clients

Featured in the Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide 2026, this article examines key legal and regulatory developments impacting private wealth structures and high net worth individuals with interests in Panama. For decades Panama has served as a financial hub for Latin America. Flexible corporate vehicles, qualified fiduciary experience, a developed banking center and

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Morgan & Morgan’s Private Wealth Team Top Ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026

For the eleventh consecutive year, Morgan & Morgan has been ranked Band 1 in Panama in the Private Wealth Law category of the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026. The guide is a leading publication for the international private wealth and estate planning market and serves as a key reference for identifying the world’s foremost

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Morgan & Morgan advised Avanzalia Panamá, S.A. on a secured bond issuance of up to US$100 million strengthening the financial structure of Penonomé I, Central America’s largest solar photovoltaic plant.

Morgan & Morgan advised Avanzalia Panamá, S.A. (“Avanzalia” or the “Issuer”) in connection with the registration before Panama’s Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores (“SMV”) of a US$100 million Corporate Bond Revolving Program and the successful placement of its US$90 million Senior Series A Bonds. The offering was authorized by SMV Resolution No. SMV-233-25 dated June

Morgan & Morgan advised on the closing of Grupo Financiero BSC’s acquisition of Banistmo.

Morgan & Morgan acted as legal counsel to Grupo Financiero BSC (formerly, Inversiones Cuscatlán Centroamérica, S.A.) (“Grupo BSC”) and subsequently to Banco La Hipotecaria, S.A. (“Banco La Hipotecaria”), a member of Grupo BSC’s economic group, in connection with the closing of the acquisition of Banistmo, S.A. (“Banistmo”). The Firm advised on the transaction from the