Notary Services

Many transactions and official processes in Tanzania - and abroad - turn on properly notarised documents. FIN & LAW’s advocates are commissioned as Notaries Public and Commissioners for Oaths, providing prompt, reliable notarial services to individuals, companies and diplomatic missions.

We notarise and certify documents for use locally and internationally, administer oaths and statutory declarations, witness the execution of deeds and powers of attorney, and prepare documents for legalisation and apostille through the relevant ministries and embassies. For cross-border transactions we coordinate the authentication chain end-to-end so that documents are accepted where they are needed, the first time.

Our notarial practice is integrated with the firm’s corporate and property teams, which means the underlying documents are reviewed by specialists before they are sealed - an assurance a stand-alone notary cannot offer.

What We Do

• Notarisation and certification of documents for local and international use
• Administration of oaths, affidavits and statutory declarations
• Witnessing and attestation of deeds, contracts and powers of attorney
• Certification of true copies of original documents
• Legalisation and apostille coordination with ministries and embassies
• Notarial services for ships’ protests and maritime documents
• Translation certification arrangements
• Mobile notarial services for corporate closings

Typical Matters

• Notarisation and authentication of documents, agreements and declarations
• Administration of oaths, affirmations and statutory declarations
• Attestation and certification of powers of attorney
• Witnessing and authentication of documents for use locally and abroad
• Certification of true copies of documents
• Preparation and notarisation of commercial and property instruments

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a notary public do?

A notary public is authorised to witness signatures, administer oaths, and certify or authenticate documents so they can be relied upon in official and cross-border transactions. Notarisation adds a layer of verification to a document’s execution.

When do I need a document notarised?

Notarisation is commonly required for powers of attorney, affidavits, declarations, and documents intended for use abroad or before official bodies. The specific requirement depends on where and how the document will be used.

What is the difference between notarisation and legalisation?

Notarisation verifies the execution of a document, while legalisation (or authentication) is a further step confirming that a notary’s signature and seal are genuine so the document is accepted in another country. Cross-border documents often require both.

What should I bring when I need a notary?

You should generally bring valid identification, the complete document to be signed, and any supporting papers, and be ready to sign in the notary’s presence. It is best to confirm requirements in advance to avoid delays.