Personal accounts
Savings and checking accounts in US dollars, from simplified accounts to full ones, and savings accounts for children. Conditions and opening requirements vary by bank.
Ask about thisBanking in Panama
Banking options for your next chapter.
Everyday accounts and cards, online banking, mortgages and loans, fixed term deposits, and crypto friendly banking where a bank offers it. Each bank has its own products and its own rules. We help you see which ones fit your situation, and introduce you to the bankers who can open the account.
- Personal and business accounts
- Banks opening for foreigners right now
- Approval is always the bank's decision
What banks in Panama offer
Explore the possibilities.
Banks in Panama offer different combinations of products. Not every bank offers every service, and what you can open depends on the bank, your residency, your documents and your financial profile.
Products, rates, fees, eligibility and documents vary by bank and can change. Confirm the details with the bank before you decide.
How we help
International banking. A personal process.
Opening an account from abroad is where many moves stall. Panamanian banks turn down more foreign applicants than they accept, and the difference is usually how the file is prepared and who introduces you.
In the first conversation we
- Talk through your goals and how you will use the account
- Review the general eligibility points
- Go through the documents you are likely to need
- Give you a realistic view of the process and the timing
Guidance for your situation
Tell us your goals and circumstances, and we tell you which banks and products are worth approaching.
A clear list of documents
Know what the bank is likely to ask for before you apply, so nothing is missing at the counter.
Someone on your side
One point of contact for the process, the timing and the next step, in English, French, German or Spanish.
Prepare before you apply
The documents you may need.
Exact requirements differ by bank, account type, nationality and residency status. These are the ones that come up most.
- Valid passport or accepted ID
The bank may ask for certified copies or a second form of identification.
- Proof of address
A recent utility bill, a bank letter or another document the bank accepts.
- Proof of income or source of funds
For example an employment letter, payslips, a tax return or business records.
- Recent bank statements
Often the last three months, or another period the bank specifies.
- Company documents, for business accounts
Registration documents, ownership details and who is authorised to sign.
This is a general checklist, not a complete one. A bank may also ask for translations, certifications, tax residency details or compliance information. Do not send identity or financial documents through this website.
The process
One step at a time.
- Step 01
Talk to us
Tell us about your goals, your residency and how you plan to use the account.
- Step 02
Prepare the file
Go through the information and documents that apply to your situation.
- Step 03
Meet the bank
We introduce you to the banker. The bank reviews the application and makes the decision.
Your next step
Start with a single conversation.
Leave your details and one of us will contact you to talk through your situation and the options worth exploring.
- No cost to ask
- A personal reply, usually within a day
- We work in English, French, German and Spanish
Thank you.
We have your details. One of us will come back to you personally, usually within a day.
Questions
Banking in Panama, answered.
Can a foreigner open a bank account in Panama?
Yes, but Panamanian banks turn down more foreign applicants than they accept. What changes the outcome is who introduces you and how the file is put together before it is submitted, not how much money you have.
Can I open the account remotely?
Some steps can be done remotely, but it depends on the bank, the account and the applicant. Many banks still want to meet you in person at some point. We tell you what applies before you start.
How long does opening an account take?
It varies with the bank, how complete your documents are and the bank's own due diligence. No timeline or approval can be guaranteed.
Does talking to you guarantee the account is approved?
No. The bank makes the final decision. What we change is how prepared you are and who you meet.
What should I have ready for the first call?
Your country of residence, what you will use the account for and a general idea of where the funds come from. Do not send documents through the website.
What currency are accounts in Panama held in?
Mostly US dollars. The balboa is pegged one to one with the dollar, and US dollars circulate as legal tender.
This page is general information, not legal, tax, investment or financial advice. Everything Panama is not a bank and is not affiliated with any bank. Products, eligibility, rates, fees, documents and timing vary by bank and can change. No account approval or timeline is guaranteed.