top of page

Is crypto legal in Panama in 2025?

  • Writer: Mardo Soo
    Mardo Soo
  • 5 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Short answer: yes — crypto is legal in Panama in 2025.Panama remains one of the most crypto-friendly and flexible jurisdictions in the world, especially for international crypto businesses that do not serve the local Panamanian market.

Below is the full breakdown of what “legal” actually means in practice 👇


ree

✅ Crypto Legal Status in Panama (2025)

As of 2025:

  • ✔️ Owning crypto is legal

  • ✔️ Trading crypto is legal

  • ✔️ Operating a crypto business is legal

  • ✔️ No crypto-specific license is required

  • ❌ Crypto is not legal tender (not mandatory for payments)

Panama follows a technology-neutral approach — crypto activities are allowed unless explicitly prohibited, and currently there is no prohibition.


🏛️ Is Crypto Regulated in Panama?

Panama does not have a dedicated crypto licensing regime like MiCA (EU) or FINTRAC (Canada).

Instead:

  • Crypto companies operate under general commercial law

  • AML obligations apply when working with banks or payment providers

  • No virtual asset service provider (VASP) license is required

This makes Panama attractive for:

  • Exchanges

  • OTC desks

  • Crypto brokers

  • Payment processors

  • Crypto holding companies


⚖️ What Crypto Activities Are Allowed?

Allowed activities include:

  • Centralized crypto exchanges (international)

  • Crypto-to-crypto trading

  • OTC crypto desks

  • Crypto payment gateways

  • Stablecoin payment solutions

  • Crypto invoicing

  • Treasury & holding structures

  • Web3 / blockchain startups


Important limitation:

If you actively target Panamanian residents, additional consumer or AML scrutiny may apply.Most clients structure Panama companies for international operations only.


🧾 Do You Need a Crypto License in Panama?

No.Panama does not require a crypto license in 2025.

That is the key difference vs:

  • 🇪🇺 EU (MiCA)

  • 🇨🇦 Canada (MSB)

  • 🇱🇹 Lithuania

  • 🇪🇪 Estonia


This is why Panama is commonly used as:

  • A fast market entry jurisdiction

  • A cost-efficient alternative to licensed regimes

  • A holding or operational entity


🏦 Banking & Compliance Reality

While crypto is legal, banking is the real filter, not the law.

In practice:

  • Banks will ask about:

    • Business model

    • Source of funds

    • Jurisdiction of clients

    • AML policies

  • Many Panama crypto companies use:

    • Foreign banks

    • EMI / PSPs

    • Crypto-friendly payment providers


A proper company structure + compliance narrative is critical.


🌍 Panama vs Licensed Jurisdictions

Feature

Panama

Canada MSB

EU MiCA

Crypto legal

✅

✅

✅

License required

❌

✅

✅

Setup time

2-3 weeks

6 months

6-9 months

Cost

Low

Medium

High

Best for

Fast launch

Reputation

EU access


🧠 Why Panama Is Still Popular in 2025


Panama remains attractive because:

  • No crypto-specific regulation

  • Fast company incorporation

  • International business focus

  • Flexible corporate structures

  • Lower setup and maintenance costs

For many founders, Panama is used as:

  • Phase 1: launch & validate

  • Phase 2: move to licensed regime later (Canada / EU)

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Panama is not a regulatory shortcut for illegal activity.

You still need:

  • Proper AML/KYC processes

  • Legitimate business purpose

  • Transparent ownership

  • Professional structuring

Poor setup = banking problems.


📩 Need Help Setting Up a Panama Crypto Company?


If you are considering:

  • A readymade Panama crypto company

  • Structuring an international crypto exchange

  • Combining Panama with Canada MSB or EU licensing

👉 Contact Consulting24We have helped 500+ crypto businesses structure legally compliant setups across Panama, Canada, EU, and offshore jurisdictions.

Comments

bottom of page