Key facts
- Panama's Assembly approved an economic substance bill in its final debate.
- The bill targets multinational companies receiving passive income outside Panama.
- Passive income includes dividends, royalties, interest, capital gains, and real estate income.
- The legislation aims to align Panama's tax framework with OECD and EU standards.
Panama's National Assembly has given its final approval to a bill establishing economic substance requirements. This legislation is designed to regulate multinational companies that generate passive income from sources outside of Panama. Such income streams include dividends, royalties, interest, capital gains, and earnings from real estate. The move signifies Panama's effort to bring its tax regulations into closer alignment with global standards promoted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union (EU). By adopting these measures, Panama aims to enhance its standing in the international financial community and address concerns related to tax transparency and avoidance.