Notary Costs in Germany — Fees, Services and Money-Saving Tips

What does a notary do?

A notary is a state-appointed, independent legal expert who authenticates legal transactions and makes them legally valid. In Germany, visiting a notary is legally required for many important legal transactions — unlike many other countries where a simple contract is sufficient.

When do I need a notary?

How are notary costs calculated?

Notary costs in Germany are legally regulated by the Courts and Notaries Costs Act (GNotKG). This means: All notaries in Germany charge the same fees for the same service. There is no price competition — you cannot "negotiate" or find a "cheaper" notary.

Transaction value as the basis

The fee is based on the transaction value (also: subject matter value) of the legal transaction. For a property purchase, this is the purchase price; for a GmbH formation, it's the share capital.

Fee schedule (excerpt, GNotKG Appendix 2)

Depending on the type of legal transaction, the basic fee is multiplied by a factor (e.g., 2.0 for a Beurkundung).

Notary costs for property purchase

Property purchase is the most common reason for a notary visit. Notary costs typically amount to 1.5–2% of the purchase price (including land registry costs).

Cost breakdown (example: purchase price 300,000 €)

Who pays the notary?

For property purchases, the buyer typically bears the notary costs. This is stipulated in the purchase contract. Theoretically, buyer and seller are jointly liable to the notary — but in practice, the buyer pays.

Notary costs for business formation

GmbH Formation (share capital 25,000 €)

UG (limited liability) — Formation with standard articles

• Using standard articles (max. 3 members, 1 manager): approx. 300–400 € notary costs
• With individual articles of association: similar to GmbH

Notary costs for inheritance and provisions

Notarial will

Advantage: A notarial will replaces the certificate of inheritance — saving heirs approx. 300–2,000 € and considerable time later.

Inheritance contract

• Fee: 2.0x basic fee based on transaction value
• More expensive than a will, but binding on all parties

Power of attorney (officially certified)

• Certification: approx. 20–70 € (transaction value = net estate, max. 1 million €)
• Authentication (more comprehensive, recommended): approx. 100–400 €
• Living will (certification): approx. 20–50 €

Notary costs for prenuptial agreement and divorce

Prenuptial agreement

Tip: A prenuptial agreement can be particularly useful when:

• Both partners have different nationalities
• One partner owns property abroad
• One partner has a business
• You want to modify the marital property regime (e.g., separate property instead of community property)

Divorce settlement agreement

• Covers alimony, asset division, child custody
• Fee: similar to prenuptial agreement, depends on transaction value
• Often saves significant court costs during divorce proceedings

Tips for foreign clients

Language barrier

• The notary must ensure you understand the content of the document
• If you don't speak German, a sworn interpreter must be present
• You pay interpreter costs separately (approx. 100–300 € per hour)
• Some notaries speak English or other foreign languages — ask in advance

Prepare documents

Always bring to the notary appointment:

• Valid ID (passport + residence permit)
• All relevant documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.) with certified translation
• For property purchase: Financing confirmation from your bank

Finding a notary

• Notary finder of the Bundesnotarkammer: notar.de
• In most federal states, notaries work as sole notaries (especially in large cities)
• In some federal states (e.g., Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria), notaries are also lawyers (Anwaltsnotare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deduct notary costs from taxes?

• Property purchase (personal use): No, costs are not deductible
• Rental property: Yes, deductible as business expenses
• Business formation: Yes, deductible as business expenses
• Prenuptial agreement/Will: Generally not deductible

What happens if I cancel my appointment?

If the notary has already prepared the draft document, draft fees may apply (usually half the regular fee). Cancel your appointment in good time.

How long does a notary appointment take?

• Property purchase: 30–60 minutes (document reading + signature)
• Will: 20–40 minutes
• GmbH formation: 30–45 minutes
• The notary reads the entire document — this is legally required

As of: March 2026. All information without warranty.