Bali Notary Services for Foreigners – Your Trusted Legal Partner at The Bali Lawyer

If you’re a foreigner living in or doing business in Bali, you will almost certainly need the services of a licensed notary at some point. Whether you’re purchasing property, forming a company, drafting a power of attorney, entering into a lease agreement, or creating a prenuptial agreement, having legally valid documents is essential to protect your rights and ensure compliance with Indonesian law.

In Indonesia, notaries (notaris) are public officials appointed by the government with legal authority to draft and authenticate legal documents. Without the proper notarization, many transactions are not legally recognized and cannot be enforced.

At The Bali Lawyer, we specialize in helping foreigners navigate the legal landscape in Bali. We provide full notary coordination and legal assistance to ensure all your documents are accurate, valid, and officially recognized. This guide is designed to help you understand the notary process in Bali, when you need it, and how we make the process seamless for international clients.

Why Foreigners in Bali Need a Notary

In Indonesia, a wide range of legal documents must be certified by a licensed notary to be valid. These include property sale agreements, company establishment deeds, marriage-related agreements, lease contracts over one year, powers of attorney, loan agreements, and more.

For foreigners, notarization is often more complex due to additional legal restrictions, language requirements, and compliance with immigration and investment regulations. Working with a trusted notary ensures that your legal documents:

  • Are recognized by Indonesian authorities

  • Are enforceable in court

  • Comply with all national and local regulations

  • Accurately reflect your rights and responsibilities

  • Are drafted in both Bahasa Indonesia and English for clarity

Common Legal Needs for Foreigners in Bali

At The Bali Lawyer, we assist with a wide variety of notary services tailored specifically for foreigners. Here are some of the most common:

Property Transactions

Foreigners are not allowed to directly own freehold land (Hak Milik) in Indonesia. However, there are legal ownership structures such as long-term leaseholds or setting up a local nominee agreement (with caution and legal oversight). A notary plays a central role in:

  • Drafting and legalizing lease agreements

  • Verifying land certificates and titles

  • Facilitating land and villa sale contracts

  • Legalizing property-related powers of attorney

  • Registering documents with the local land office (BPN)

Whether you’re leasing land for 30 years or purchasing property through an Indonesian partner, the notary’s involvement ensures everything is legally secure.

Company Setup – PT PMA

Foreigners who wish to conduct business in Bali must establish a foreign-owned company known as a PT PMA (Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing). A notary is legally required to draft and register the company documents, including:

  • Deed of Establishment

  • Articles of Association

  • Shareholder structure

  • Appointment of directors and commissioners

  • Ministry of Law registration

We work closely with experienced notaries to handle every step of the company formation process, ensuring your PT PMA complies with Indonesian investment laws.

Prenuptial Agreements

Foreigners marrying Indonesian citizens must create a prenuptial agreement before registering the marriage in Indonesia. Without it, the Indonesian spouse loses the legal right to own property due to joint asset laws.

Our legal team assists with:

  • Drafting bilingual prenups in Bahasa Indonesia and English

  • Ensuring compliance with Marriage Law No. 1 of 1974

  • Legalization and registration of the agreement

  • Coordination with the Civil Registry Office for full legal recordation

This is especially important for foreigners planning to purchase land or property through their spouse.

Power of Attorney

If you are not physically in Bali but need someone to act on your behalf for legal, financial, or administrative matters, you will need a notarized power of attorney (Surat Kuasa).

We can assist with:

  • Drafting POAs for real estate transactions, visa processes, banking, and more

  • Verifying identity and purpose

  • Legalizing and translating the document

  • Providing guidance on usage in Indonesia

Affidavits, Contracts, and Legal Statements

Foreigners often need affidavits, sworn statements, or legal declarations for business, legal, or immigration purposes. We ensure all documents are correctly drafted and notarized.

