Free Trade Zones
The Free Trade Zones(FTZ) are part of an integrated and simplified system that promotes the establishment and operation of companies that contribute to the country's development, job creation, the inclusion into the global economy of goods and services through the promotion of investment opportunities, and the economic, scientific, technological, cultural, educational and social growth.
Currently, there are 11 active free zones and 5 in development, concentrated mostly in Panamá and Colon cities.
The Free Trade Zones in Panama are governed pursuant Law 32 of 2011. These zones offering a set of tax benefits, migratory and labor incentives that makes more attractive the establishment of this special area within the national territory, mainly addressed to foreign trade activities.
General Information
Free Zones registered in Panama
There are a total of 16 Free Zones in Panama, of which 11 are currently active with 126 registered companies, mainly operating in Zona Franca Corozal - Marpesca, S.A. (34), Zona Franca de Albrook (28) and Panexport (19). Most of the companies installed in Free Zones are engaged in services activities with a concentration in the cities of Panama and Colon.
| # | Free Zone | Total Companies | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zona Franca Marpesca/Corozal (Procesadora Marpesca. S.A) |
34 | Active |
| 2 | Zona Franca de Albrook (Zona Procesadora de Exportación Albrook, S.A.) |
28 | Active |
| 3 | Zona Franca PANEXPORT (Inmobiliaria SUCASA S.A.) |
19 | Active |
| 4 | Zona Franca Panapark (Consoricio Industrial de Las Américas, S.A. - COINLA) |
12 | Active |
| 5 | Zona Franca de Las Américas (Mi Morocho S.A.) | 8 | Active |
| 6 | Zona Franca Isla Margarita (Isla Margarita Development, Inc.) |
8 | Active |
| 7 | Zona Franca Estatal de Davis (Unidad Administrativa de Bienes Revertidos) |
5 | Active |
| 8 | Zona Franca de Chilibre (Expert Diesel, S.A.) |
5 | Active |
| 9 | Zona Franca Colon Maritime Investor (Colón Maritime Investor, S.A.) |
4 | Active |
| 10 | Zona Franca del Istmo (Zona Franca del Istmo S.A.) |
2 | Active |
| 11 | Zona Franca Eurofusión (Eurofusión, S.A.) |
1 | Active |
| 12 | Zona Franca Cobol Due (Cobol Due, S.A.) |
In Development | |
| 13 | Zona Franca Espanam (Espanam Iberoamérica S.A.) |
In Development | |
| 14 | Zona Franca Export Pacific Panamá (Export Pacific Panamá, S.A.) |
In Development | |
| 15 | Zona Franca Framorco (Francisco Javier Morales Gerbaud) |
In Development | |
| 16 | Zona Logística del Aeropuerto de Tocumen (Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen, S.A.) |
In Development |
Last Update: January, 2019 - Free Zone National Directorate
What is a Free Zone?
The free zones are free trade areas, specifically defined, that promote and develop all kind of infrastructure, facilities, buildings, systems, supporting services, and operational management necessary for the establishment, within these areas, of all kind of companies from around the world whose activities are the production of goods, services, high technology, scientific research, higher education, logistics, environmental services, health services and general services.
The purpose of the free zones are to provide optimal conditions of operating efficiency and comparative advantages to ensure high levels of competitiveness int the international markets to the established companies.
There are three types of free zones:
- Privates: Those whose investors are individuals or corporations, either domestic or foreign. Its establishment, operation and management is direct responsibility of their owners, under the rules and principles of the system of free enterprise and private property and other laws ruling in the Republic of Panama.
- State. Those whose sole investor is the State. Its establishment, development, operation and administration will be headed by a State entity or a private operating company, which is entrusted with the management contract in accordance with established legal procedures.
- Mixed. Those whose ownership is shared between the State and national or foreign investors. Its development, operation and management will be undertaken by a State entity or a private company.
Contact
Ministry of Commerce and Industries
National Investment Directorate
Plaza Edison Building, Floor #3
Ricardo J. Alfaro
Panama
Republic of Panama
Phone: 560-0686
Website: www.mici.gob.pa
Email: rmoreno@mici.gob.pa
Director of Free Zones: Lic. Rolando Moreno