Panama Introduces Real Estate Transfer Tax Exemption and Reduced Progressive Rates for First Sale of New Housing Units

Panama has published Law No. 546 of 31 August 2026 in the Official Gazette, which establishes a real estate (immovable property) transfer tax exemption and reduced progressive rates for the first sale of new housing units, provided that the sale is formalized within two years from the date of issuance of the occupancy permit by the competent authority. The exemption applies to the first PAB 120,000 of the taxable base (generally the cost of the unit). Where the taxable base exceeds PAB 120,0…