How to apostille and translate documents for Panama (2026 guide)

What is an apostille and what does it do?

An apostille is the certificate that makes a public document from one country valid in another without consular legalization, under the 1961 Hague Convention. Panama is a party to the Convention. An apostilled US birth certificate or FBI record is accepted by Panamanian authorities, and a Panamanian document apostilled by MIRE is accepted in the other member countries.

The apostille certifies that the signature and position of the official who issued the document are genuine. It does not certify the content, and it does not translate anything. That is why it almost always comes with a second step: a certified translation into Spanish.

Which comes first, the apostille or the translation?

The original document comes first, always, and it is apostilled in the country that issued it. Then it is translated in Panama, so the certified translation also covers the apostille: its seals, number and date. If you translate first and apostille later, the apostille is missing from the translation, the counter usually sends the file back, and you pay for a second translation at $20 or more per page.

Where do you get a foreign document apostilled?

With the designated authority of the country that issued it, never in Panama. US state records such as birth and marriage certificates are apostilled in the issuing state, while federal documents like the FBI Identity History Summary go through the US Department of State. Canada joined the Convention in January 2024, so Canadian records now get an apostille too. Many authorities let you request it remotely.

Once your record is apostilled, see how we handle criminal record translations and FBI background checks.

When can you skip the apostille or the translation?

There are three common cases. USCIS petitions need a certified English translation under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3), but no apostille. Countries outside the 1961 Hague Convention use consular legalization instead of an apostille. And documents already in Spanish, such as records from Spain or Colombia, only need their apostille for use in Panama, with no translation at all.

• USCIS petitions (United States): the federal rule 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) requires a complete English translation with the translator's certification. It does not require an apostille on the original or on the translation. More in our USCIS translations guide.
• Countries that are not party to the Hague Convention: the document goes through consular legalization, a chain of stamps, not an apostille. Check the issuing country on the official status table, and read apostille vs. consular legalization.
• Documents in Spanish that already carry their apostille, for use in Panama: they need no translation. The apostille is enough.

Who can translate an apostilled document in Panama?

A Certified Public Translator (TPA): a professional certified by MEDUCA under Executive Decree 975 of 2017 and Resolution 2448 of 2018, and listed in MIRE's official registry. Only their signature and seal make the translation valid before the National Immigration Service, the Civil Registry, universities and Panamanian banks. A translation made abroad, even an official one there, usually has to be redone in Panama.

You can check any translator yourself. We explain how in how to verify a certified translator in Panama.

Where do you apostille a Panamanian document?

At Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIRE), through its Authentication and Legalization Department, under the same 1961 Hague Convention. This applies to documents issued in Panama that you will use abroad: Civil Registry certificates, DIJ police records, diplomas and Public Registry certificates. You handle it directly at MIRE or through your attorney. Lingo does not provide apostilles, but we will tell you the right order.

How much does it cost to apostille and translate?

The certified translation costs $20 for the first 250-word page plus $0.08 per additional word, with Panama's 7% ITBMS tax on top. A typical birth certificate comes to about $21.40 with tax; a long criminal record, $35 to $50. German originals cost $25 per page plus $0.10 per additional word. Lingo does not charge for the apostille: you pay it directly to the authority that issues it.

Past the first page you pay per word, never for another full page. Portuguese, French, Italian and Mandarin are coming soon. See the full breakdown on our pricing page.

How long does the whole process take?

Standard delivery of the translation takes up to 3 business days. Express delivers in 1 business day (+50%), and Same-day (+100%) applies only if you pay before 11:00 a.m. and a translator is available. The apostille depends on the authority: MIRE usually resolves it in days, while foreign ones, such as the FBI record plus the US Department of State, can take weeks. Request it early.

These timelines apply to documents up to 10 pages; longer ones get a special volume price from our team. More in how long a certified translation takes.