FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers for expats and English speakers dealing with certified translations in Panama.
What is a Certified Public Translator (TPA)?
The only professional authorized to produce legally valid translations in Panama: certified by the Ministry of Education under Executive Decree 975 of 2017 and Resolution 2448 of 2018, and listed in the official registry of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIRE). Every Lingo translation is signed and physically sealed by a MIRE-registered TPA.
I already had my documents translated in the US. Are they valid in Panama?
Usually not. Panamanian authorities — Immigration, the Civil Registry, universities, banks — require the signature and seal of a locally registered TPA. A certified translation from abroad, even a notarized one, is routinely rejected and must be redone in Panama. The good news: it is fast and inexpensive to redo correctly.
Do I apostille before or after translating?
Apostille first, always, and in the country that issued the document. An FBI background check gets its apostille from the US Department of State, then gets translated in Panama so the apostille appears inside the certified translation. Translating first is the most common mistake and forces you to pay for the translation twice.
How much does it cost?
From $20 (B/. 20) per document of up to 275 words, plus $0.07 per additional word, plus Panama's 7% ITBMS tax. English↔Spanish has no language surcharge. A one-page certificate comes to about $21.40 total; a longer FBI report typically runs $25–45. The exact quote arrives on WhatsApp in under a minute.
How long does it take?
Standard: 48–72 business hours. Express: 24 hours (+50%). Same-day: under 8 hours (+100%) when you pay before 11:00 a.m. and a translator is available. Delivery of the physical signed document is free in Panama City; the signed PDF goes to your email.
Which documents do retirees (Pensionado visa) usually need translated?
The pension or Social Security award letter proving lifetime income of at least $1,000/month, an FBI (or home-country) background check, and civil certificates for dependents. Everything issued in English must be apostilled in its country of origin and translated into Spanish by a MIRE-registered TPA.
Are your translations accepted by USCIS?
We deliver full compliance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3): complete English translation plus the translator's signed certification of accuracy and competence, which is the exact format USCIS requires. No apostille of the translation is needed for USCIS filings.
How do I pay?
With Yappy, Banco General's mobile payment system, which any Panamanian bank account can use. If you don't have Yappy yet, tell us in the chat and we'll coordinate an alternative. Card payments are coming soon.
Is my document safe?
Yes. We operate under Panama's Data Protection Law (Law 81 of 2019): explicit consent, encrypted storage (AES-256), and automatic deletion of your files 60 days after delivery. Your document is only shared with the TPA who signs your translation.
Do you work weekends?
The WhatsApp assistant quotes and takes orders 24/7, in English or Spanish. Human attention runs Monday to Friday 9am–6pm and Saturday 9am–1pm. Business-hour tiers (Express, Same-day) count business hours only.