Panama has taken a significant step in modernizing its consular and document certification services by implementing the electronic apostille. With this measure, the country aligns itself with other jurisdictions in the region, such as Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico, by adopting this modality under the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, and adhering to the standards of the Electronic Apostille Program (e-APP).
Starting May 27, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the entry into force of the new system, which allows for the digital apostille of public documents issued in Panama. The procedure is done through the Citizens’ Single Portal, developed by the National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG).
To complete the application, the user must register on the portal, upload the document in PDF format, and fill out the required fields. They will then receive instructions for online payment of the applicable fee, and once processed, the document will be sent with the electronic apostille to the applicant’s email.
A key aspect of the process is the use of a qualified electronic signature. If the issuing entity of the document has adopted this technology, the apostille is issued directly in digital format. If not, the system will allow scheduling an appointment for physical validation prior to issuance.
In addition to representing a significant improvement in efficiency and cost reduction, this advancement strengthens the State’s digital transformation and facilitates access to faster consular services for citizens and businesses, both within and outside the country.
For now, the system is only available to individuals using a Panamanian ID card as their identification document. However, it has been announced that starting August 1, it will also be available for users who use a passport.
For more information or to start an application, you can access the system through the official website: https://apostillaelectronica.mire.gob.pa.
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