Set up a company in the Netherlands from Panama

If you live in Panama

1. A stamped copy of your passport

   Take your passport (Panama) to a notary in Panama. The notary makes a copy and stamps it to confirm it is real. After the notary has stamped it, the document gets an official sticker (an apostille) so a Dutch notary can trust it without further checks. For Panama: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores), Department of Authentication and Legalisation, Panama City.

   For advisers

   Certified true copy of a valid passport, apostilled in the country of residence.

2. Proof of where you live

   A recent bank statement, utility bill or official letter with your name and home address in Panama, not older than three months. No stamps needed.

   For advisers

   Proof of residential address, dated within three months.

3. The signing form (power of attorney)

   We send you a short form that lets the Dutch notary sign the incorporation deed on your behalf, so you do not have to travel. Sign it in front of a notary in Panama. Sign the power of attorney before a Panamanian notario público; the ministry apostilles the notary’s signature. Then it needs the same official stamp as your passport copy: an official sticker (an apostille).

   For advisers

   Notarial power of attorney on the Dutch notary's model, signature certified and apostilled.

4. A short ownership statement

   A one-page form from us where you confirm who owns and controls the new company and whether you hold a public position. Sign, scan, send. No stamps needed.

   For advisers

   Declaration of ultimate beneficial owners (UBO) and politically exposed persons (PEP) on the notary's model.

If a company from Panama becomes a shareholder

1. A fresh extract from the company register

   An official printout that shows the company exists, who the directors are and who may sign. It must be less than three months old. Where to get it: Registro Público de Panamá. Order a certificate of the company (certificado de Registro Público) showing directors and the registered agent; shareholders of a Panamanian limited company (an S.A.) are not public, so add a share certificate or a notarised shareholder declaration. Have a local notary certify the printout. After the notary has stamped it, the document gets an official sticker (an apostille) so a Dutch notary can trust it without further checks. For Panama: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores), Department of Authentication and Legalisation, Panama City.

   For advisers

   Certified extract from the commercial register (max. three months), apostilled.

2. The company's founding documents

   The articles of association (the rules of the company) and the certificate of incorporation. A copy certified by the notary in Panama is enough.

   For advisers

   Articles of association and certificate of incorporation, certified copies.

3. Proof of who may sign for the company

   If the register extract already shows who may sign, this is done. If not, a short board decision (resolution) that names the person who signs the Dutch documents, signed by the directors.

   For advisers

   Evidence of signing authority: register entry or board resolution.

4. A drawing of who owns the company

   A simple chart from the company down to the people who ultimately own it, with percentages. One page. We give you a template.

   For advisers

   Ownership structure chart down to the natural persons who ultimately own the company (UBO chain).

The person who signs for the company and every owner with 25% or more also sends a stamped passport copy and proof of address, following the route of the country where they live.

Good to know: Panamanian companies show no shareholders in the register; the Dutch notary will ask for the share register or the registered agent’s declaration of the real owners.