Apostille a power of attorney or notarized document in Panama
We review your power of attorney or notarized document, take it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and deliver it apostilled. If the power of attorney does not exist yet, our attorney can draft it.
- Authority
- Panamanian notary public and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- How it is filed
- Mixed: signing at the notary, apostille online
- Typical timeframe
- Varies: the notary is usually quick; the apostille can be same day
- Fee from
- From US$50 per document, plus official fees
Who it is for
- People granting a power of attorney for use abroadTo sell property, claim an inheritance or be represented before a bank or court in another country.
- Companies with paperwork abroadThat need sworn statements, minutes or powers of attorney signed before a Panamanian notary apostilled.
- Individuals with private documentsAuthorization letters, travel consents for minors or contracts with signatures certified by a notary.
Problems we solve
- The Ministry turned down your power of attorney because the notary's signature was a photocopy.
- The bank or notary abroad rejected the power of attorney because of its wording.
- You do not know whether to apostille the original or a notarized copy.
- You are asked to apostille a copy of a degree and do not know if the destination accepts it.
- You signed the power of attorney in Panama and have already left the country.
What the Ministry apostilles on a notarized document
The apostille does not certify the content of the document. It certifies the signature and seal of the notary who executed it.
According to the MIRE fee schedule, any notarized private document is apostilled with the notary's fresh signature: the original hand signature, not a photocopy. This applies to originals and copies, and each pays B/.8.00 in stamp fees plus B/.2.00 for the apostille.
Court rulings and other judicial documents follow a different route. The Supreme Court's Secretaría General apostilles them, according to the HCCH.
- General and special powers of attorney.
- Sworn statements (declaraciones juradas).
- Copies certified by a notary.
- Private documents with notarized signatures, such as authorizations or contracts.
Power of attorney: draft it for the destination country
A properly apostilled power of attorney can still be rejected if its wording does not work in the other country. Each country and each institution has its own formal requirements.
Before signing, ask the receiving institution for its template or the list of powers it needs. Our attorney can draft the power of attorney in Panama with that content. That service is quoted separately.
Notarized copy or original document
A notary can certify that a copy matches its original, or certify a signature on a private document. A notary cannot certify an official's signature on a public document, according to a MINSA notice.
That is why, for a degree or a civil record, many destinations want the apostille on the original. See apostille a university degree and apostille a birth certificate. For company or land certificates, see Public Registry certificates.
If you are not in Panama
A document signed before a notary in another country is apostilled in that country, not in Panama. A Panamanian apostille only covers documents from Panamanian notaries.
If you need to handle something in Panama from abroad, see apostille from abroad. There we explain how to send us a valid power of attorney.
Requirements
- A document signed before a Panamanian notary public, with the notary's fresh signature and seal. Official source
- One fresh notary signature for each original or copy to be apostilled. Official source
- An authorization so we can request the apostille on your behalf.
Steps and timeframes
-
We review the document
We handle itWe check the notary's fresh signature and seal, and that the wording works for the destination.
1 business day
-
Signing before a notary
You handle itIf the document is not signed yet, we arrange the notary appointment. You attend with your cédula or passport.
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We request the apostille
We handle itWe file the document with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and pay the apostille and stamp fees.
-
The Ministry issues the apostille
The authority handles itIt verifies the notary's signature and issues the electronic apostille.
Same day or later
-
We deliver the document
We handle itAs a PDF by email or a paper original by courier, depending on what the destination accepts.
Costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille, per document Official source | B/.2.00 |
| Stamp fee: notarized private document (original or copy) Official source | B/.8.00 |
| Notary charges | According to the notary's fees |
| Tramita Todo fee | From US$50 per document, plus official fees |
The balboa (B/.) is at par with the US dollar. Fees can change: we confirm them when we review your case. Drafting, translation and courier are quoted separately.
What our service includes
- Review of the document's signature, seal and wording.
- Arranging the notary signing if needed.
- Apostille request and payment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Delivery of the apostilled document as a PDF or paper original.
- Updates in writing by WhatsApp or email.
What it does not include
- Ministry fees and notary charges.
- Drafting the power of attorney or document (quoted separately with our attorney).
- Certified translation and international courier.
- Apostille of documents signed before notaries in other countries.
Who handles your case
- Handling procedures before Panamanian authorities since 2008.
- Certified public accountants on our team.
- Our own office in Obarrio, Panama City.
- We also serve clients who live outside Panama.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to apostille a power of attorney in Panama?
According to the MIRE fee schedule, a notarized private document pays B/.2.00 for the apostille and B/.8.00 in stamp fees, whether original or copy. Add the notary charges and our fee, from US$50 per document.
What is the notary's fresh signature?
It is the notary's original hand signature on the document. The Ministry requires it to apostille notarized documents. A photocopied signature is not accepted, even on a certified copy.
Can a notarized copy of a degree or certificate be apostilled?
The Ministry apostilles the notary's signature on the copy. But many destinations do not accept that copy and want the apostille on the original. Check with the receiving institution before you do it.
How long does it take to apostille a notarized document?
If the document is already signed before a notary, the apostille can be issued the same day with the electronic apostille. If the power of attorney must be drafted and signed, add one or two days. We give you an estimate when we review your case.
Can a power of attorney signed in another country be apostilled in Panama?
No. A document signed before a foreign notary is apostilled in that notary's country. Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs only apostilles Panamanian documents.