Your Design Center in Panama.
Open, Staffed and Running.
Build your nearshore Design & Operations team in Panama City, with a trusted U.S. Consultant and proven Panama Vendors.
Overview
Why Panama?
Panama gives US firms a talented nearshore team without the usual offshore headaches.
A Dollar Economy
The US dollar is used every day in Panama. No exchange-rate risk on payroll, rent or vendors.
Your Working Hours
Panama runs on Eastern Standard Time, so your teams collaborate in real time.
5 Hours From New York
Direct flights from Newark, JFK and other major US hubs make it easy to visit, interview and train.
A Design-Ready Talent Pool
Several universities offer architecture and design programs, creating a steady pipeline of graduates and interns.
A Business-Friendly Structure
A territorial tax system and a clear corporate setup process. We connect you with local legal and tax advisors to confirm what applies to your firm.
What We Handle
One partner for every step, from the first legal filing to your newest hire.
Company formation and banking.
We bring vetted local legal counsel to form your Panama corporation, register it with the government and open your bank account.
Payroll and Benefits.
We compare local payroll providers and set up private health insurance, including Panama's customary 13th-month pay.
Workspace.
From a private suite in a co-working center to your own leased office, we find it, negotiate it and help you get it fitted out with furniture, internet and equipment.
Recruiting.
We post roles, source and screen candidates, and run first interviews in Panama. You get a clear shortlist and make every hiring decision.
Onboarding.
Offer letters, employment contracts, onboarding documents and first payroll, handled with your team.
Growth and Local Network.
University partnerships, trusted local vendors for legal, insurance and IT support, and introductions to regional business contacts.
How It Works
Typical timeline from kickoff to first hire: 16 to 20 weeks.
Highlight achievements by the numbers
We deliver measurable staffing results by building high-performing teams, launching fully operational centers, and reducing labor costs without compromising quality.
40+
Team members recruited and onboarded.
60%
Savings on salary costs.
2
Operations centers launched and fully operational in Panama City.
Case study
From idea to open office in Panama City
A US Architecture firm wanted to add Architect and Design and project-coordination capacity without the cost of hiring in a major US metro. DesignMinds led the launch from start to finish: forming the local corporation, opening banking, setting up payroll and private health insurance, securing a workspace and recruiting the first team. The center is now fully operational, has moved into a dedicated office with room for 25, and DesignMinds is recruiting the next wave of hires.
Why DesignMinds
DesignMinds founder, Mike Kull, has spent 25 years leading teams and building international operations. He has supported Panama-based design and project-coordination teams for two large Steelcase dealers, sourced and audited suppliers across Europe and Mexico for Harley-Davidson, and led US marketing for Piaggio's Italian brands. With 15 years in commercial office furniture and hands-on recruiting for design, BIM, sales and accounting roles, Mike knows what your Panama team needs to succeed, and he is there in person to make it happen.
FAQs
Do we need to speak Spanish?
No. Many professionals in Panama speak English. Day-to-day operations run smoothly on video calls, email and WhatsApp.
Who makes the hiring decision?
Plan on 6-7 months from project kick-off to be fully established an onboarding new hires.
How long does it take?
Most firms can expect their first hire 16 to 20 weeks after kickoff. Recruiting runs alongside company and payroll setup to save time.
Do we have to form a Panama company?
It is strongly recommended for long-term compliance with local laws. As an alternative, you can utilize a local Employer of Record (EOR). However, our experience is that any cost savings are greatly reduced with an EOR strategy.
What roles work well in Panama?
Interior Design. Architects. Project Manager/Coordinator. Accounting (AR and AP). IT Support. Customer Support.
Do you stay involved after launch?
Yes. We continue as your local partner for recruiting, vendor management, problem-solving and business introductions.
What does it cost?
Every center is different. After a discovery call, we provide a written plan with cost estimates for setup and the first year of operations.