notarized declaration Saudi Arabia means recording your admission of a right or obligation before an authorized notarization authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, resulting in a notarized instrument that carries greater evidentiary weight than an ordinary document. The Ministry of Justice currently allows several types of acknowledgments to be completed electronically through the Najiz platform, including acknowledgments of debt, debt repayment, and waiver of rights. In this guide, you will learn about the available types, application steps, conditions that may delay or prevent an application, the effect of a notarized instrument in the event of a dispute or enforcement proceedings, and key information about the new Enforcement Law.
notarized declaration Saudi Arabia is the recording of a person’s admission of a right or obligation before an authorized notarization authority in accordance with the Notarization Law. It results in a notarized instrument with evidentiary force, which is considered an enforceable instrument with respect to the obligations it contains. Certain types can be completed electronically through Najiz, such as acknowledging a debt, its repayment, or waiving it, without visiting a notary public office.
Would you like to confirm which type of acknowledgment is appropriate and review its wording before approval? The team at Al-Shatiri & Al-Ghamdi Law Firm can help you understand your legal position, identify the appropriate procedure, and determine which documents are required before you begin.
What Is Meant by Notarization of an Acknowledgment?
An acknowledgment is, in essence, a person’s admission of a right owed to another party. Article 3 of the Evidence Law provides that an acknowledgment is binding only on the person making it; in other words, it binds the acknowledging party alone and its effect does not extend to others. Article 15 of the Law requires the person making the acknowledgment to have legal capacity to dispose of the matter being acknowledged.
Notarization of an acknowledgment, on the other hand, means preparing it in accordance with the Notarization Law before an authorized notarization authority, transforming it from a document between two parties into an official instrument. The Notarization Law governs the work of notary public offices, notaries public, licensed notaries, and notarization offices.
| Term | Brief Definition |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | A person’s admission of a right owed to another party; it is binding only on the person making it. |
| Notarized Instrument | A document issued in accordance with the provisions of the Notarization Law. |
| Enforceable Instrument | An instrument under which the Enforcement Law permits compulsory enforcement of a specified, due and payable right. |
The Difference Between an Ordinary Acknowledgment and a Notarized Acknowledgment
| Comparison | Handwritten Acknowledgment (Private Document) | Notarized Acknowledgment (Official Instrument) |
|---|---|---|
| Evidentiary Weight | It is deemed to have been issued by the person who signed it and is binding on that person unless they expressly deny the handwriting, signature, seal, or fingerprint attributed to them. | It is binding on all parties with respect to matters recorded by its author or events involving the concerned parties that occurred in the author’s presence. Statements made by an interested party are binding on that party unless proven otherwise (Article 26). |
| Disputes | The handwriting, signature, seal, or fingerprint may be denied. | It cannot be challenged merely by denial; a claim of forgery must be brought through the procedures prescribed by law. |
| Enforcement | It is not, in itself, an enforceable instrument. It becomes one if the debtor acknowledges the right before the Enforcement Judge (Article 15 of the current Enforcement Law). | It is an enforceable instrument with respect to the obligations it contains (Article 41 of the Notarization Law). |
Types of Acknowledgments That Can Be Notarized Through Najiz
The list of electronic services on Najiz includes several acknowledgment services under the “Powers of Attorney and Acknowledgments” package, including acknowledgment of debt, acknowledgment of debt repayment, acknowledgment of guarantee, acknowledgment of receipt of a sum of money, and acknowledgment of receipt of movable property.
Acknowledgment of Debt
The Ministry of Justice describes its Acknowledgment of Debt service as enabling a beneficiary to acknowledge a debt borrowed from another person. In this case, the acknowledging party is the debtor, who confirms their obligation to repay the creditor.
Acknowledgment of Waiver
Najiz provides an Acknowledgment of Waiver of a Sum of Money, through which the owner of the amount relinquishes their right to it. This guide does not address waivers of claims pending before a court. Consult a lawyer and have your case file reviewed before taking any action.
Acknowledgment of Receipt of Money, Movable Property, or a Guarantee
In these acknowledgments, the recipient confirms having received a sum of money or movable property from another person, while a guarantor confirms that they have guaranteed another party. The following table summarizes the types and identifies who makes each acknowledgment, based on the Ministry’s descriptions.
| Type of Acknowledgment | Who Makes It? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgment of Debt | The debtor | To establish a debt borrowed from another person. |
| Acknowledgment of Debt Repayment | The creditor | To confirm that a debt owed by another person has been repaid. |
| Acknowledgment of Waiver of a Sum of Money | The owner of the amount | To relinquish the right to a sum of money. |
| Acknowledgment of Receipt of a Sum of Money | The recipient | To confirm receipt of an amount from another person. |
| Acknowledgment of Receipt of Movable Property | The recipient | To confirm receipt of movable property from another person. |
| Acknowledgment of Guarantee | The guarantor | To establish a guarantee of another person. |
If you are unsure which type is appropriate for your circumstances, you can review our notarization services.
