When a Panamanian citizen or foreign resident needs to prove they are legally single outside of Panama, they must obtain a Certificate of Singleness, also known as the Certificado de No Impediment. This document is issued by the Tribunal Electoral de Panamá and certifies that the individual is not currently married according to Panama’s civil registry records.
However, for the certificate to be recognized in another country, three additional steps are typically required:
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Authentication of the certificate, and
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Apostille or legalization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama
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A certified translation into the official language of the destination country
1. Obtaining the Certificate of Single Status in Panama
The certificate is obtained directly at any Tribunal Electoral office. The applicant must present identification, and in most cases the certificate is issued the same day. It includes full name, identification number, and confirmation of civil status.
2. Apostille or Legalization
Foreign authorities generally will not accept the document unless it is properly authenticated. Panama is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means that an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is sufficient for most countries.
If the destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention, the document must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama. It must then be authenticated by the nearest embassy or consulate of the destination country.
3. Certified Translation
Once the certificate is apostilled or legalized, it must be translated by an authorized public translator in Panama.
A certified translation ensures:
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Accuracy of names, dates, and civil status
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Proper description of stamps, and apostilles
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Legal validity for government, immigration, or court procedures abroad
4. When a Translated Certificate Is Required
A translated and apostilled Certificate of Single Status is commonly required for:
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Marriage abroad
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Immigration applications
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Visa processes
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Citizenship or naturalization procedures
- Legal proceedings involving family law
5. Professional Legal–Translation Services
Because this document is frequently used in sensitive legal and immigration matters, it is essential to use an experienced certified translator familiar with Panama’s civil registry terminology and the legal requirements of foreign authorities.
A correctly prepared translation ensures that the certificate is accepted without delays or rejections.
If you need to translate a certificate of single status in Panama, contact us.
Edgardo Espinosa, Esq.
Attorney and Translator
Phone: +507 6290-3468
Email: info@certifiedtranslatorpanama.com
Address: Century Tower Building, Suite 401, 4th Floor, Panama City, Panama