The Panama Merchant Marine is considered the world’s largest fleet. The Panama Registry offers many facilities to ship-owners and charterers who wish to register their vessels under the Panamanian flag.

Any person or company, irrespective of nationality and place of incorporation, is eligible to register ships under the flag of Panama. Furthermore, there are no income or withholdings taxes payable by non-resident shipping corporations. No minimum tonnage is required for registration. However, vessels older than 20 years must pass a special inspection by an authorized Panamanian inspector in order to obtain the permanent Registration.

The enrollment registration procedure is initiated by applying locally in Panama at the General Directorate of Merchant Marine or through any of the

Panamanian consulates authorized abroad submitting all information of the vessel and owners and copies of DOC, SMC, ISSC and CSR (if apply to the services of the vessel).

First year enrollment fee and taxes are payable to the government upon calculation of tonnages (NT / GT) and service of the vessel.

Moreno & Asociados is highly qualify to assist ship-owners and charterers in the enrollment of all kind of vessels under the flag of Panama giving an efficient service in the obtainment of trading documents for their vessels, among the certificate of registration (Patente), radio station license and the renewal of any of these documents.

We also provide legal services for maritime matters of all types including registration of ship mortgages, changes of ownership or any other changes in the structure or service of a Panamanian vessel, render advise on ship purchase and sale, obtainment of ownership certificates, searches on vessels and owning companies at the Directorate of Merchant Marine and the Public Registry Office.

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Registration of Vessels and Pleasure Yachts in Panama