The Notarized Instrument: Its Effect in Disputes and Enforcement Proceedings
When an acknowledgment is issued in accordance with the Notarization Law, it becomes a notarized instrument. Article 41 of the Notarization Law provides that documents issued under its provisions have evidentiary force and are considered enforceable instruments with respect to the obligations they contain. Their contents may be relied upon before courts without additional evidence. They may only be annulled by a court judgment on the grounds that they violate Sharia principles or statutory provisions, or that they are forged.
Under the Evidence Law, an official instrument is binding on all parties with respect to matters recorded by its author or events involving the concerned parties that occurred in the author’s presence, unless forgery is established through the procedures prescribed by law (Article 26).
As for enforcement, the current Enforcement Law requires an enforceable instrument for a specified right that is due and payable. “Notarized contracts and instruments” are among the recognized enforceable instruments (Article 9). This is why it is important for your acknowledgment to clearly specify the amount and due date. If you later need to recover the right, review the enforcement procedures before the Enforcement Court.
What Changes Under the New Enforcement Law?
The new Enforcement Law was published in Umm Al-Qura Gazette on May 1, 2026, pursuant to Royal Decree No. (M/237). It replaces the Enforcement Law issued under Royal Decree No. (M/53) dated 13/8/1433 AH and enters into force 180 days after publication (Article 65). Article 7 lists the enforceable instruments, including contracts and acknowledgments notarized in accordance with the Notarization Law.
Fact: As of September 2026, the new Law has not yet entered into force. Calculation: Counting 180 days from the date of publication places its entry into force approximately in late October 2026. Verify the officially announced date before taking any enforcement action.
Methods of Notarizing an Acknowledgment: Najiz, Notary Public Office, or Licensed Notary?
| Method | How It Works | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgment Services on Najiz | Submit the application yourself using your National Single Sign-On account, without visiting judicial facilities. | Types listed under the “Powers of Attorney and Acknowledgments” package. |
| Virtual Notary Public Office | An electronic service for powers of attorney, acknowledgments, and real estate matters, in which the competent team approves the document after you complete the required procedures. | Applications that require approval by the competent team. |
| Notary Public or Licensed Notary | Their powers and procedures are governed by the Notarization Law. | Acknowledgments requiring specific wording or involving parties with special legal capacities. It is advisable to have them reviewed by a lawyer before signing. |
Steps for Notarizing an Acknowledgment Through Najiz
The steps follow the Ministry of Justice’s electronic acknowledgment services and are completed entirely online.
| # | Step | Where It Takes Place | What Is Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Log in | Online through Najiz | An active National Single Sign-On account. |
| 2 | Open the Acknowledgments Package | Online | Go to Electronic Services, then select “Powers of Attorney and Acknowledgments.” |
| 3 | Select the Type of Acknowledgment | Online | Choose the service that matches the actual transaction. |
| 4 | Enter the Information | Online | Enter the parties’ details and the acknowledgment particulars. If you are acting as an agent, provide a valid power of attorney. |
| 5 | Review and Approve | Online | Enter the verification code sent to the registered mobile number, as described for the Acknowledgment of Receipt of Movable Property service. |
Fees, Conditions, and Reasons an Application May Be Rejected
| Transaction Type | Fee | Authority | Official Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgment of Debt | No fee | Ministry of Justice (Najiz) | Acknowledgment of Debt Service Page |
| Acknowledgment of Waiver of a Sum of Money | No fee | Ministry of Justice (Najiz) | Waiver Service Page |
The page for each service lists its fees and processing time under the “You Should Know” section. Review the relevant page before applying for other types of acknowledgments.
Requirements for Accessing the Service
The Acknowledgment of Receipt of a Sum of Money page lists the following requirements as an example. The conditions for each service should be checked on its individual page:
- All parties to the acknowledgment must be at least 18 years old.
- None of the parties may be legally incapacitated due to mental incapacity.
- All parties must be alive.
- None of the parties may be subject to a total or partial restriction on disposing of their assets.
- If the applicant is acting as an agent, the power of attorney must be valid.
- The total amounts covered by the acknowledgments must fall within the limit specified on the service page.
