A Lithuanian state-licensed notary — the legal professional who authenticates property transactions, certifies documents, and submits Real Estate Register applications.
A Lithuanian notaras (notary) is a state-licensed legal professional appointed by the Minister of Justice. Notaries are independent but exercise delegated state authority. Their involvement in immovable property transactions is mandatory: no property transfer is legally valid without notarial authentication.
The notary's duties include verifying the identity and legal capacity of the parties, explaining the legal consequences of the transaction in plain language, reading the deed aloud, and certifying the signatures. Both parties must confirm understanding before signing.
Lithuanian notaries are responsible for checking the title at the Nekilnojamojo turto registras immediately before the deed is signed. If any unresolved encumbrance is found — a mortgage, an attachment, a pending dispute — the notary will not proceed until it is resolved.
After signing, the notary electronically submits the transfer registration to the Nekilnojamojo turto registras. This is included in the notarial fee. Registration is normally completed within one to three working days.
Notary fees in Lithuania are regulated by the Minister of Justice and scale with the transaction value on a degressive basis. The total fee includes authentication, registration, certified copies, and consultations. The fee is typically split equally between buyer and seller, though this is negotiable.
Yes. You can grant a notarised įgaliojimas (power of attorney) to a representative. Remote e-notarisation is also available using a Lithuanian digital ID or video connection for some transaction types.
No — Lithuanian notaries do not hold client funds in escrow. Parties typically arrange escrow through a bank or agree contractual holdback mechanisms. Your lawyer can structure this.
The Lithuanian Chamber of Notaries (Lietuvos notarų rūmai) publishes a list of all licensed notaries at notarai.lt. Always verify before entrusting a notary with a transaction.
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