Working with a Notary in Lebanon: Deeds, Powers of Attorney, and Attestations

A Lebanese notary public is a state-appointed officer with the authority to authenticate documents, witness signatures, and prepare certain legal acts. Their seal turns private agreements into formal, enforceable documents.

Common services

• Real estate sale and purchase contracts
• Powers of attorney (general and specific)
• Marriage contracts and certifications
• Inheritance declarations
• Company formation documents
• Loan and mortgage agreements

What to bring

• Original ID or passport for all parties
• Civil status registry extract (إخراج قيد) where relevant
• Property title (إفادة عقارية) for real estate
• Any draft document the notary should base the act on

Costs and timeline

• Fees follow a published scale and depend on document type and value.
• Simple POAs can often be drafted same-day.
• Real estate transactions take longer — title checks, taxes, and registrations add steps.

Tips

• For powers of attorney used abroad, ask about the apostille/legalisation chain.
• Read the document carefully before signing — the notary won't change a clause after signature.