Frequently Asked Questions

At Panama Translator, we offer certified translation, interpretation (remote and in-person), localization, proofreading, transcription, subtitling, résumé review, virtual assistance, and language consulting services.

We work with a wide range of documents, including:

• Legal Documents: contracts, public deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney, court filings, notarial agreements, minutes, audits.
• Corporate Documents: financial statements, insurance forms, internal policies, user manuals, internal guidelines, instructional material, bank statements, accounting documents, résumés, marketing materials, emails, presentations, letters, menus.
• Certificates: birth, marriage, divorce, death, single status, police records, apostilles, etc.
• Academic Documents: transcripts, diplomas, course descriptions, essays, literary work.
• Business Content: websites, blog articles, email campaigns, social media content, scripts.
• Technical Documents: medical, pharmaceutical, architectural, engineering, IT, maritime, aeronautics, and food safety documents.
• Editing Services: proofreading, grammar correction, and style editing.

We offer translation and interpretation services in the following languages: Español / English / Français / Deutsch / 中文 (Mandarin) / 日本語 (Japanese) / العربية (Arabic) / Italiano / Nederlands / Português / Polski.

If your language is not listed, feel free to reach out — we may still be able to help through our extended network.

Yes. We provide consecutive, simultaneous, whisper (chuchotage), certified (legal), and escort/travel interpretation services — both on-site and remotely via Zoom, Teams, or your preferred platform.

We cover:

• Public Notary appointments
• Guided tours
• Radio and TV shows (broadcaster license)
• Civil marriages
• Private meetings
• Court hearings
• Business negotiations
• Religious events
• Conferences
• Visits to ports, airports, factories, plants, and construction sites
• Governmental and non-governmental institutions

We offer remote administrative support tailored to your personal or corporate needs. Tasks include:

• Email management
• Transcription of documents, video and audio
• Meeting coordination
• Supply purchasing
• Event planning
• Appointment scheduling and coordination
• Invoicing
• Document formatting and editing
• Gift and merchandising logistics
• Data entry
• Travel coordination and bookings
• Personal and social tasks

Translation rates depend on the document's format, content, volume and requested delivery date. Urgent translations incur additional fees. We recommend submitting your files in PDF format for a personalized, free quote.

You can email your documents to info@panamatranslator.com or send them via WhatsApp at +507 6607 1631. We'll review your documents and reply with a quote, estimated turnaround time, and payment options.

We accept payments via:

• Bank transfer (Banco General)
• Yappy (for clients in Panama)
• Zelle (for U.S. clients)
• Credit card (6% convenience fee applies)
• International wire transfers (subject to bank fees)

Full payment is required before delivery unless otherwise agreed. Once payment is confirmed, we'll issue an invoice under the name of your choice.

Turnaround depends on the length and complexity of your document. We always ask clients to send files for review before providing a timeline.

As a general reference:

• Documents 1–5 pages: 1–5 business days
• Urgent (24-hour) or same-day requests: possible depending on availability and complexity, and include an urgent fee.

Yes! We do our best to accommodate urgent jobs based on availability. Please contact us as soon as possible if your request is time-sensitive. Urgent fees apply.

Yes. Certified translations are completed by a licensed Public Translator registered with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama. They include the translator's signature, official seal, and a certification statement. Certified translations are accepted by government offices, courts, universities, and other institutions.

If your document is being submitted to a legal, governmental, or academic institution, chances are you'll need a certified translation. We're happy to guide you if you're unsure.

• A certified translation includes the translator's declaration, official seal, and signature.
• A notarized translation also involves a public notary verifying the translator's signature.

Requirements vary by institution — please confirm before incurring additional notarization costs.

No. For security and efficiency, we do not handle originals. Please send a high-quality scan or a clear photo via email or WhatsApp.

• A translator works with written text
• An interpreter works with spoken communication in real-time

Think:

• Translator = Documents, websites, reports
• Interpreter = Meetings, events, courtrooms, calls

These are different modes of interpretation used depending on the setting:

• Consecutive: the speaker pauses every few sentences, and the interpreter conveys what was said in the target language. Ideal for small meetings, interviews, or legal proceedings.
• Chuchotage (whispered interpretation): the interpreter sits next to the listener and whispers the translation in real time. Best for one or two people in a group setting who don't speak the main language.
• Simultaneous: the interpreter speaks almost at the same time as the speaker, usually using headsets and microphones. Common for conferences and webinars.

Absolutely. Confidentiality is a top priority. We can sign an NDA upon request.

That's wonderful — we always support bilingual growth! However, if your documents are for official or legal purposes, they must be translated by a certified professional to be accepted by authorities. Encourage your contact to pursue professional training and certification — and in the meantime, we're here to help ensure accuracy and compliance.

Yes! We offer delivery service, and you can receive your translation at your office or home! Please contact us to get an estimate based on your location.