GermanNotaryFees—GNotKGScale.

Are German notary fees negotiable?

No. German notary fees are fixed by the GNotKG (Gerichts- und Notarkostengesetz). All notaries in Germany charge the same statutory fees for the same transaction value.

Who pays the notary fee — buyer or seller?

For GmbH share transfers, the buyer typically pays notary fees by convention. For real estate, the buyer pays. For company formation, the founders/company pays.

Can a German notarisation be done abroad?

No. Most German law notarisations (especially GmbH formation and share transfers) must be performed before a German Notar. A foreign notarisation is not equivalent for German purposes.

What is included in our professional fee vs the notary fee?

Our professional fee covers document drafting, legal review, notary appointment coordination, and post-notarisation filing. The notary's statutory fee is paid directly to the Notar and is separate.

What is the GNotKG Geschäftswert and how is it calculated?

The Geschäftswert (subject matter value) is the statutory basis for all German notary fee calculations under GNotKG. For GmbH formations: share capital plus disclosed formation costs. For share transfers: purchase price or fair market value (whichever is higher). For real estate: the purchase price. The Geschäftswert cannot be reduced to lower fees — it is set by law and must reflect the true transaction value.

Are interpreter fees included in the German notary fee?

No. If a party does not understand German, a sworn interpreter (vereidigter Dolmetscher) must attend under BeurkG §5. Interpreter fees are separate — typically €100–€300 per hour. For a standard 1-hour GmbH formation notarisation, expect €150–€400 in interpreter costs. We coordinate with certified interpreters for English, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic.

What are apostille fees for German notarial documents being used abroad?

The apostille fee in Germany is set by the GNotKG at approximately €18–25 per document. The apostille is issued by the Landgerichtspräsident (Regional Court President) of the district where the Notar is located. Turnaround: 3–10 business days. Expedited service is available at some courts for an additional fee. We handle apostille applications on your behalf as part of the notary coordination service.

Is there German VAT on notary fees?

Yes. German notary fees are subject to 19% Umsatzsteuer. The Notar issues a statutory Kostenrechnung (fee invoice) inclusive of VAT. If your company is VAT-registered, the input VAT is recoverable as Vorsteuer. For non-VAT-registered clients (private individuals, non-German entities without German VAT registration), the 19% VAT is a final cost to budget for.

How much does a power of attorney for German transactions cost?

A German notarised power of attorney for a GmbH share transfer or formation costs approximately €150–€500 depending on scope and Geschäftswert. If issued abroad, the foreign notarisation must be apostilled (Hague Convention) — apostille cost varies by country (€30–€150 equivalent) — and certified-translated into German (~€100–€300). PoA coordination (scheduling, document preparation, apostille handling) is included in our formation and share transfer services.

Can a German notary provide a binding cost estimate in advance?

Yes. German notaries are legally required to provide a preliminary Kostenberechnung (cost calculation) before proceeding. The statutory fees are calculable with precision once the Geschäftswert is known — there are no surprise charges. Our service includes an upfront breakdown of all expected notary costs (statutory fee + VAT + interpreter if needed) before you commit to any transaction.