Private Foundation · Panama Law 25/1995

Panama Private Interest Foundation —
Complete Legal Guide

The Panama Private Interest Foundation under Law 25 of 1995 is one of the world's most effective instruments for asset protection, succession and privacy.

Why Góndola & Góndola
  • No shareholders — unique legal entity
  • Complete asset separation from founder's creditors
  • Succession planning without probate
  • Foundation charter kept private
  • Beneficiaries defined confidentially
  • Managed by licensed Panama attorney
Our Expertise

Why Góndola & Góndola

The Panama Private Interest Foundation is not a company and not a trust — it's a unique legal entity that owns its own assets for defined beneficiaries.

We handle complete foundation formation: charter drafting, foundation council, protector appointment, registered agent and ongoing administration.

Ex-DGI Official

Deep insight into Panama's tax authority processes.

Cornell University MPA

Master in Public Administration — law, economics and policy.

Direct partner access

You always deal directly with the attorney handling your case.

Panama Bar No. 17,005

Licensed attorney in the Republic of Panama.

1995
Law 25 Enacted
Privacy
0
Shareholders
100%
Asset Separation

"A Panama foundation separates ownership from control in a uniquely effective way — the founder can guide without owning, and assets are protected without being hidden."

— Lic. José Manuel Góndola Escudero · Idoneidad No. 17,005
Foundation Features

What makes Panama foundations
so powerful.

Complete Legal Separation

Foundation assets are legally separate from the founder's personal assets and creditors.

No Probate Required

Foundation assets pass to beneficiaries per the foundation charter, outside of probate.

Private Charter

The foundation charter and beneficiaries are not disclosed in public records.

Foundation Council

Governing body manages the foundation. Founder can be member while maintaining separation.

Protector Role

Optional protector provides oversight and can replace the foundation council.

Investment Flexibility

Foundation can hold bank accounts, real estate, shares and other assets globally.

Formation Steps

Setting up your
Panama foundation.

01

Charter Design

We draft the foundation charter defining purpose, beneficiaries and governance rules.

02

Foundation Council

Appointment of foundation council members — can include the founder.

03

Public Registry

Foundation registered with Panama Public Registry. Charter detail remains private.

04

Asset Transfer

Assets transferred to foundation with complete legal documentation.

Common Uses

How foundations
are used.

Family succession

Foundation holds family assets and distributes to children and grandchildren per charter.

Estate Planning

Business protection

Foundation owns the SA holding company, providing ultimate ownership layer.

Asset Protection

Privacy structure

Foundation as ultimate beneficial owner with foundation council managing governance.

Privacy
Foundation FAQ

Your foundation
questions answered.

Can the founder be the beneficiary?

Yes. The founder can be both foundation council member and beneficiary while maintaining legal asset separation.

How long does formation take?

A Panama foundation is typically formed in 5–7 business days.

What are the annual costs?

Annual costs include government franchise tax and registered agent fees. We provide full cost disclosure.

Can the foundation own companies?

Yes. A Panama foundation commonly owns one or more SA corporations, providing the ultimate ownership layer.

Is the foundation information public?

The foundation's existence is registered publicly, but the charter, beneficiaries and council details are not disclosed.

Get in Touch

Set up your
Panama foundation.

Confidential consultation. We explain the structure, governance and costs with no commitment.

Office

Torre Banesco, P19 · Panamá