{"id":17802,"date":"2026-10-12T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/?p=17802"},"modified":"2026-10-10T20:56:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-11T01:56:39","slug":"finally-panama-exits-eu-tax-haven-blacklist-after-6-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/business-economy\/finally-panama-exits-eu-tax-haven-blacklist-after-6-years\/","title":{"rendered":"Finally! Panama Exits EU Tax Haven Blacklist After 6 Years"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The European Union removed Panama from its list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions<\/a> on Friday, marking a significant shift in the country’s standing on Panama fiscal transparency<\/a>. The decision, confirmed during a meeting of EU finance ministers in Luxembourg, moves Panama from Annex I, commonly known as the blacklist, to Annex II, which recognizes cooperating jurisdictions with pending commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The announcement ends a six-year period during which Panama faced heightened scrutiny from European institutions. Vietnam was also removed from the blacklist in the same decision. The EU Council stated the update “reflects a positive trend in compliance with international standards of good tax governance.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The announcement ends a six-year period during which Panama faced heightened scrutiny from European institutions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Panama Fiscal Transparency Commitments Remain Ongoing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Placement in Annex II does not mean full clearance. The EU considers Panama a cooperating jurisdiction, but one that still must address outstanding commitments<\/p>\n\n\n\n

to transparency and good fiscal practices. The country entered the blacklist in 2020, while Vietnam had only been listed since February 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next evaluation falls to the OECD’s Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. Panama received authorization to undergo a new review of its exchange of tax information upon request, a mechanism allowing fiscal authorities to access data for cross-border investigations. Until that assessment concludes, Panama stays in Annex II.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For
. Panama received authorization to undergo a new review of its exchange of tax information upon request, a mechanism allowing fiscal authorities to access data for cross-border investigations. By OECD.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Government Response and Diplomatic Effort<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

President Jos\u00e9 Ra\u00fal Mulino framed the removal as a personal priority pursued since taking office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“This is the result of a fight I began in the private sector, and led as president from day one. I did it working with a great team and with support from all sectors, whom I thank for their participation” [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The Panamanian government credited coordinated work between the Ministry of Economy and Finance, diplomatic channels, and private sector engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“To achieve this we had to travel for face-to-face meetings, demand action in forums, and above all recover the confidence of the international community” [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Mulino added that the decision opens doors to new investment and improves competitiveness for Panamanians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Una publicaci\u00f3n compartida por Telemetro Reporta (@treporta)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n