Created by means of Decree Law No. 18 of 1948, The Colon Free Zone is the first distribution center of the Western Hemisphere. For this reason, there is a constant construction and modernization of the stores, ports systems and the traffic for all types of merchandise, maintaining its position at the forefront of the modern technology and always ready for offering an ample range of excellent services.
Any person or company can set up operations in the Colon Free Zone by applying to the Administration and supplying commercial and bank references, a Panamanian Government tax clearance (paz y salvo) and the articles of incorporation in the case of a company. No commercial license is required and no minimum capital investment is stipulated. The only condition is that a minimum of five Panamanians be employed.
All enterprises or person that desire to establish in the Colon Free Zone, can do so under one of the following operational plans:
Activities Permitted:
Fiscal Incentives:
Migratory Incentives:
Ways of Establishing Operations:
Benefits and advantages to operate in the colon free zone:
Important: The Colon Free Zone is located a few kilometers from the Panama Canal in the Caribbean sector, Province of colon and it is considered the first Free zone in the Western hemisphere and the second largest worldwide.
José Agustin Preciado
Senior Partner
José Antonio Sierra
Senior Associate