Compare jurisdictions side by side
See 2 or 3 jurisdictions side by side: all-in cost for year 1 and year 2, headline tax, audit, registers and time to form. Panama is a good fit for territorial LatAm holding. United States is a good fit for Amazon, Stripe, Shopify, US clients.
| Comparing2 jurisdictions |  Panama |  United States |
|---|---|---|
Onshore · LLC or C-CorporationUS$890Year 1 all-inStart in United States+ US Form 5472 filing US$899 a year, quoted separately | ||
| Cost | ||
| Year 1 all-in | PanamaUS$1,390 | United StatesUS$890Lowest |
| From year 2 | PanamaUS$1,000 | United StatesUS$490+ US Form 5472 filing US$899 a year · + state annual fee (varies) |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | PanamaUS$3,390 | United StatesUS$1,870+ US Form 5472 filing US$899 a year · + state annual fee (varies) |
| Tax & reporting | ||
| Headline tax | Panama0% foreign-source; 25% on Panama-source profitBest | United StatesPass-through |
| Annual audit | PanamaNo | United StatesNo |
| Public register | PanamaDirectors public | United StatesLimited |
| Setup | ||
| Type | PanamaOffshore | United StatesOnshore |
| Entity | PanamaSociedad Anónima | United StatesLLC or C-Corporation |
| Minimum directors | Panama3 | United States1 |
| Legal system | PanamaCivil | United StatesCommon |
| Time to form | Panama5–7 days | United States3–7 business days |
| Best for | PanamaTerritorial LatAm holding | United StatesAmazon, Stripe, Shopify, US clients |
A green tick marks the stronger value in a row. Prices include government fees and, for Singapore, the resident director a non-resident needs. Yearly costs the law requires but that we quote separately are named under the figure; rows with such costs show no tick. Headline tax rates are a summary; your specialist confirms how they apply to you before you pay.
Ask about this comparison
AI answers from OCC’s published prices & facts · no sign-upWhich one for your situation
You need a business bank account soon
United States. Banks usually find onshore companies easier to assess, but each bank decides.
You want a lower running cost
Panama, from US$1,000 a year based on published year-2 prices.
You only hold shares or other assets
Panama. Your home country may still tax the income, so check that first (confirm with your specialist).
You need it fast
United States, typically 3–7 business days after KYC approval.
Need both? Some owners hold one company under another. We quote the whole structure as one package.Get a structure quote
General guidance based on headline rules, not tax or legal advice. Your specialist confirms how tax residency, substance and banking apply to you before you pay.