A Practical Guide to Romanian Notaries: What They Do and When You Need One

If you live in Romania long enough, you will almost certainly need a notary. Unlike in some countries where notaries simply witness signatures, Romanian notaries are public officials with a legal duty to verify identities, ensure documents comply with the law and keep official records. Their work is essential for buying property, granting powers of attorney, making sworn statements and many other everyday legal steps.

Understanding how notaries operate can save you time, money and confusion. Here is a practical guide to what they do, when you need one and how to prepare.

What Romanian notaries do

Romanian notaries are appointed by the Ministry of Justice and act as impartial legal professionals. Their main tasks include authenticating documents, confirming the identity and capacity of the parties, explaining the legal consequences of a document and ensuring it meets formal requirements. Once a document is notarised, it becomes an authentic act with strong evidentiary value in court.

Common situations where you will need a notary include:

• Buying or selling real estate
• Signing a power of attorney, especially for someone to act on your behalf in Romania while you are abroad
• Making a sworn declaration or affidavit, for example to confirm that you are not married or that you have no outstanding debts
• Certifying copies of original documents
• Drawing up inheritance declarations or waivers
• Authenticating company documents for business registration

Notaries do not provide legal advice in the same way a lawyer does, but they must ensure that you understand the document you are signing. If you are unsure about the terms, it is wise to consult a lawyer first.

How to prepare for a visit

Before you go, check that you have the correct documents. Typically you will need a valid identity card or passport. If you are representing a company, bring proof of your authority to act. For property matters, you may need the title deed, cadastral documentation and a tax certificate. The notary’s office can usually tell you exactly what to bring when you book an appointment.

All documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified translation into Romanian, unless the notary is also a certified translator. If you do not speak Romanian, you are legally entitled to have a sworn interpreter present. You can arrange this yourself or ask the notary’s office for help.

On the day, you will be asked to show your ID, and the notary will confirm your identity and legal capacity. You will then read the document or have it read to you, ask any questions, and sign in the notary’s presence. The notary signs and stamps the document, and a copy is kept in their archive. You will receive the original.

Practical tips

Notary offices are usually open on weekdays, and appointments are strongly recommended. Bring a pen that writes in blue ink, because some offices require blue ink for original signatures. Payment is normally made at the end, and many offices accept cards, but it is good to ask in advance.

Notary fees are set by law and depend on the type and value of the document. You will also pay for any certified copies or translations. Do not be afraid to ask for a written breakdown before you proceed.

If you need a notary in a small town, there may be only one or two offices, so plan ahead. In larger cities you have more choice, but the procedure is the same everywhere because it is regulated nationally.

Knowing when and how to use a notary makes everyday legal tasks much less stressful. With the right documents and a little preparation, your visit should be straightforward.