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German law requires notarisation for company formation, share transfers, real estate transactions, and powers of attorney. We coordinate Notar appointments, prepare all documents, and represent clients via apostilled power of attorney.
A German Notar is a state-appointed public official whose role is to authenticate legal documents, not to provide legal advice. For foreign founders, the most common need is the GmbH formation deed (required under GmbHG §2) and share transfer agreements (GmbHG §15). We maintain priority appointment relationships with established Notare in Düsseldorf and across Germany, and can typically arrange slots within 3–7 business days.
Step by step, handled for you.
Notarial Assessment
We identify which transactions require notarisation under German law and the appropriate jurisdiction. GmbH formation: §2 GmbHG. Share transfers: §15 GmbHG. Real estate: §311b BGB.
Document Preparation
All documents drafted and reviewed by our Rechtsanwälte before submission to the Notar — ensuring the notary appointment proceeds without interruption.
Notar Coordination
Priority appointment slots booked at our established Notar relationships in Düsseldorf — typically available within 3–7 business days. Remote video notarisation available for cash-only GmbH formations since August 2022 (BeurkG §16a).
Remote Power of Attorney
For many transactions, an apostilled Vollmacht allows Goldblum to represent the client at the Düsseldorf notary without physical presence. We prepare the bilingual PoA and advise on the apostille chain for your home country.
Notarial Deed Execution
The Notar reads and certifies the deed. All parties sign (or Goldblum signs under PoA). For GmbH formation: the Notar files the Handelsregister application electronically via the ERV portal.
Post-Notarisation Filings
Handelsregister, Grundbuch (land register), or other registry filings completed following notarisation. We track all post-notarisation steps to completion.
Notary Fees Under GNotKG — Fixed by Statute
German notary fees are fixed by the Gerichts- und Notarkostengesetz (GNotKG) based on the transaction value (Geschäftswert). They cannot be negotiated. The fee scales are published and Goldblum provides exact estimates before every notarial engagement.
All GNotKG fees are subject to 19% VAT. For GmbH formation, the Handelsregister court fee (€150) is additional. Goldblum provides a complete cost estimate including all statutory fees before mandate.
| Transaction | Geschäftswert | Approx. Notary Fee (net) |
|---|---|---|
| GmbH formation — Mustprotokoll (§105 GNotKG) | €25,000 | €150–€300 |
| GmbH formation — custom Gesellschaftsvertrag | €25,000 | €600–€900 |
| AG formation | €50,000 | €1,500–€2,200 |
| GmbH share transfer | Sale price | 0.5–1.0% of value (min. €120) |
| Real estate purchase contract | Purchase price | ~0.5–1.5% of value |
| Power of attorney (Vollmacht) | Subject matter value | €80–€500+ |
Transactions That Always Require German Notarisation
- →GmbH and AG formation and all amendments to articles of association (GmbHG §2; AktG §23)
- →GmbH share transfers — any sale or gift of GmbH Geschäftsanteile (GmbHG §15)
- →Real estate purchase and mortgage contracts (§311b BGB)
- →Certain powers of attorney (Vollmachten) — including for the above acts
- →Marriage contracts (Eheverträge) and inheritance contracts (Erbverträge) (§1410 BGB)
- →Capital increases and decreases in GmbHs and AGs
- →GmbH-to-AG Formwechsel and other UmwG restructuring acts
Video Notarisation — Available Since August 2022
Since 1 August 2022, German law allows video-call notarisation for cash-only (Bargründung) GmbH and UG formations under GmbHG §2(3) and BeurkG §16a. Founders appear via video call at a German notary — no travel required. In-kind contributions (Sachgründung) and real estate transactions still require physical presence at the notary office.
Video notarisation eliminates the apostille step for founders who can appear in person via video. This typically reduces total formation time by 1–2 weeks compared to the PoA route.
