Head-to-head · Public sources
Foresteak vs United Nature: an honest comparison.
These are the only two companies in Panama that meet the four investor-facing criteria: sale of titled lots, ANARAP membership, Forestry Visa eligibility, and Panamanian capital. This page compares them on the points that matter for a capital decision. Panforestal is independent — we receive no commission from either.
United Nature, Inc.
- Founded: 1993 — 33 years operating
- MiAmbiente licence: No. 092-097
- FSC: Yes, since 2010 (SGSCH-FM/COC-007760)
- Plantations: Darién — ~2,400 ha teak + 900 ha conservation
- Species: Teak (Tectona Grandis)
- Minimum: USD 100,000 (Forestry Visa threshold)
- ANARAP: Yes — chairs the association
- Contact: serviceteam@unitednature.com · +507-393-9691
Foresteak (Reforestadora La Ilusión, S.A.)
- MiAmbiente licence: RF-DRPO-005-2018 (2018)
- Ownership: Kraemer & Kraemer (Panamanian)
- FSC: Not declared on website
- Plantations: Darién (Teak — "La Ilusión" project) + Penonomé (Coffee) — 34 initial titled ha, ~33,000 trees
- Species: Teak + Coffee + Others (graviola, dragon fruit)
- Minimums: USD 100K (Forestry Visa) · USD 300K (QIV via Lafise fiduciary) · USD 350K (Forestry Express → PR 6m)
- ANARAP: Yes
- Manager: Geo Forestal (35 years, Panamanian)
- Contact: info@foresteak.com
8-axis comparison
| Axis | United Nature | Foresteak |
|---|---|---|
| Years operating | 33 (since 1993) | 8 since formal licence (2018) |
| Panamanian capital | Yes | Yes (K&K) |
| FSC certification | Yes (2010) | Not declared |
| Species diversification | Teak only | Teak + Coffee + Others |
| Residency pathways | Forestry Visa USD 100K | 3 pathways: Visa USD 100K · QIV USD 300K · Express USD 350K → PR 6m |
| Title structure | 1-ha parcels (not detailed) | Lafise fiduciary → individual title upon subdivision approval (Res. 115-2026) |
| Management fees | Not declared | 20% on harvest (negotiable multi-parcel) |
| Documented site visits | Not declared | Darién 5h from PTY · Penonomé 3h from PTY |
Data sourced from each company's official website and documented communication. See the full 15-axis comparison (includes Teak Hardwoods).
How to decide
United Nature has the advantage of 33 years of verifiable operations and FSC certification since 2010 — relevant if the priority is historical track record and certified environmental compliance.
Foresteak offers three simultaneous structures (Forestry Visa, QIV, Forestry Express) and diversification with coffee — relevant if the priority is speed to permanent residency (6 months via Express) or exposure to more than one crop.
Both operate under the same current legal framework (Law 69/2017 + Decree 199/2021). Specific tax eligibility depends on the project's registration date, corporate structure, and the investor's double-taxation treaty — confirm with a Panamanian tax attorney before closing.
Frequently asked questions
Why only two operators and not more?
Panama registers hundreds of companies with MiAmbiente forestry licences. The vast majority are logging and timber export operations, with no structured offer for foreign investors (they don't sell titled lots, aren't ANARAP members, or don't meet Forestry Visa requirements). Only United Nature and Foresteak meet all four cumulative criteria. A third operator, Teak Hardwoods, meets three of four but isn't a Panamanian entity — see full comparison.
Does Foresteak have FSC certification?
As of this review, Foresteak does not declare FSC certification on its public website. United Nature has been certified since 2010 with code SGSCH-FM/COC-007760. If this changes, we will update with the verifiable source.
What about Law 24 of 1992?
Articles 6 and 7 of Law 24/1992 — which contained the core of the original tax incentives — were repealed by articles 26 and 27 of Law 69 of 2017. The provisions on the Forestry Registry and administrative procedures remain in force. Full analysis of Law 24's current status.
Which is faster to obtain Panamanian residency?
Foresteak Forestry Express (USD 350,000) offers permanent residency (PR) in approximately 6 months under Decree 199/2021. The regular Forestry Visa takes longer to convert to PR. United Nature offers the regular Forestry Visa pathway but does not explicitly document the Express option on its public website.
Does Panforestal receive referral commissions?
No. We are an independent editorial service. We do not sell lots, do not receive commission from any compared company, and do not act as agent or intermediary. Our revenue comes from paid legal analyses and subscriptions to the historical Forestry Registry search (1979-2026).