Guide to Registering a Death Abroad in Panama

To request the registration of a death that occurred abroad in Panama, follow these steps:

Requirements:

Obtain the original death certificate from the Civil Registry office or entity where the death occurred.

Ensure that:

It is authenticated through the Panamanian Consulate in the country where the death occurred or through the Apostille Convention.

If there's no Panamanian consulate and no Apostille Convention, the document must be authenticated by a diplomatic or consular representative of a friendly nation in that country. It should then be countersigned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of that nation and subsequently by the Panamanian consulate in the friendly nation. If the Apostille is in a language other than Spanish, it must be translated by a public interpreter authorized in Panama.

The authenticated certificate must be endorsed or validated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Panama. This can be done at the Authentication and Legalization office.

If the certificate is in a language other than Spanish, it must be translated by a public interpreter authorized in Panama. If no official translator is available in Panama for that language, a certification from the General Secretary of the Ministry of Education of Panama confirming the availability of a translator can be presented.

Provide a simple photocopy of the personal identity card or passport of the deceased and the applicant. If using a passport, ensure the general information is visible and verified before a notary, Panamanian Consul, or Civil Registry official.

The registration of the death can be carried out by the surviving spouse, parents, children, or siblings of the deceased. Alternatively, a legal representative can handle the procedure with a duly notarized power of attorney and a memorial (request).

Procedure Locations:

The service is processed in the Department of Panamanians Abroad of the National Directorate of Civil Registry. The presentation of the requirements can be made at the Department of Legal Facts and Acts Occurring Abroad located on Ave. Omar Torrijos Herrera in Panama City or at Regional Offices of the Electoral Tribunal in each province.

Observations:

• The Civil Registry official may personally verify the accuracy of the evidence presented and compliance with requirements, but this does not guarantee a positive response to the process. Additional tests may be requested.
• The name on the death certificate must match the deceased Panamanian identity document.
• For women with married names, the document should indicate their maiden name or parents' names for identification purposes.
• Translations of the death certificate into Spanish must match the certificate's information accurately.
• Errors in translations will not be accepted.

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