🇵🇦 Panama

Panama maintains a legal and regulated environment for cryptocurrencies, with AML/CFT obligations under Law 23 of 2015 applying to VASPs as per FATF definitions. There is no dedicated crypto law enacted as of mid-2026, but regulatory oversight is active through the Unidad de Análisis Financiero (UAF).

Overview

StatusLegal
Risk Score25/100 (Low Risk)
Regioncentral america
CurrencyPAB

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)/null
Capital Gains (Corporate)/null
VAT on CryptoNo
Staking Tax/null
Airdrop Tax/null

No explicit crypto tax rules detailed; VAT does not apply to crypto transactions.

Licensing & Registration

RequiredYes
RegulatorUAF (primary AML regulator for VASPs); SBP (prudential, banking-like services); SMV (securities aspects)
FrameworkLaw 23 of 2015 (AML/CFT)
Easemedium

VASPs must comply with AML/CFT regulations under Law 23 of 2015; no dedicated crypto license law yet.

Enforcement Activity

Level: Low

Limited enforcement. General AML monitoring by banking regulators.

AML / KYC

KYC RequiredYes
Travel RuleYes
FATF MemberYes
FATF Statuscompliant
FATF BodyFATF
Suspicious-Activity ReportingYes

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: unregulated

No specific regulations for DeFi; operates under general financial and AML laws.

Stablecoins

Status: unregulated

No specific stablecoin regulations; stablecoins fall under general crypto asset oversight.

NFTs

Status: no_rules

No regulation.

Mining

LegalYes
Electricity Cost$0.12/kWh
Renewable Energy70%
Infrastructurefair

Mining is legal with moderate electricity costs and high renewable energy share; infrastructure is fair but improving.

Geopolitical Risk

Stabilitystable
SanctionsNo
Corruption Index37/100
Banking Accessmoderate
Sanctions Program ActiveNo

Risk Factors

Panama is politically stable with moderate corruption and reasonable ease of doing business. Banking access for crypto firms is moderate; internet freedom is rated free.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cryptocurrency legal in Panama?

Panama maintains a legal and regulated environment for cryptocurrencies, with AML/CFT obligations under Law 23 of 2015 applying to VASPs as per FATF definitions. There is no dedicated crypto law enacted as of mid-2026, but regulatory oversight is active through the Unidad de Análisis Financiero (UAF).

What is the FATF status of Panama?

Panama is classified by FATF as: compliant.

Are VASPs licensed in Panama?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

What is the AML/KYC regime in Panama?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

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Last reviewed: 2026-09-04 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map

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