Requirements when signing documents by the local notary (outside Estonia)
Identity Verification
The notary must verify the identity of the signing person(s). This requirement must be explicitly stated in the notary text.
NB!
If the notary only certifies a copy of a document that has been signed earlier, but not in front of the notary, and does not verify the identity of the signing person(s), then the document cannot be used in Estonia.
Copy certification: Used only when the document itself requires certification (e.g., passports, ID cards).
Language Requirements for documents:
All documents submitted to the Business Register in Estonia must be in the Estonian language or officially translated into Estonian by a certified sworn translator.
Recommended options:
We will send you a ready document (Power of attorney, application) sample as parallel text (Estonian/English), which you can sign at the notary's office by arrangement with the notary. In this case, the entire document text does not need to be translated into Estonian. However, even in this case, the notary's text (notary header) must be translated. The notary text contains identity verification along with personal data and other important information about the document being notarized.
When possible, ask the notary certifying the document to compose the notary header in English. This simplifies and speeds up future translation work, because sworn translators are not always available for translating notary headers made in some other languages.
Country-Specific Considerations
Notary requirements may vary by jurisdiction. For example, in Greece, the notarization process may require a different approach and additional steps than in other countries.
Important: Always verify local notary capabilities, ensure that the identity of the signatory is verified, and confirm that the document to be notarized meets the requirements for use in Estonia.
If you have any questions, please consult with the Wisor Team before signing the documents.