VASP License in Panama
Operate legally in the regulated crypto and virtual assets ecosystem from Panama
WHAT IS A
VASP LICENSE?
A VASP license recognizes a company as a regulated provider of virtual asset services such as exchange, custody, token issuance, and payment processing. It sets obligations for customer due diligence and transaction monitoring, rules for custody and segregation of client assets, secure key management, and reporting to the supervisory authority.
For users and financial counterparties, it signals that activity is traceable, auditable, and structured for long term operation in the virtual asset space, with clear responsibilities around compliance, risk control, and asset protection.
ADVANTAGES FOR OBTAINING A VASP LICENSE
Regulatory clarity for crypto services
It defines which virtual asset services the company may offer (exchange, custody, issuance, payments) and under which obligations for onboarding, customer due diligence, and ongoing transaction monitoring.
Asset security and protection
It requires custody and segregation policies, key governance and audits, which raises the protection of client cryptoassets and the operational resilience of the platform.
Trust that creates value
A licensed VASP with AML/CFT controls, corporate governance, and reporting in good order is usually viewed more favorably by banks, card issuers, and fiat on/off-ramp providers.
It defines which virtual asset services the company may offer (exchange, custody, issuance, payments) and under which obligations for onboarding, customer due diligence, and ongoing transaction monitoring.
It requires custody and segregation policies, key governance and audits, which raises the protection of client cryptoassets and the operational resilience of the platform.
A licensed VASP with AML/CFT controls, corporate governance, and reporting in good order is usually viewed more favorably by banks, card issuers, and fiat on/off-ramp providers.
WHO NEEDS A VASP LICENSE?
In general, your company should hold a VASP license if it aims to:
- Operate a cryptocurrency exchange.
- Offer custody or wallets with access to private keys.
- Issue tokens or NFTs.
- Intermediate OTC trades in the purchase or sale of cryptoassets.
- Process payments in crypto or tokenized assets.
If the company only provides development, support or customer service to virtual asset platforms and does not handle client funds or hold assets, it does not require a VASP license. In those cases, proper legal incorporation and corporate documentation in good standing are generally sufficient.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR A FOREX LICENSE
Articles of incorporation and corporate documents
Detailed business plan
Compliance policies (AML / KYC)
Financial statements and evidence of minimum capital
Identify shareholders and directors
Summary of the team’s technical and professional experience
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Submission of your application
2. Detailed review with an agent
3. Incorporation of the entity
4. License issuance
CONNECT YOUR CLIENT
NETWORK WITH VASP LICENSES FOR VIRTUAL ASSETS AND CRYPTO
Join the group of authorized agents that represent KUNAISA in the digital asset sector.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
KUNAISA is the regulatory entity backed by the Kuna de Wargandí Territory. It is the authority that issues and supervises VASP, Forex, and iGaming licenses.
Yes. If your company carries out exchange, custody or transfers of cryptoassets for third parties, you need a VASP license or registration issued by KUNAISA in order to operate in Panama.
Any legal entity that meets KUNAISA’s criteria and submits the required documentation may apply. If the assessment is positive, the license is issued and the company can start to operate.