Ship Registry in Panama

Ship Registry Panama

Panama is the largest shipping fleet in the World (per number of ships and tons). Panama register over a total 8,200 vessels, representing 23% of the world’s merchant fleet. The Ship Registry in Panama is one of the oldest open registry in the world. Adopted in 1925, the ship registry in Panama offers multiple advantages reason why attract from the main shipping companies to yacht owners and leisure vessels that choose to register in Panamá. 

Key Benefits of Ship Registry in Panama

• Consular Representation in more than 95 countries worldwide
• Advantages and registry for ships under construction
• The registration procedure is simple and flexible
• Naval mortgage may be executed in any country, after its registration in Panama
• Tax advantages such as exemption from taxes on profits obtained outside the national territory
• There is no minimum tonnage requirements
• Ship owners who wish to transfer to the Panamanian flag need not be re-inspected if the vessels have a valid certificate of safety and tonnage issued by a recognized society or organization.
• Dual Registration

If you are interested in knowing more about the flag fees for your vessel, do not hesitate to contact us for a preliminary estimate.

Panama Yacht Registration

Yachts Registration

We present the requirements for obtaining firstly the provisional navigation license with its provisional radio (station) license and the definitive navigation license with its definitive radio license.

Provisional Navigation License & Provisional Radio License

The Provisional Navigation and Radio License are valid for a six (6) month period.
Required documents:

• Copy of the passport of the yacht owner or copy of the articles of incorporation.
• Copy of the purchase and sales contract, by which the current owner acquired the yacht (Bill of Sale). If the yacht is of new construction, the construction certificate is required.
• Copy of the acceptance of the purchase and sale contract.
• Declaration Note from the owner, stating that the yacht will not be used for commercial purposes.

Documents not have to be original and the apostille or legalization is not required at this moment.

Permanent Navigation License and Permanent Radio License:

Required Documentation:

• Purchase and sales contract by which the current owner acquired the yacht (Bill of Sale). If the yacht is of new construction, the construction certificate is required.
• Document of the purchase & sales acceptance.
• Document of the cancellation ( deletion) of the previous register.
• Declaration Note from the owner, stating that the yacht will not be used for commercial purposes.

All the documents above must be originals and sent to us by courier. Must be authenticated by the Consulate of Panama in the country were they were issued or They must be authenticated by a Notary Public of their country of origin and must be authenticated by apostille.

Applicable Registration Tariff for Yachts:

• $1,500.00 – if owned by a foreigner
• $1,000.00 – if owned by a Panamanian (or a Panamanian corporation)

Team of attorneys