Frequently asked questions

It depends on the language, the length of the document, the stamps it needs and the deadline. That's why every quote is tailored: send us the document and we reply with a fixed price, usually the same business day.

No. Almost everything is done by email and courier. You only need to be present to sign before a notary (for example, a power of attorney), and we go with you.

If both the issuing country and the country where it will be used are party to the Hague Convention, an apostille is enough. If either isn't, consular legalization is used. Check your country's page or write to us.

Many Panamanian institutions require the Spanish translation to be made by an authorized public translator in Panama. If you already have a translation from abroad, we review it and tell you whether it will be accepted.

A certificate translation, 1 to 2 business days. A Panamanian apostille, a few days depending on the document. An embassy legalization, days to weeks. We always give you the timeline before starting.

Yes. We ship originals by international courier to any country, and translations are also available as a signed PDF.

Yes. Only the people working on your order have access, all bound by confidentiality.

Yes: law firms, Colón Free Zone companies, multinationals in Panamá Pacífico, shipping companies and relocation agencies. We offer monthly invoicing and a dedicated contact for recurring orders.

A translator licensed by the Panamanian State to produce translations with official validity. Many Panamanian institutions only accept translations signed by one of them.

A one- or two-page certificate is usually ready in 1 to 2 business days. Longer or technical documents depend on volume, which we confirm in the quote. Rush service is available.

Every country party to the 1961 Hague Convention, more than 120, including the US, Spain, Colombia, China, Canada and most of Europe and Latin America. For the rest, consular legalization is used.

Yes, when the translator's signature is registered or the translation is authenticated by a notary. Some countries require it; we'll tell you if yours does.

The apostille is a single certificate valid between Hague Convention countries. Consular legalization is a chain of stamps (Foreign Ministry and consulate) for countries that are not party. It takes longer and costs more.

It depends on the embassy: from a few days to several weeks. We give you an estimate for your country before we start.

Yes. The apostille certifies the signature of the notary who certified the copy. It's the usual route for passports and documents that can't be apostilled directly.

For copies, usually not: you just hand us the original. To authenticate your signature you must sign before the notary; we go with you, with an interpreter if needed.

Yes, once it's apostilled and translated where needed. The US and China are both party to the Hague Convention, so no consulate visit is required.

Yes. It's drafted bilingually and an interpreter accompanies you when you sign before the notary.

Yes, in most cases with a signed authorization and a copy of your ID. Some documents require a power of attorney; we'll tell you which.

Many institutions ask for certificates issued within the last 3 or 6 months. We confirm the required validity before requesting it.

For English and Chinese in Panama City, ideally 2 to 3 business days. For other languages, provinces or simultaneous interpreting, at least a week.

Yes, as well as Mandarin. Panama has a large community of Cantonese origin and it's a frequent request.