Notarisation Process — From Preparation to Completion
Document Preparation
Attorneys draft deed or articles for notary review
2–3 daysNotary Appointment
Scheduled at Notariat, all parties present
1–2 weeksDeed Notarised
Read aloud, signed, and authenticated (beurkundet)
1–2 hoursCourt Submission
Notary files directly with Handelsregister
Same dayCertified Copies Issued
Official Ausfertigungen and Beglaubigungen sent
1–2 weeksDocument Preparation
Attorneys draft deed or articles for notary review
2–3 daysNotary Appointment
Scheduled at Notariat, all parties present
1–2 weeksDeed Notarised
Read aloud, signed, and authenticated (beurkundet)
1–2 hoursCourt Submission
Notary files directly with Handelsregister
Same dayCertified Copies Issued
Official Ausfertigungen and Beglaubigungen sent
1–2 weeksCommon questions.
What transactions require a German notary?
GmbH/AG formation and all article amendments, GmbH share transfers (GmbHG §15), real estate purchase contracts (§311b BGB), certain powers of attorney, marriage contracts, UmwG restructuring acts. The notary is a state-appointed public official — not an attorney — whose role is to authenticate and certify the acts.
Can I avoid travelling to Germany for notarisation?
Often yes — via two routes: (1) apostilled power of attorney (PoA) allowing Goldblum to appear at the Düsseldorf notary on your behalf, or (2) video notarisation for cash-only GmbH formations (BeurkG §16a, available since August 2022). In-kind contributions and real estate transactions still require physical presence.
How much do German notary fees cost?
German notary fees are fixed by the GNotKG (Gerichts- und Notarkostengesetz) based on the Geschäftswert (transaction value). For a GmbH formation with €25,000 capital: €150–€300 (Mustprotokoll) or €600–€900 (custom articles). All fees plus 19% VAT.
What is the difference between a Notar and a Rechtsanwalt?
A German Notar is a state-appointed public official who authenticates legal acts — not a legal adviser. A Rechtsanwalt is a lawyer who provides legal advice and represents clients. Goldblum provides both: our Rechtsanwälte draft and advise; we then coordinate with the Notar for authentication. The Notar does not advise on whether the structure is commercially appropriate.
How quickly can you arrange a notary appointment?
We maintain priority relationships with Notare in Düsseldorf and can typically arrange appointments within 3–7 business days. Video notarisation for GmbH formations can often be scheduled within 2–4 business days.
Do foreign notarial documents need apostille for use in Germany?
Yes. Notarial documents from non-EU countries must be apostilled under the Hague Convention (where applicable) and, where not in German, accompanied by a certified translation by a court-sworn translator (beeidigter Übersetzer).
What is the Beurkundungsgesetz and how does it govern notarial acts in Germany?
The BeurkG (Beurkundungsgesetz) is the federal law governing notarial authentication in Germany. It specifies procedural requirements: both parties must be present or represented, the Notar must read the entire document aloud, parties must confirm they understand and approve the content, and the Notar must certify that all parties appear competent to act. Non-compliance with BeurkG can invalidate the act.
Can a GmbH share transfer be completed by video notarisation?
Not currently. The BeurkG §16a video notarisation introduced in 2022 is available only for GmbH formations (Gründung) in the Musterprotokoll form and for resolutions by existing shareholders. GmbH share transfers under GmbHG §15(3) still require in-person notarisation in Germany. All parties to the transfer (or their authorised representatives with apostilled PoA) must appear before the Notar.
What language must German notarial documents be in?
Notarial acts must be conducted in German under BeurkG §5. If a party does not understand German, a sworn interpreter (vereidigter Dolmetscher) must be present and the document read aloud with simultaneous interpretation. Alternatively, a bilingual German/English version can be used, with the German text legally authoritative. The interpreter's involvement is recorded in the notarial protocol.
What is an Apostille and when is it required for German notarial documents going abroad?
An Apostille is a certification issued under the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 authenticating a public document — including notarial acts — for use in another contracting state. German notarial documents being used abroad must be apostilled by the Landgerichtspräsident (President of the Regional Court) of the district where the Notar is registered. Germany has no single central apostille authority — each Landgericht issues apostilles for its district.
Notarial services handled on your behalf.
Priority Notar appointments, document preparation, and remote representation via power of attorney — across all German federal states.
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