How to Register a Foreign Marriage in Panama

A Guide for Panamanian Citizens Married Abroad

If you are a Panamanian citizen who got married outside Panama, your marriage should be registered with the Electoral Tribunal of Panama so that it is officially recognised in the Panamanian Civil Registry.

Below is an overview of the requirements and the registration process.

1. Original Marriage Certificate

You must submit the original marriage certificate issued by the Civil Registry or the competent authority in the country where your marriage was celebrated.

The certificate must be:

Apostilled under the Hague Apostille Convention, or
Legalised through the Panamanian Consulate if the country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.

If the document was legalised (instead of apostilled), it must also be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama.

2. Certified Spanish Translation

If your marriage certificate or Apostille is written in a language other than Spanish, it must be translated by a Panamanian Authorised Public Translator.

Important: The Apostille itself must also be translated into Spanish.

3. Identification Documents

You will need:

A copy of the Panamanian spouse’s national identity card or passport.
A copy of the foreign spouse’s passport.

Passport copies should clearly show the holder’s personal information and, where required, be properly certified.

4. Who May Submit the Application?

The application may be submitted by:

Either spouse;
Either spouse’s parents; or
A legal representative acting under a duly notarised Power of Attorney.

5. Where Can the Marriage Be Registered?

Applications may be submitted to:

National Civil Registry Directorate of Panama’s Electoral Tribunal.

You may also submit your application at any Regional Office of the Electoral Tribunal, although processing times may be longer.

If a Panamanian Consulate exists in the country where the marriage took place, the registration may also be processed through that Consulate.

Important Considerations

Before submitting your application, please note the following:

The Electoral Tribunal may request additional documents or evidence.
Approval is not automatic, even if all required documents are submitted.
The Panamanian spouse’s name on the marriage certificate must exactly match the name appearing on his or her Panamanian identity documents.
If the certificate or Apostille requires translation, it must be translated by a Panamanian Authorised Public Translator.
If either spouse was previously married, any divorce or annulment may first need to be recognised and registered in Panama before the new marriage can be registered.