How to apostille a document in Panama, step by step

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate attached to a public document to confirm the authenticity of the signature, position and seal of the person who issued it. It was created by the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, which abolishes the requirement to legalize foreign public documents between the countries that are part of it. Panama is one of them.

It is important to know that the apostille certifies the signature, not the content: if the document has an error, the apostille does not correct it.

Who issues the apostille in Panama?

It is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama through its Authentication and Legalization Department. For a document to be apostilled, the signature of the official who issued it must be registered with the ministry. The official fee is paid with revenue stamps and depends on the type of document. Requests can be made online on the Panamá Conecta portal. For court documents, the Judicial Branch also offers an electronic apostille sent by email.

Which documents can be apostilled?

• Birth, marriage and death certificates.
• Public Registry of Panama certificates, such as those for corporations, foundations and real estate.
• Public deeds and notarized copies.
• Academic documents, such as diplomas and transcripts, authenticated by the relevant institution.
• Translations made by an authorized public translator.
• Other documents signed by a Panamanian public official.

Steps to apostille a document

1. Confirm which country the document will be used in and whether that country is part of the Hague Convention.
2. Obtain the original document or a recent certified copy, signed and sealed by the issuing body.
3. Check that names, dates and numbers are correct before apostilling it.
4. If the document requires it, first obtain authentication from the issuing body.
5. Request the apostille at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and pay the corresponding revenue stamps.
6. If the destination country asks for it, translate the apostilled document.

What if the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention?

In that case the document is not apostilled but legalized through consular channels: it is first authenticated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama and then presented to the consulate of the destination country. We confirm which procedure applies before we start.

How do you get an officially valid translation?

In Panama, official translations are made by an authorized public translator, certified by the Ministry of Education and with a signature registered at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If the document will be used in another country, that country may require the translation before or after the apostille, or that the translation is apostilled too. We check that requirement with you so you do not repeat steps.

Foreign documents to be used in Panama

The reverse is also common: if you need to present in Panama a document issued in another country, such as a passport or a power of attorney to sign a corporation's articles, it usually needs an apostille or legalization in the country of origin and, if it is in another language, a Spanish translation by an authorized public translator in Panama. We tell you what to do in each case.

Is there an electronic apostille (e-Apostille) in Panama?

Yes. Since 27 May 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can issue electronic apostilles (e-Apostilles) on public documents, which are verified online. Before requesting one, confirm that the receiving body accepts the electronic version; if it requires paper, the traditional apostille is processed.

Tips to avoid repeating the process

• Ask the receiving body whether it requires a recent issue date.
• Confirm whether they accept an electronic apostille or require the physical document.
• Ask for the exact name of the document they need, so you get the right certificate.
• If you have several documents, apostille them together to save time.

Legal basis

• Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 abolishing the requirement of legalization for foreign public documents, ratified by Panama through Law 6 of 25 June 1990.
• Rules of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama on authentication, legalization and signature registration.