Attesting Panamanian Documents (FAQs)

Yes - Panama is a member of the Apostille Convention.

Panamanian documents can be legalized for use abroad with an Apostille Stamp when destined for other signatory countries without additional certification by the destination country.

When Panamanian documents are required for non-apostille countries, such as United Arab Emirates - Taiwan - Malaysia - Thailand - Qatar they need additional authentication by the embassy of the destination country.

For further information see:
Panama Apostille Services

Official documents that can be legalized with an Apostille in Panama include:

• Birth, death, marriage certificates
• Criminal record certificates (Record Policivo de uso internacional)
• Company registration and tax documents
• Court documents
• University and academic diplomas
• Documents certified in Panama by a notary

To confirm whether your document is eligible for apostille authentication in Panama, please contact us and we’ll check your document free of charge. For further information about our Panamanian apostille services and for assistance obtaining official copies of Panamanian documents, see:
Panama Apostille Services

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A Panamanian Apostille is a certificate that is affixed to a public document. It certifies the authenticity of the signature appearing on the document as that of an authorized public official in Panama and confirms the capacity of that official.

Panamanian Apostille stamps are often required when submitting a Panamanian document, such as a birth certificate, to the authorities of a foreign country or to a foreign embassy in Panama (for example, as part of a visa or citizenship application). Apostilles are recognised by the authorities and embassies of countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention

For more information on Apostilles, see:
The ABCs of Apostilles (PDF)

Document legalization (or attestation) is a procedure which authenticates a public Panamanian document so that it can be submitted in another country for official or legal purposes - for example, if you need to submit a Panamanian birth certificate to the authority or embassy of another country, it will often need to be legalized.

Legalzing a document in Panama certifies the authenticity of the signature appearing on the document as that of an authorized public official in Panama and confirms the capacity of that official.

• Because Panama is a member of the Apostille Convention, Panamanian documents can be legalized by means of an Apostille Stamp when being submitted to countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention
  See: What is a Panamanian Apostille Stamp?
• If a Panamanian is required for a country that is not a member of the Apostille Convention, it will need to be legalized both by Panamanian authorities and by the embassy of the recipient country (embassy in Panama or non-resident embassy accredited to Panama).
  See: Document legalization - Wikipedia

Copies of Panama birth certificates (certificado de nacimiento), marriage certificates (certificado de matrimonio) and death certificates (certificado de defunción) can be obtained from the Dirección Nacional del Registro Civil). Applications may be submitted through an authorised representative. (Website in Spanish)

• Birth Certificates
• Marriage Certificates
• Death Certificates

Panamanian Criminal Record Certificates (Record Policivo ) are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

Non-Panamian nationals applying from outside Panama can appoint a representative to apply in person on their behalf at the Dirección de Investigación Judicial, providing a copy of their passport with valid entry stamps, current migration card or copy of current work permit card issued by MITRADEL.