What is the Official Document Recognition Map?

An interactive map showing each country's official requirements for recognising foreign documents, including when certified translations, apostilles, or legalisation are needed.

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

When do I need a certified translation?

A certified translation is typically required when submitting foreign language documents to government agencies, courts, or official institutions. Requirements vary by country - use the map to check specific country requirements.

What's the difference between legalisation and an apostille?

Apostille is used between countries that are part of the Hague Convention (simplified process), while legalisation is the traditional process used between countries not part of the convention, often requiring multiple steps through foreign ministries and embassies.

Translation Requirements for Panama

Panama 🇵🇦

Requirement: Sworn/Licensed

Requirements summary

Apostille required	Required for foreign public documents before translation
Translation type required	Sworn translation by authorised Public Translator
Who can translate	Translator authorised by Panama’s Ministry of Education (MEDUCA)
Official translator registry	List of Public Translators (MEDUCA PDF)
Accepted languages	Spanish (official language)
Legalisation authority	Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama
Official source	Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) – Public Translators & Examiners

Important: Only translators authorised and listed by the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) may issue official sworn translations for use in Panama’s public, legal, and administrative systems.

Where can I find a translator?

You can consult the official list of authorised Traductores Públicos maintained by the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) here:

List of Public Translators – 2024 (PDF)

For more information on the authorisation process, see the official government page on Public Translators & Examiners (MEDUCA) .

Who can translate

In Panama, official translations must be carried out by a licensed Traductor Público Autorizado (Authorised Public Translator) who is:

Listed on the official MEDUCA registry
Authorised through a formal examination process
Recognised by ministerial resolution

What makes a translation official

An official sworn translation must include:

The translator’s official seal
The translator’s signature
The translator’s authorisation number or MEDUCA listing reference
A statement certifying accuracy and completeness

These elements confirm that the translation is legally valid and accepted by Panamanian courts, government agencies, immigration authorities, and public institutions.

Documents from abroad

Foreign public documents must generally be apostilled or legalised in their country of origin before being submitted for translation in Panama.

After apostille/legalisation, the document must be translated into Spanish by an authorised Panamanian Public Translator to be accepted by Panamanian authorities.

Legal basis

The profession and authorisation of Public Translators in Panama are regulated by the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA). Only translators who have passed the official examination and appear on the government registry may produce sworn translations with legal effect.

Official Document Recognition Map - Translation, Apostille & Legalisation Rules by Country

Legalisation and translation requirements in Panama