Panama Restaurant Bar
Unique Name & Logo
Come up with a unique name for your restaurant/bar not being used in Panama. Design a unique logo not being used in Panama.
Ownership
Determine the type of ownership for your restaurant/bar whether it is as a sole proprietor with you and your family are the owners or a Panama corporation.
There are liability and tax issues involved with your choice so you must consult with a Panama law firm knowledgeable with Panama asset聽protection before deciding.
Trademark
After choosing the type of ownership along with a unique name and logo design you will need to hire a Panama law firm to file the Panama Trademark registration which will also protect the trade name and business logo.
Obtain Commercial Licenses
The Panama government permits and licenses include:
鈥 Panama鈥檚 Revenue (Income tax) Service;
鈥 Registration at the Panama Ministry of Commerce and Industry for the聽commercial license;
鈥 Obtain a Social Security number for the business from the “Panama Registro聽Patronal de la Caja de Seguro Social” (CSS);
鈥 Registering at the local municipality & municipal taxation;
鈥 Obtain a pest fumigation certificate. 聽 Pest fumigations inspections are required聽聽聽聽聽 every four months with posting the certificate near the front entrance;
鈥 Obtain a Sanitary Permit from the Ministry of Health.
Employees Permits
Every employee working in premises serving food or beverages in Panama must get two permits, have medical and dental exams, and take a two day health and safety course from the Ministry de Salud (Health Ministry).
Premises
Carefully locate an appropriate premise which complies with Panama鈥檚 Law 55, Article 12 of 1973 which requires for the issuance of a liquor license that the premises be located at least 500 meters from private and public schools, hospitals, and churches & temples. 聽 The local magistrate (Corrigador) issues 鈥500 meter鈥 certificates. 聽 A similar certificate from the Ministry of Education verifying your establishment is more than 500 meters from schools. 聽 Present these certificates to the municipal government in order to get a liquor license.
Niche
Furnishing and creating a unique atmosphere for your establishment to stick out from the others will be important. 聽 You don鈥檛 have to spend a fortune to construct an artistic or classy environment. Good food & drinks at good prices along with good service will go a long way for making your restaurant/bar popular in Panama.
Contact Us for all of your Panama Business needs including Panama Business Licenses, Permits, and Trademarks.