Notary Fees in Bali – What You Need to Know Before Signing Any Legal Documents
When dealing with legal documents in Bali—whether related to property, business, or personal matters—working with a licensed notary (Notaris) is a legal necessity. Understanding notary fees and the role of a notary in Indonesia is essential to avoid unexpected costs, ensure legal compliance, and protect your interests.
At The Bali Lawyer, we provide professional legal services to both local and foreign clients, guiding them through notarial procedures with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re buying property, setting up a PT PMA, drafting a prenuptial agreement, or signing a lease, this guide will help you understand how notary fees work in Bali and what to expect from the process.
Why You Need a Notary in Bali
In Indonesia, a notary is a legal public official appointed by the government and authorized to draft, certify, and register a wide range of official documents. Their signature and stamp grant legal force to many types of transactions.
Some of the most common matters that require a notary include:
Real estate transactions (land or villa purchases)
Lease agreements exceeding one year
Company establishment (PT, PT PMA)
Shareholder agreements
Power of attorney documents
Prenuptial agreements (Perjanjian Pranikah)
Inheritance declarations
Loan agreements and mortgages
Property transfers and asset sales
Without a certified notarial deed, these documents are not legally valid in Indonesia. Therefore, engaging a trusted notary is not just optional—it is a requirement.
What Influences Notary Fees in Bali?
Notary fees are not one-size-fits-all. They vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the document, the value of the transaction, and the number of legal parties involved. Here’s a breakdown of what typically influences notarial costs:
1. Nature of the Document
A basic power of attorney or a simple agreement will usually cost less than complex contracts like a land sale deed, company establishment deed, or a multi-party shareholder agreement.
2. Value of the Transaction
If the document involves the sale of property or assets, notary fees are often calculated as a percentage of the transaction value. This ensures the notary’s fee aligns with the legal responsibility and risk involved.
3. Legal and Administrative Processing
In some cases, the notary will also handle additional processes, such as registration at the land office, Ministry of Law, or local tax office. These services, while optional, may be bundled into the total notary fee.
4. Document Translation and Bilingual Drafting
If the agreement must be drafted in both Bahasa Indonesia and English, the time and expertise required may influence the cost. Notaries may collaborate with certified legal translators to ensure accuracy and compliance.
5. Number of Documents and Copies
More documents or notarized copies will require additional processing time, stamps, and documentation, which can raise the overall fee.
Common Notary Services in Bali
Here are some examples of legal services in Bali that typically involve a notary:
Property Transactions
When buying or selling property in Bali, the notary plays a central role. They will:
Verify the land certificate and ownership
Draft the sale and purchase agreement
Check the zoning and usage rights
Facilitate tax obligations for the buyer and seller
Register the transaction with the National Land Agency (BPN)
The notary ensures that the buyer’s investment is legally protected and that the transaction is in line with Indonesian land laws.
Company Formation (PT or PT PMA)
A notary is required to establish any legal business entity in Indonesia. They will:
Draft the deed of establishment
Register it with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights
Certify shareholder structures
Assist in updates or amendments to the company deed
Ensure compliance with local business licensing regulations
Foreign investors must work with a notary to form a PT PMA, the official business vehicle for foreign ownership in Indonesia.
Prenuptial Agreements
Mixed-nationality couples planning to marry in Indonesia must create a prenuptial agreement before the marriage is registered. Only a notary can:
Draft the prenuptial agreement in Bahasa Indonesia
Ensure the terms are legal and enforceable under Indonesian law
Legalize the agreement for inclusion in the marriage records
A valid prenup allows the Indonesian spouse to retain full property ownership and protects both parties’ financial rights.
Power of Attorney and Affidavits
If you need to give legal authority to someone to act on your behalf—for example, to sell land, manage a visa process, or represent you in court—a notarial power of attorney is required.
The notary will:
Confirm identities of both parties
Draft the power of attorney in proper legal format
Witness and register the document for official use
How the Notary Process Works
When you engage with The Bali Lawyer, we guide you through every step of the notarial process:
Step 1: Legal Consultation
We assess your needs and advise you on what legal documents are required. Whether you’re purchasing land, registering a company, or signing a prenup, we explain everything in clear terms.
Step 2: Document Preparation
Our team works with licensed notaries to draft all documents in Bahasa Indonesia (with English translation if needed). We ensure that all clauses are legally accurate and match your intentions.
Step 3: Signing and Notarization
Both parties are required to sign the documents in the presence of the notary. The notary will then legalize the deed by stamping and registering it with the appropriate authorities.
Step 4: Registration and Delivery
Once the document is signed and legalized, the notary may also assist in submitting it to government bodies such as BPN (for land), BKPM (for PT PMA), or the civil registry (for marriage records).
We provide you with both physical and digital certified copies of your notarized documents.
How to Choose the Right Notary in Bali
Not all notaries are the same. Choosing the right professional is key to ensuring your documents are valid, recognized, and enforceable. Here’s what to look for:
Government-licensed notary recognized by the Ministry of Law
Experience in foreign and bilingual transactions
Specialization in property law, corporate law, or family law
Clear explanation of the legal process and your obligations
Transparency about timeframes, procedures, and documentation needed
At The Bali Lawyer, we only work with trusted notaries who meet these standards, giving our clients peace of mind and reliable results.
Why Notary Fees Are Worth the Investment
While some may be tempted to cut costs by avoiding notarial procedures or using unlicensed agents, doing so poses serious risks, including:
Invalid or unenforceable agreements
Future legal disputes over land or assets
Rejection of your documents by government agencies
Financial loss due to fraudulent or illegal transactions
Inability to register property or company ownership
In comparison, a legally certified notarial deed ensures that your rights are protected, and that the transaction can stand in court if needed.
Our Legal Service Areas in Bali
We provide legal assistance and notary coordination in:
Denpasar
Seminyak
Canggu
Ubud
Sanur
Jimbaran
Nusa Dua
Tabanan
Gianyar
North Bali and surrounding regions
Whether you are residing in Bali or planning to invest or relocate from overseas, our team can assist with both in-person and remote consultations.
When Should You Contact Us?
You should contact The Bali Lawyer if you are:
Buying, selling, or leasing land or villas in Bali
Planning to set up a company or register a PT PMA
Getting married in Indonesia (especially mixed-nationality)
Needing a notarized power of attorney, affidavit, or legal declaration
Drafting business agreements, joint ventures, or contracts
Seeking guidance on legal risks and document validation
Our legal team offers full-service notary coordination, document review, and legal support to make your transaction secure and compliant.
Understanding notary fees in Bali is about more than cost—it’s about knowing what services you need, how the process works, and who to trust. Whether you’re dealing with property, business, marriage, or legal representation, a licensed notary is your gateway to a legally valid transaction.
At The Bali Lawyer, we make this process simple, transparent, and professional. We connect you with reliable notaries, prepare your legal documents, and ensure full compliance with Indonesian law from start to finish.