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Official Document Translation & Legalisation Map

Interactive index of country-specific requirements for certified translations, sworn translations, apostilles, and consular legalization for official submissions worldwide.

Simple World Map Author: Al MacDonald Editor: Fritz Lekschas License: CC BY-SA 3.0 ID: ISO 3166-1 or "_[a-zA-Z]" if an ISO code is not available

Translation Standard

Sworn Translator
Certified Translation
Notarised Translation
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Panama

Sworn/Licensed translation standard

Requirements Summary

Apostille required
Required for foreign public documents before translation
Who can translate
Translator authorised by Panama’s Ministry of Education (MEDUCA)
Accepted languages
Spanish (official language)
Legalization agency
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama
Official registry
List of Public Translators (MEDUCA PDF)
Official guidelines
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.
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Detailed Guidelines

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.