When diplomas or academic records issued in Panama need to be presented abroad, they must undergo a process of certification, authentication, and apostille before being legally valid in another country. This applies to both secondary school diplomas and university degrees or transcripts. Below is a step-by-step guide to how the process works in Panama.
1. High School Diplomas and Academic Records
For high school diplomas and report cards issued by secondary schools in Panama:
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Authentication by the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA):
The first step is to have the diploma or academic record authenticated by the Panamanian Ministry of Education. Without this step, the document cannot proceed further in the apostille process. -
Apostille at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIRE):
Once authenticated, the document must be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specifically to the Office of Authentication and Legalization, where the apostille certificate will be issued. -
Digital Platform and Appointment:
The process requires scanning the authenticated document, uploading it to the Panamanian government website, and then attending an appointment to physically deliver the original document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. -
Issuance of Apostille Certificate:
The apostille is printed and delivered physically, and an electronic version is also sent to the applicant.
2. University Diplomas and Official Transcripts
For diplomas and academic transcripts issued by Panamanian universities:
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Certification by the Office of General Secretary of the University:
University documents must first be certified by the General Secretary of the issuing Panamanian university. -
Authentication and Apostille:
After certification, the same process applies at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama to obtain the apostille certificate. -
Revenue Stamps:
Before obtaining the apostille, the required government revenue stamps must be paid. These are a mandatory step to validate the process.
3. Translation of Apostilled Documents
Once the apostille certificate has been issued, the diploma or academic record can be translated into the official language of the country where the document will be presented. Important considerations include:
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Certified Translations:
The translation must be carried out by a certified or sworn translator authorized in Panama. -
Apostille of Translations:
If required abroad, the sworn translation itself can also be apostilled, but only if the original source document already has an apostille.
4. Universal Services: Your Partner in Apostille and Translation
At Universal Services, we assist clients with the complete process of:
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Authenticating diplomas and academic records.
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Coordinating with the Ministry of Education, universities, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Handling revenue stamp requirements.
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Providing certified translations of diplomas, transcripts, and apostille certificates.
We serve clients throughout all cities in Panama as well as clients living abroad. Our services are reliable, efficient, and tailored to the specific requirements of each case.
Contact Information
Edgardo Espinosa, Esq.
Attorney at Law and Sworn Translator
+507 6290-3468
info@certifiedtranslatorpanama.com