What is Notarial Act in North Macedonia?

A notarial act (нотарски акт / notarski akt) is a document certified by a licensed North Macedonian notary, required for property transfers, powers of attorney, and other significant legal transactions.

Key Facts — Notarial Act in North Macedonia

A notarski akt (notarial act) in North Macedonia is a document authenticated and certified by a licensed notary (notar), a state-commissioned legal professional authorised by the Ministry of Justice. Notarial certification gives a document full evidentiary force and direct enforceability.

For real property transactions in North Macedonia, a notarised purchase agreement (договор за купопродажба) is mandatory to register the transfer in the Real Estate Cadastre. A privately drafted written agreement without notarial certification cannot serve as the basis for cadastre registration.

The North Macedonian notary performs due diligence before certifying any document: verifying the identities of the parties, checking the seller's registered title in the Katastar, confirming the absence of any encumbrances that could affect the transfer, and explaining the legal consequences to both parties in a language they understand.

Notary fees in North Macedonia are regulated by the Tariff on Notary Fees (Tarifa za notarski nagradi) and are calculated based on the certified value of the transaction. For property sales, the fee is typically shared between buyer and seller unless the parties agree otherwise.

Beyond property transactions, notaries in North Macedonia certify powers of attorney (полномошни), inheritance declarations, company formation documents, legalisation of foreign documents (apostille coordination), and other acts requiring official authentication.

Common Mistake: Relying on a privately written and signed property agreement without notarial certification. In North Macedonia, such an agreement cannot be registered in the Katastar and will not transfer legal ownership.
Expert Tip: Even though the notary is neutral, always appoint your own Macedonian property lawyer to review the purchase agreement before the notarial appointment. The notary will not negotiate terms on your behalf or advise on whether the price is fair.
Related terms: MORTGAGE PROPERTY SHEET LEASE AGREEMENT

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a licensed notary in North Macedonia?

The Chamber of Notaries of North Macedonia (Notarska komora na Republika Severna Makedonija) maintains a register of all licensed notaries. You can search by city or region at the Chamber's website.

Can I sign a North Macedonian notarial deed remotely?

Currently, most notarial acts in North Macedonia require physical presence. However, you can grant a notarised power of attorney to a representative who can then sign on your behalf at the notary's office.

Is a foreign notarial act valid in North Macedonia?

Foreign notarial acts generally require apostille certification or legalisation to be recognised in North Macedonia. A Macedonian lawyer can advise on the specific requirements for your document.

→ Read our full guide: Guide To Lawyers In North Macedonia

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AvökatFinder Editorial Team Legal glossary editors — expat legal terms across 41 European countries

This glossary entry is produced by the AvökatFinder editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer in North Macedonia for advice specific to your situation.

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