Know the Rules for Your Move in Panama
A national road cargo transport law with its own dedicated statute, plus a notably streamlined general business registration system.
Before you rely on this
Panama regulates road cargo transport nationally under Ley 51 de 2017 and its regulation, Decreto Ejecutivo 229 de 2018, administered by the Autoridad del Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre (ATTT). The ATTT operating permit is held by the company operating the vehicles; where a mover subcontracts transport, the carrier holds it. General business registration runs through the Aviso de Operación, a deliberately simplified single-step system created by Law 5 of 2007 that explicitly prohibits officials from adding requirements beyond what the law itself specifies. Always confirm current requirements directly before hiring a mover.
What kind of question is it?
General business registration (Aviso de Operación), plus a Permiso Especial de Operación from ATTT under Ley 51/Decreto 229 and vehicle registration where the mover operates its own vehicles.
Panama →ACODECO, Panama’s consumer protection authority, with a modern, multi-channel complaint system including a mobile app and WhatsApp/Telegram filing.
Covered within the Panama pageNo additional mover-specific transport licensing was confirmed beyond the domestic ATTT authorization.
International: Panama →Select a page
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Regulations may change. Always confirm current requirements directly with ATTT before hiring a mover.
Checking a specific mover?
Confirm their current IAMTrusted status. It takes one search.
Verify a mover →