How to verify a certified translator (TPA) in Panama

What is a Certified Public Translator (TPA)?

It is the translator certified by the Panamanian state to produce translations with official validity, known in Spanish as a Traductor Público Autorizado. The role is governed by Executive Decree 975 of 2017 and Resolution 2448 of 2018 of MEDUCA, Panama's Ministry of Education. The TPA's signature, seal and idoneidad number give the translation legal weight before Immigration, the Civil Registry, universities and banks.

Where can you check a TPA's credentials?

On the official list published by MIRE, Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which shows the current certified public translators under Executive Decree 975 of 2017. That registry is the reliable source: if your translator's name and idoneidad number appear there, their translation is valid. No private list replaces MIRE's.

What should you ask for before you pay?

Ask for four details: the TPA's full name, their idoneidad or MEDUCA resolution number, the languages they are authorized in, and confirmation that they physically sign and seal the document you receive. The idoneidad is granted per language within the system set by Executive Decree 975 of 2017, so a translator certified only for German cannot sign an English translation.

The full name of the TPA who will sign your translation.
Their idoneidad number or MEDUCA resolution number.
The languages they are authorized in (the idoneidad is per language).
Confirmation that they physically sign and seal the delivered document.

Why do the translator's credentials matter so much?

Because a translation signed by someone outside the registry has no validity before Panamanian authorities, even if the text is well translated. Under Executive Decree 975 of 2017, only a TPA's signature and seal give a translation official standing. Filing anything else costs you time and money: the counter rejects it and you redo it with a TPA. Checking first is the simplest way to avoid paying twice.

At Lingo we only work with registered TPAs

Every translation we deliver is signed and sealed by a Certified Public Translator listed in MIRE's registry, with their idoneidad number. We do not produce plain translations for official filings: if a document goes to an authority, it carries a TPA's certification.

Does a translator certified in your home country count in Panama?

Usually not. Panamanian authorities such as the National Immigration Service and the Civil Registry expect the signature of a TPA certified by MEDUCA under Executive Decree 975 of 2017 and registered with MIRE. A translation made outside Panama, even an official one there, normally has to be redone here. USCIS works the other way: 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) sets a format, not a location for the translator.

That is why a translation made in Panama by a TPA can serve a USCIS petition, while one made abroad usually has to be redone for a Panamanian filing. See the differences in certified vs. sworn vs. official translation.

How to verify that your translator is a TPA

1Ask for the full name and the idoneidad number of the translator who will sign your document.
2Go to MIRE's official list of Certified Public Translators (mire.gob.pa).
3Search for the name and confirm it appears with the languages of your translation.
4Check that the delivered document carries their signature, seal and idoneidad number.
5If the translator is not on the registry, do not use that translation for an official filing.

Frequently asked questions

Can any translator produce an official translation in Panama?

No. Only a Certified Public Translator certified by MEDUCA and listed in MIRE's registry can produce translations with official validity, under Executive Decree 975 of 2017. A skilled translator without that certification may deliver an accurate translation, but Panamanian authorities do not accept it for official filings.

Where is the official list of TPAs?

MIRE, Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, publishes it on its website, mire.gob.pa. It is the authoritative reference for current certified public translators under Executive Decree 975 of 2017. Check it directly at the official source rather than relying on third-party lists, which may be out of date.

How do I know Lingo uses a registered TPA?

Every translation we deliver carries the signature, seal and idoneidad number of the Certified Public Translator who produced it, and you can check that name on MIRE's list. If you want to confirm who signed your document, ask us for the details and compare them with the official source. Pricing starts at $20 per 250-word page.

Does the TPA need to be certified in my document's language?

Yes. A TPA's idoneidad is granted per language, so the translator who signs an English ↔ Spanish translation must be certified for English. Today we translate English ↔ Spanish and German ↔ Spanish, each with a TPA registered with MIRE for that language: English from $20 per page, German from $25. Portuguese, French, Italian and Mandarin are coming soon.

Does a TPA's translation also need a notary?

For most processes inside Panama, no: the TPA's signature and seal are enough under Executive Decree 975 of 2017, with no notary involved. Some destinations abroad ask for the translator's signature to be authenticated by a notary. Lingo does not offer notarization, so that step happens directly at a notary's office. Tell us where you will file and we will point out what applies.

How to verify a certified public translator in Panama