How Much Does a Notary Cost in Bali? Complete Guide to Notary Services by The Bali Lawyer
Navigating legal matters in Bali often requires the involvement of a notary. Whether you’re buying property, drafting a will, entering into a lease agreement, setting up a company, or processing a prenuptial agreement, a notary’s role is central to ensuring your documents are valid, recognized, and legally binding under Indonesian law. Understanding the costs associated with notary services in Bali is crucial for both locals and foreigners living or investing on the island.
At The Bali Lawyer, we specialize in providing transparent and professional notary services tailored to meet the needs of individuals, expats, and business owners. Below, we explore everything you need to know about notary fees in Bali, what affects pricing, what services are typically included, and how to ensure you’re working with a reputable notary.
What Does a Notary in Bali Do?
A notary in Indonesia, known locally as a “notaris”, is a legally certified public official authorized to draft, validate, and certify legal documents. The role of a notary goes beyond simply witnessing signatures. In Indonesia, a notary is responsible for preparing authentic deeds for agreements, contracts, and other legal acts that are intended to have legal force.
Some common documents and services that require a notary in Bali include:
Property sale and purchase agreements (AJB)
Land title transfers
Lease agreements
Loan agreements
Wills and inheritance documents
Deeds of establishment for companies (PT PMA, CV)
Power of attorney
Prenuptial agreements
Business contracts and MOUs
Sworn declarations
Notaries in Indonesia are governed by strict regulations and are held accountable by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. It’s essential to choose a qualified notary with experience in local and international matters.
How Much Does a Notary Cost in Bali?
The cost of notary services in Bali can vary widely depending on the complexity of the legal matter, the type of document, the notary’s reputation, and the scope of services involved. Below is a breakdown of the typical fee structure to help you estimate costs before engaging with a notary.
1. Standard Notary Fees
For general documents such as powers of attorney, simple agreements, or declarations, notary fees in Bali typically range from:
IDR 500,000 to IDR 2,500,000 per document
This may include document drafting, legal checks, and formal notarization. Prices can vary based on whether the document is in English, Bahasa Indonesia, or requires certified translation.
2. Property-Related Notary Costs
For property sales, land leases, or villa purchases, notary fees are usually calculated as a percentage of the transaction value:
Around 1% to 2.5% of the property value
This fee covers the drafting of the Deed of Sale (AJB), checking the validity of land certificates, conducting due diligence, registering the transaction with the land office (BPN), and handling taxes related to the transaction.
For example:
If you’re buying a property worth IDR 2 billion, expect notary fees between IDR 20 million to IDR 50 million, depending on the notary’s rate and additional legal services required.
3. Company Establishment
Setting up a company in Bali, such as a PT PMA (foreign investment company), requires several notarized documents, including the deed of establishment and Articles of Association. Notary services for this process usually cost:
IDR 10 million to IDR 25 million
This includes company registration, name approval, drafting of documents, and legal consultations. Additional costs may apply for licenses and operational permits.
4. Prenuptial Agreements and Marital Documents
For those entering into marriages in Indonesia, especially between a foreigner and an Indonesian citizen, prenuptial agreements are essential for property ownership and legal clarity. Notary fees for drafting and legalizing a prenuptial agreement generally range from:
IDR 3 million to IDR 10 million
This service includes legal advice, document preparation, and court registration if required.
5. Wills and Inheritance
Creating a will in Bali requires careful legal wording and notarization. For expats and locals alike, securing your assets for your heirs can cost between:
IDR 5 million to IDR 15 million
If your estate involves properties, companies, or other complex arrangements, additional legal support may be necessary, increasing the total cost.
What Factors Affect Notary Costs in Bali?
Several factors influence the cost of a notary in Bali:
Document Complexity: Simple certifications cost less than property transfers or business contracts.
Language: If translation between English and Bahasa Indonesia is required, it may incur extra fees.
Location: Notary services in prime areas like Seminyak, Ubud, or Canggu may be priced higher.
Additional Services: Some notaries also offer legal consultations, background checks, or BPN processing as part of a package.
Is It Mandatory to Use a Notary in Bali?
Yes, in many legal transactions in Indonesia, the involvement of a licensed notary is mandatory. For example, land purchases and sales must be formalized through a notary who can draft the AJB (Akte Jual Beli) and submit the documents for registration.
For contracts, company formations, and prenuptial agreements, while a notary is not always legally required, their involvement ensures the documents are legally recognized and enforceable.
How to Choose the Right Notary in Bali?
Choosing the right notary can save you from legal complications and unexpected fees. Here are a few tips:
Verify their license with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights
Check experience with foreign clients and international transactions
Ensure transparency in fees and services
Look for fluency in English if you are a foreigner
Get clear written quotes before committing
The Bali Lawyer works only with verified and experienced notaries across Bali. We assist with every step of the process, from document drafting to legalization and follow-up registrations.
Why Use The Bali Lawyer for Your Notary Needs?
We provide:
Fixed pricing and clear estimates
English-speaking legal professionals
Fast and accurate document processing
Legal advice tailored to your needs
Experience with local and international clients
Whether you need help with buying land, forming a company, drafting a legal agreement, or certifying a will, our team ensures your legal documentation is handled correctly and efficiently.
Notarization vs Legalization: What’s the Difference?
Some clients confuse notarization with legalization. Notarization involves certifying that a document has been properly executed and is legally valid. Legalization, on the other hand, refers to the process of authenticating a document for international use, often involving the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and foreign embassies.
We offer both services and can guide you through whether your document needs only notarization or additional legalization and apostille services.
Understanding how much a notary costs in Bali is essential for planning legal transactions and avoiding surprises. While fees may vary depending on the document type and complexity, working with a reputable and experienced legal service like The Bali Lawyer ensures transparency, accuracy, and peace of mind.
We help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your documents are properly structured and compliant with Indonesian law.