The Notary Process in Bali for Foreigners

The process of working with a notary in Bali is clear and efficient when you partner with the right legal team. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Legal Consultation

We begin with a consultation to understand your objective—whether you’re starting a business, signing a lease, or registering a prenup. We advise on what type of legal document you need and what the legal requirements are.

2. Document Drafting

Our bilingual legal team works with licensed notaries to draft your documents in Bahasa Indonesia. For foreign clients, we also provide an English translation for review. We ensure all legal terminology is correct, accurate, and customized to your situation.

3. Signing and Legalization

You will be asked to sign the document in the presence of the notary. For remote cases, a video signing or a power of attorney may be arranged. The notary will verify your identity, witness your signature, and stamp the document to certify its legality.

4. Registration (If Required)

In some cases—such as property transfers, company deeds, or prenuptial agreements—the notarized documents must also be registered with government authorities (BPN, Ministry of Law, or Civil Registry). We assist with this process on your behalf.

Qualities to Look for in a Notary for Foreigners

When choosing a notary in Bali, especially as a foreigner, it is essential to ensure the following:

  • Licensed and Recognized by the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights

  • Experience with foreign clients, international documents, and bilingual transactions

  • Ability to explain legal concepts in English clearly and accurately

  • Fast and efficient processing with full legal support

  • Knowledge of property, corporate, and family law as it relates to expatriates

At The Bali Lawyer, we have built trusted partnerships with top notaries across Bali who meet these standards. Our goal is to eliminate confusion, avoid errors, and ensure full compliance at every step.

Frequently Asked Questions About Notary Services for Foreigners

Q: Can a foreigner sign legal documents in English?
All legal documents must be written in Bahasa Indonesia to be valid in Indonesia. However, an English translation can be provided for clarity, and the notary must explain the contents to you in English before signing.

Q: Can I use a notary from my home country?
No. For documents to be recognized in Indonesia, they must be notarized by an Indonesian-licensed notary. Foreign notarization is not valid for legal processes in Indonesia.

Q: Can I get a power of attorney if I’m not in Bali?
Yes. We can prepare a power of attorney and provide remote signing instructions. The document can be legalized through the Indonesian embassy or consulate if you are abroad.

Q: Is a prenuptial agreement mandatory for mixed-nationality marriages?
It is strongly advised. Without it, property ownership rights and asset division are automatically governed by Indonesian joint property laws, which may prevent the Indonesian spouse from owning property.

Q: Do notary fees vary?
Yes. Fees depend on the complexity and value of the transaction, translation needs, and number of documents. We provide a detailed breakdown during consultation—there are no hidden charges.

Areas We Serve in Bali

We offer legal and notarial services for foreigners in:

  • Denpasar

  • Seminyak

  • Canggu

  • Ubud

  • Sanur

  • Jimbaran

  • Nusa Dua

  • Tabanan

  • Gianyar

  • North Bali and beyond

Whether you’re already in Bali or planning to relocate or invest, we can assist both in-person and remotely.

Why Choose The Bali Lawyer?

  • Local Expertise with International Insight: We understand the legal needs of foreigners in Indonesia and communicate clearly in English and Bahasa.

  • Trusted Notary Coordination: We only work with licensed, professional notaries who have experience with expat and international legal matters.

  • End-to-End Legal Support: From document drafting to registration and government submissions, we manage the entire process.

  • Transparent Communication: No legal jargon, no confusion—just clear guidance and full compliance.

  • Personalized Solutions: Every case is unique. We tailor documents and strategies to match your personal and legal objectives.

When to Contact Us

You should reach out to The Bali Lawyer if you are:

  • Buying or leasing property in Bali

  • Starting a business or setting up a PT PMA

  • Planning to marry an Indonesian citizen

  • Needing a power of attorney, affidavit, or sworn statement

  • Updating or legalizing important documents

  • Looking for professional and trusted legal guidance

We’ll ensure your documents are handled properly, your interests are protected, and your experience in Bali remains secure and stress-free.

CONTACT US FOR DETAIL INFORMATION +62 878-6407-7650