Lebanon Ship Registration
Ships registered under the Lebanese flag benefit from international recognition, facilitating operations globally.
Registering a ship under the Lebanon flag provides advantages including:(a) competitive registration and tonnage tax rates, (b) a favorable regulatory environment, and (c) no restrictions on ship ownership or crew nationality. Lebanon is currently on the Grey List of the Paris MoU, indicating higher safety and compliance risks.
Facts & Info about: Lebanon Ship Registration
- Ownership:Ships must be owned by Lebanese citizens or companies.
- Company Formation: The owning company must be registered in Lebanon, typically as a Société Anonyme Libanaise (SAL) or a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
- Directorship: Must comply with local corporate governance requirements.
- Resident Agent: Not explicitly required.
- Office Address: The company must have a registered office in Lebanon.
- Annual Maintenance: Annual tonnage tax and maintenance fees must be paid.
- Inspections: Regular safety and compliance inspections as mandated by the Directorate General of Land and Maritime Transport.
- Financial Statements: Submission of annual financial statements and other regulatory documents.
- Tonnage Tax System: Lebanon has a tonnage tax regime.
- Income Exemptions: Income from the operation of Lebanese-registered vessels is subject to specific maritime tax laws.
- Capital Gains: Capital gains tax may apply on the sale or transfer of a Lebanese-registered vessel.
- Registration Process: The registration process can take a few weeks depending on documentation and compliance with Lebanese maritime laws.
- Lebanese Maritime Law: Governs the registration, sales, and mortgages of ships.
- Tonnage Tax Law: Regulates the taxation system based on tonnage.
- Flag State Control: Lebanon maintains high standards of safety, security, and environmental protection.
- Reputation: Lebanon is on the Grey List of Paris MoU.
- Support Services: Comprehensive maritime services including ship management and legal support.
- Strategic Location: Key location in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.