It is necessary to get a certificate of "no criminal record" to start an offshore company in panama?

The short answer is no, the company owners to not have to provide a certificate of "no criminal record," but the law requires the company to have a Registered Agent in Panama, which is usually a local attorney or law firm. Hence, there is no need for you to travel to Panama.

However, if you plan to live in Panama, then you must get a visa, which usually requires a clean criminal record check.

Formation of a Non-resident Corporation in Panama.
Incorporation Procedure

Two or more persons of full age, of any nationality form the corporation for any lawful purpose in any country.

Offshore Corporation in Panama and Criminal Record

The Articles of Incorporation may originate in any country, in any language. Signatures should be certified by a Notary Public or other public officer and apostilled.

In Panama, two natural persons, which are company representatives, appear before a Notary Public to execute the Articles of Incorporation. A local law firm or attorney typically serves as the company’s Registered Agent in Panama and provides the two company representatives.

The application for incorporation needs the Full names and addresses of at least three directors, and 3 company officers, which are natural persons, but they do not have to be the company owners. The same person can server as both an officer and a director, so only 3 names are needed.

Names and identifications the 3 directors are recorded in the public registry, but they do not have to be the company owners.

Advantages of Panama Corporations:

- Names of offshore owners are not publicly available.

- No Citizenship or residency requirements of Owners, Directors and Officers.

- A legal address is not required.

- No operation or revenue reporting requirements in Panama.

- Stockholders' and Directors' meetings may be held anywhere in the world.

- Company shares or stocks may be registered to "Bearer" to protect the owner's identity and privacy.

- Offshore revenue can be retained and used in any country in the world without taxation by Panama.