English Speaking Notary in Bali – Legal Support You Can Trust by The Bali Lawyer
If you’re living, working, or investing in Bali and need to deal with legal documents, finding an English speaking notary in Bali is essential. Whether it’s for a property purchase, company formation, prenuptial agreement, or power of attorney, the assistance of a professional notary who speaks fluent English can make the process much smoother and stress-free.
At The Bali Lawyer, we are a trusted legal service based in Bali offering professional notary services for both local residents and expatriates. We connect you with certified English-speaking notaries and provide complete legal assistance from start to finish.
This guide explains everything you need to know about English speaking notary services in Bali, why they matter, what to expect, and how to choose the right legal partner.
Why English-Speaking Notary Services Matter in Bali
Bali is one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations for foreigners—whether for retirement, business, or lifestyle. However, the legal and bureaucratic systems in Indonesia operate mostly in Bahasa Indonesia. This language barrier creates a major challenge for foreigners who must navigate property transactions, personal agreements, or official documents.
Here’s why working with an English-speaking notary matters:
Clear Understanding: Legal documents contain complex terms. An English-speaking notary can explain each clause clearly so you fully understand your rights and obligations.
Avoiding Misinterpretation: Misunderstandings in legal matters can lead to disputes or void contracts. Bilingual services ensure clarity and accuracy.
Faster Process: Communicating without a language barrier speeds up document preparation, approval, and registration.
Professional Guidance: English-speaking notaries who regularly work with foreigners are often more experienced in handling cross-border legal issues and international client expectations.
What Does a Notary Do in Bali?
In Indonesia, a notary (notaris) is a licensed legal officer with the authority to prepare and certify legal documents. Their services are critical in many types of transactions and agreements. Unlike in many Western countries, a notary in Indonesia is not just a witness to a signature—they are a legal professional responsible for drafting, reviewing, and validating documents in accordance with Indonesian law.
Common notarial services in Bali include:
Sale and purchase agreements (AJB)
Land title transfers
Lease agreements and long-term rentals
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Wills and inheritance planning
Company establishment and deed registration (PT, PT PMA)
Power of attorney (general or specific)
Legal declarations and sworn statements
Legal Processes That Require a Notary in Bali
Working with a notary in Bali is not optional for many legal processes. By Indonesian law, certain transactions must be formalized by a notary to be legally binding and valid. These include:
Property transactions: When buying or selling land, a notary must draft the Akte Jual Beli (AJB), conduct due diligence, and submit paperwork to the land office.
Company registration: Setting up a business entity in Indonesia, including PT and PT PMA, requires notarized deeds of establishment and Articles of Association.
Prenuptial agreements: These must be drafted and notarized prior to marriage, especially for mixed-nationality couples to ensure legal property ownership.
Wills: Notarized wills ensure your estate is handled according to your wishes under local law.
The Bali Lawyer ensures that all these documents are properly handled, clearly explained in English, and compliant with current Indonesian regulations.
Who Needs an English-Speaking Notary in Bali?
Foreigners Buying Property: While foreigners cannot own land directly in Indonesia, long-term lease agreements or company structures often involve notarial acts. An English-speaking notary ensures full comprehension of these documents.
Mixed-Marriage Couples: If one spouse is Indonesian and the other is foreign, important agreements like prenuptial contracts, inheritance plans, and powers of attorney need to be legally valid and clearly understood by both parties.
Business Owners and Investors: Foreigners establishing businesses must navigate legal formalities, including company deeds, shareholder agreements, and licenses, all of which require notarization.
Digital Nomads and Expats: Many expats need help with everyday legal documentation like visa support documents, certifications, and powers of attorney.
Where to Find a Reliable English-Speaking Notary in Bali
While there are many notaries across Bali, not all offer fluent English communication or have experience handling international legal matters. That’s where The Bali Lawyer comes in. We maintain strong partnerships with certified English-speaking notaries in key areas across the island, including:
Denpasar
Seminyak
Canggu
Ubud
Sanur
Jimbaran
Nusa Dua
Gianyar
Tabanan
Our team ensures that you receive the right legal advice and that all documents are handled professionally, with full translation and explanation.
Our Notary Services at The Bali Lawyer
When you work with The Bali Lawyer, you get more than just a referral. We handle the complete notarial process, including:
Reviewing your legal needs and goals
Drafting documents in Bahasa Indonesia and English
Coordinating with a licensed English-speaking notary
Ensuring compliance with Indonesian legal procedures
Submitting documents to local authorities (e.g., BPN, OSS, courts)
Handling certified translations where required
Providing legal consultation throughout the process
We guide you from the first consultation to the final registration or certification. Whether you need one document or an entire transaction package, our legal team is here to assist.
Estimated Costs for Notary Services in Bali
The cost of notary services in Bali varies based on the type and complexity of the legal matter. Below is a general estimate for common services:
Power of Attorney / Sworn Declaration: IDR 500,000 – IDR 2,500,000
Prenuptial Agreement: IDR 3,000,000 – IDR 10,000,000
Company Formation (PT/ PT PMA): IDR 10,000,000 – IDR 25,000,000
Property Transaction (AJB): 1% – 2.5% of property value
Will Preparation: IDR 5,000,000 – IDR 15,000,000
We offer transparent pricing and will provide a detailed quote before beginning any service. No hidden charges.
Why Choose The Bali Lawyer?
There are many reasons why clients trust us when looking for English-speaking notary services in Bali:
English Communication: Our team and partner notaries communicate clearly in English and Bahasa Indonesia.
Licensed Professionals: We only work with government-registered notaries.
Full Legal Support: We don’t just draft documents—we provide full legal consultation, representation, and advice.
Experience with Foreigners: We specialize in serving expats, international investors, and foreign entrepreneurs.
Convenient Access: We offer mobile services, online consultations, and in-person appointments across Bali.
Whether you’re signing a contract, preparing a lease, or registering a business, we ensure everything is done correctly and legally.
Tips for Working with a Notary in Bali
Always Verify Credentials: Make sure the notary is registered with the Indonesian government and holds a valid license.
Request a Bilingual Document: For foreign clients, the notarial deed should ideally be provided in both Bahasa Indonesia and English.
Ask Questions: A reputable notary will explain your rights and obligations before you sign anything.
Use a Legal Consultant: Working with a law service like The Bali Lawyer ensures you’re protected and properly advised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be present to notarize a document in Bali?
For many documents, your physical presence is required. However, in some cases, a power of attorney can be used if you’re abroad. We’ll advise you based on your situation.
Can a notary help with property purchases by foreigners?
Yes, notaries are required for property transactions. While foreigners cannot directly own land, long-term leases or company ownership structures require notarial deeds.
Do I need a notary for a marriage agreement?
Yes. For prenuptial or postnuptial agreements in Indonesia, a certified notary must draft and register the document before or shortly after the marriage.
Ready to Work with an English-Speaking Notary?
If you’re in Bali and need legal documents prepared, translated, or certified, don’t leave it to chance. The Bali Lawyer provides seamless access to trusted, experienced English-speaking notaries who understand your needs and offer complete support.
Whether you’re preparing a legal contract, buying property, or setting up a business, we make the process smooth and secure.