Thanks to Panama’s flourishing business scene coupled with its appealing economic steadiness, a significant number of entrepreneurs have shown a newfound interest in the real estate sector in recent years. The diverse range of properties available, along with the lucrative opportunities they present, make real estate a particularly appealing venture for an entrepreneur in United States.
Nevertheless, staying updated on the latest developments in Panama’s property market is the wisest course of action if you’re aiming to become a real estate worker and achieve success in this field.
Understanding the Role of a Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent is a specialist in the real estate arena whose primary responsibility is facilitating the buying, selling, and leasing of properties. The core duty of a real estate agent is to link buyers with sellers, offering tailored guidance while handling all legal and administrative tasks associated with a real estate deal.
Essential Criteria for United States Citizens to Become a Real Estate Agent in Panama
Similar to any role in the financial and real estate industries, becoming a real estate agent in Panama involves submitting several documents and adhering to the legal procedures. The necessary requirements include:
- Complete courses and pass a written test conducted by the Real Estate Technical Board.
- Secure a bond valued at ten thousand (USD 10,000) US dollars to address claims of negligence and potential government penalties.
- Submit a power of attorney and a legal request through a lawyer, properly authenticated by a notary, along with an official form.
- Provide evidence of Panamanian citizenship or, for foreigners, proof of at least five years of residency.
- Pay an annual fee of twenty-five (USD 25) U.S. dollars for Stamp Taxes.
- Submit a certificate indicating no criminal history.
Becoming a real estate agent in Panama: uncover some of its advantages
Being a real estate agent and working in the wide real estate market in Panama means being in constant movement and informing yourself about all possible property transactions and deals with buyers. Likewise, there are some benefits that you can take into account in your preparation as a real estate agent in Panamanian territory. These are:
- Strategic location: Panama is a country located in Central America, which gives it an advantageous position to attract international investors and buyers. As a real estate agent, you can have access to an international client base and help facilitate cross-border transactions.
- Tax reduction: this benefit is one of the favorites due to the financial relief it means for the agent. For example, if you buy a property with a cadastral value below $120,000, you will not have to pay taxes on that property under Law 66 of 2017. In turn, properties with a cadastral value up to $120,000 are exempt from real estate taxes, while properties with a cadastral value between $120,001 and $700,000 are taxed at 0.5% of the cadastral value. And if the cadastral value is higher than $700,000, then the corresponding tax is 0.7% of the cadastral value.
- Developing real estate market: it is a fact that the real estate market has continued to grow like foam over the last few years, allowing you to move up as an agent in this field very quickly.
- Possibility of residency permit as an investor: another benefit that is being taken advantage of by real estate investors is the real estate investment visa program. This is based on the fact that by making a real estate investment that complies with the legal requirements established in the country, investors can apply for and obtain residency.
Legal Solutions Panama: experts in legal advice to incorporate your company as a real estate agent
To make a remarkable entrance into the real estate market, it’s crucial to have a company set up for this specific purpose. Therefore, if you’re in the initial stages of a project and are eager to launch in the real estate arena, the wisest choice is to seek expert assistance for establishing your business. Similarly, Legal Solutions Panama specializes in setting up companies in Panama.
Thanks to its extensive experience, the Legal Solutions team can advise you on the incorporation of your company. Their experience will help you to carry out all the procedures correctly, without unforeseen events, and with the certainty of a successful opening.
If you would like to know more about their services, you can visit their website and get a free thirty-minute consultation with one of their professionals.
