A notary is one of the most important people you’ll need on your side when buying a property in Bali. Whether you want to purchase land, a villa or any property, working with a trusted notary ensures everything is legal, properly documented, and above board.
However, finding the right notary in a foreign country can feel overwhelming. That’s why we will walk you through exactly what a notary does and how to find the right one for your property investment in Bali. Let’s dive in!
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What is a Notary in Bali?
A notary in Bali is a licensed legal official who plays a critical role in property transactions. When buying property in Bali, you’ll need a notary to handle the most important legal documents and ensure that your transaction follows Indonesian law.
Here’s what a notary will help you with:
- Drafting and verifying sale and purchase agreements.
- Ensuring the legal transfer of ownership.
- Handling land deeds and lease agreements.
- Authenticating signatures and verifying documents.
In short, a notary ensures your paperwork is correct, legal, and complete. Without one, you could run into legal problems that affect your property ownership and investment.
How to Find a Good Notary in Bali

Now that you understand the importance of a notary, how do you find one you can trust? Here are two ways to find a reliable notary in Bali:
1. Referrals and Word of Mouth
One of the best ways to find a trustworthy notary is by asking for referrals from people you trust. Talk to your real estate agent, lawyer, or colleagues who have gone through the process before.
When someone has personally worked with a notary, they can provide firsthand insight into the notary’s reliability and professionalism.
2. Online Search
If you prefer doing your research, you can find notaries online through directories or websites. Search for terms like “notaris Bali” or “Kantor notaris Bali” to find notary offices near you.
While finding a notary online is easy, checking if they’re trustworthy will take extra effort. You need to check reviews, look at their experience, and ensure they are officially registered. It may take more time, but avoiding any potential issues later is worth it.
Read More: New Regulations are Changing How You Buy Property in Bali
Where to Find a Notary Service Bali
Once you start looking, you will see several common places where you can find a notary in Bali. Let’s explore your options:
1. Independent Notaries
Many notaries in Bali run their offices, providing services to individuals and businesses. These independent notaries are usually located in major towns or cities.
Finding an independent notary might be the right fit if you prefer to work with someone specializing in notary services.
2. Law Firms
Some law firms in Bali have in-house notaries, which makes it convenient to receive legal advice and notary services in one place.
If you’re already working with a lawyer for your property purchase, ask if they offer notary services as part of their package. This can save you time and make the process more streamlined.
3. Property Agencies or Developers
Many property developers and real estate agencies in Bali, like Bali Villa Realty, have in-house notaries or work closely with trusted ones.
This is especially common when buying property directly from a developer. If you’re working with an agency, ask if they offer notarial services or can recommend a notary they frequently collaborate with.
Read More: 12 Safe Ways to Find the Best Property Agent in Bali
4. Government Offices
Government offices may sometimes have in-house notaries to help with legal matters involving land certificates or public records.
If you’re dealing with complex land titles or larger property transactions, checking with local government offices may be beneficial.
Why is a Notary Crucial in Property Transactions?
At this point, you might be wondering, “Why do I need a notary at all?”. Here’s why:
- Legal Compliance: Indonesian property laws can be complicated, especially for foreigners. A notary ensures your purchase meets all legal requirements.
- Ownership Verification: A notary verifies that the seller has the legal right to sell the property, protecting you from disputes or invalid titles.
- Document Authentication: Notaries authenticate all signatures and documents, ensuring they meet legal standards.
- Securing Your Investment: A notary’s oversight ensures that your transaction is legally binding, which protects your investment from legal issues later.
Working with a notary avoids the legal pitfalls that could cost you your property. It’s about protecting your investment, ensuring peace of mind, and avoiding future complications.
Read More: Are You Making These 7 Costly Property Mistakes Without Even Realizing It?
FAQ
1. How much is a notary fee in Bali?
Notary fees in Bali generally range between 1–2% of the property’s value. However, this rate is often negotiable, and it can be brought down to around 0.5–0.75% of the transaction amount.
For drafting agreements—such as leasehold or purchase contracts—the cost is usually around 0.5–1% of the property’s total value.
2. Is JP the same as notary?
JP (Justice of the Peace) and a notary public serve similar functions, but they differ in scope. JPs are authorized to witness documents within Australia, while notary publics can certify both domestic and international documents.
The Right Notary for Your Bali Property Investment
Buying property in Bali is a big step, but it will be a lot easier if you have the right notary. They will ensure every document and transaction meets the legal standards, so you can start investing or living in your Bali dream house without any serious issues.
Still stuck finding a good notary? Let it be handled by Bali Villa Realty. We work closely with trusted notaries to meet all of our clients’ legal needs.
Just contact us below for a free consultation, and we’ll connect you with a notary you can trust and ensure your property transaction is safe.
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