Apostille & Legalization in Canada

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This beautiful central American country is a well known destination for many Canadians. Its warm, tropical climate is a stark difference from the cool North winds of Canada. The recent economic boom also adds to Panama’s appeal. Whether you are looking to retire or looking for business opportunities, you will most likely need to take part in authentication and legalization of your documents.

The Authentication of your Documents in preparation for use in Panama

Panama has signed the Hague agreement while Canada has not. This means that the authentication of documents in both countries is very different. Canada follows the two-step authentication and legalization process, also called apostille. Rest assured that your documents will be viable in any country after the two-step process! This will be true regardless of whether or not your target country is part of the Hague agreement.

Every document has specific requirements in order to start the authentication process, double checking with the Embassy of Panama located in Ottawa is therefore very important. Generally, as the first step, your document should contain an authorized signature confirming its authenticity. Notaries and lawyers have the legal authority to do it. If you’re unsure of this step, we can help! Your documents will then be taken to Global Affairs Canada, where they will be stamped, sealed and signed, therefore authenticating it. The final step is legalization, done in the Embassy of Panama in Ottawa. The consul will sign and seal your documents once all the requirements have been met.

Retirement in Panama: Authentication and Legalization of Documents

Many Canadians dream of retiring in Panama. Depending on your personal history, you may need to prepare some or all of the following: a birth certificate, marriage certificate, a criminal record check, and proof of pension. All of the outlined documents will need to go through authentication and legalization. The process is outlined above. The experts at Legalization Service Centre Canada recommend our clients get an RCMP police check instead of a locally issued police check.

An RCMP check is always more thorough, as it is based on fingerprints. The RCMP is also globally recognized, including Global Affairs Canada. This means that you don’t need to hire a notary to notarize your local police check. This saves you time and money, which is very welcome! Global Affairs Canada may take up to 20 business days to process your documents, on average. If you wish to speed the process along, we will be more than happy to oblige with our three different offered service times. 

If you are interested in learning more about the requirements and conditions needed for your specific documents, feel free to browse our “Document Types” category on our website and to visit the official Embassy of Panama website or contact us! 

Business in Panama: Authentication and Legalization of Documents

Panama is a great attraction to those looking for work. Whether you are a future employer or a future employee, your documents will have to go through authentication and legalization. Which documents you will need to authenticate, however, will depend on whether you’re a company or an employee. 

As an Employee

If you were hired to work, you will need to provide a diploma, a Canadian university degree, and, preferably, an RCMP certified police check. RCMP police checks are usually more thorough than any other background checks available. Thus, they are more fitting for international use. Your degree, transcript and/or diplomas are obtainable directly through your alma maters. 

As a Company

If you are a Canadian company, you will need to present corporate documents. A certificate of incorporation, articles of incorporation, a CPP certificate, a GMP certificate, an ITC, a manufacturer’s certificate, and/or a corporate power of attorney are just some of them. Your potential partner/s in Panama will request the specific documents needed. The documents will have to be notarized and Global Affairs Canada staff will authenticate them. Finally, the Embassy of Panama will legalize them. In other words, they will go through the same authentication process as any other non-corporate documents.

Our Guarantee

It can be difficult to keep track of all the demands of the Panamanian Embassy as a client. Especially if this is your first time having to authenticate and legalize your documents! Our experts at Legalization Service Centre Canada (LSC Canada) have more than 10 years of experience with document authentication and legalization of Canadian documents. We are always working tirelessly to ensure the easiest process for you. Our client’s 5 star reviews will assure you of our quality, reliable and fast service, and our solid interpersonal relations with each embassies and consulates in Ottawa and Canada will provide you further confidence.

Source of picture: Viva Tropical 

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