How to Use a Notary in Romania: A Practical Guide

If you live in Romania, sooner or later you will need the services of a notary public. Notaries (notari publici) are legal professionals appointed by the Ministry of Justice who authenticate documents, oversee property transactions, and perform a range of other official acts. Their role is to ensure that legal documents are genuine, that all parties understand the consequences, and that the law is respected.

What Does a Notary Do in Romania?

A notary’s main job is to give legal certainty to private agreements and declarations. In Romania, certain transactions are not legally valid unless they are concluded before a notary. The most common notarial acts include:

• Real estate transactions – buying, selling, or donating property. The notary drafts the contract, checks the ownership history, and ensures the transfer is registered with the Land Registry.
• Inheritance proceedings – issuing certificates of inheritance and dividing estates among heirs.
• Powers of attorney – granting someone authority to act on your behalf, often required for banking, property, or legal matters.
• Certified copies and signatures – notaries can certify that a copy matches the original or that a signature is genuine.
• Marriage contracts – drawing up prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.
• Company documents – authenticating articles of association, shareholder decisions, and other corporate paperwork.

Notaries also provide legal advice related to these acts, explaining the rights and obligations of each party.

When Do You Need a Notary?

You will need a notary in many everyday situations. For example, if you buy a flat or a house in Romania, the sale-purchase agreement must be signed before a notary. If you inherit property or money from a relative, you will need a notary to issue a certificate of inheritance. If you give someone power of attorney to manage your bank account or sell a car on your behalf, that document must be notarised.

Other common cases include:

• Declarations of consent for a child to travel abroad with one parent.
• Statutory declarations for various administrative purposes.
• Authenticating copies of diplomas, passports, or other official documents for use in Romania or abroad.

How to Use a Notary: Step by Step

Using a notary in Romania is straightforward, but a little preparation helps. Here is a typical process:

1. Find a notary office. Notary offices are found in every city and most towns. You can search online or ask for recommendations. All notaries must display their fees, which are regulated by law.
2. Make an appointment. While some offices accept walk-ins, it is best to call ahead, especially for complex matters like property sales or inheritance.
3. Prepare your documents. Bring your original identity card or passport. For property transactions, you will need the title deed, cadastral documentation, and tax certificates. For powers of attorney, bring the details of the person you are authorising.
4. Attend the meeting. The notary will verify your identity, check that you understand the document, and ensure you are acting freely. If you do not speak Romanian, you should bring a certified translator, as the notarial act must be understood by all parties.
5. Sign and pay. Once everything is in order, you sign the document. The notary then applies their seal and signature, and the act is registered in the notarial register. You will receive an original copy.

A Few Practical Tips

• Fees are regulated. Notary fees are set by the Ministry of Justice and are the same across the country, though they may increase with the value of the transaction. Always ask for a breakdown before you proceed.
• Bring originals. Notaries will not accept copies unless they are certifying them. Having originals ready saves time.
• Check the notary’s competence. All notaries are equally qualified, but for complex matters like cross-border inheritance, it may help to choose one with experience in that area.
• Translations matter. If any document is in a language other than Romanian, you will need an authorised translation. The notary can often recommend a translator.

Notaries in Romania are there to protect you from fraud and mistakes. Taking the time to understand their role will make any legal process smoother and give you peace of mind.