When an Application May Be Rejected or Delayed—and How to Avoid It
| Circumstance | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| One of the parties is under 18 | Verify the legal capacity of all parties before beginning. The Implementing Regulations of the Notarization Law address cases involving minors, absent persons, and trustees of endowments or wills, including the requirement for permission from the competent court in certain circumstances. |
| A party is legally incapacitated or prohibited from disposing of assets | Do not proceed with the service. Consult a lawyer to determine the legally appropriate course of action. |
| The power of attorney has expired or does not cover the acknowledgment | Confirm that the power of attorney is valid and review its provisions before applying. |
| The total amount exceeds the specified limit | Check the limit on the service page before starting. If your acknowledgment exceeds it, consult a lawyer about your circumstances. |
| One of the parties has died | The service requires all parties to be alive, so another procedure must be followed as determined by a lawyer. |
What to Review Before Approving the Acknowledgment
- Legal Capacity and Authority: The Law requires the person making the acknowledgment to have legal capacity to dispose of the matter acknowledged. If you are acting as an agent, verify your authority.
- Clarity of the Right: State the amount and due date precisely, because compulsory enforcement is based on a specified right that is due and payable.
- Type of Acknowledgment: Select the service that corresponds to the actual transaction. An acknowledgment of debt differs from an acknowledgment of receipt of money.
- Effect of Approval: The person making an acknowledgment is bound by it and may not withdraw it (Article 18 of the Evidence Law). Notarized documents may only be annulled by a court judgment (Article 41 of the Notarization Law).
- Power of Attorney: If the applicant is acting as an agent, review the provisions on powers of attorney and their notarization and confirm that the power of attorney remains valid.
When Do You Need a Lawyer for Notarizing Your Acknowledgment?
Many routine acknowledgments can be submitted electronically without assistance. However, consulting a licensed lawyer can be helpful when the amount is substantial, the acknowledgment involves deferred or installment payments, the parties have special legal capacities, or an existing dispute concerns the underlying right. You can learn about Al-Shatiri & Al-Ghamdi Law Firm and its areas of practice, then determine what is suitable for your circumstances.
Your acknowledgment deserves to be properly drafted and processed from the outset. Contact us to review your circumstances and identify the appropriate legal step before approval.
Frequently Asked Questions About notarized declaration Saudi Arabia
Is Notarization of an Acknowledgment Mandatory?
The Evidence Law does not require an acknowledgment to take a single specific form. It may be express or implied, and may be made orally or in writing. However, notarization under the Notarization Law gives it evidentiary force and makes it an enforceable instrument with respect to the obligations it contains, pursuant to Article 41. Therefore, notarization is preferable when the acknowledgment concerns money or a deferred obligation.
Can a Notarized Acknowledgment Be Withdrawn?
Article 18 of the Evidence Law provides, as a general rule, that the person making an acknowledgment is bound by it and may not withdraw it. Article 41 of the Notarization Law states that documents issued under its provisions may only be annulled by a court judgment on the grounds that they violate Sharia principles or statutory provisions, or that they are forged. Therefore, review the wording of your acknowledgment before approving it.
Does a Notarized Acknowledgment Eliminate the Need to File a Lawsuit to Recover a Debt?
Under Article 41 of the Notarization Law, notarized documents are enforceable instruments with respect to the obligations they contain. Compulsory enforcement requires an instrument establishing a specified right that is due and payable. Under the new Enforcement Law, the court verifies that the instrument satisfies the statutory requirements without examining the underlying right. A dispute over the underlying right itself, however, requires specialized legal review.
Who Can Notarize an Acknowledgment Through Najiz?
The service page for acknowledgment of receipt of a sum of money, for example, requires all parties to be at least 18 years old, prohibits parties who are legally incapacitated or restricted from disposing of assets, and requires all parties to be alive. If the applicant is an agent, the power of attorney must be valid, and a limit applies to the total amounts covered by acknowledgments. Requirements vary from one service to another, so consult the page for the service you need.
Can an Agent Issue an Acknowledgment on Behalf of Their Principal?
The service conditions reviewed in this guide require the power of attorney to be valid if the applicant is acting as an agent. A valid power of attorney alone may not be sufficient; review its provisions to ensure that it covers the acknowledgment, and consult a lawyer if its wording is general.
What Is the Difference Between an Acknowledgment of Waiver and an Acknowledgment of Debt Repayment?
According to the Ministry of Justice’s descriptions, an acknowledgment of debt repayment allows a beneficiary to acknowledge repayment of a debt owed to another person—in other words, the debt has been discharged through payment. An acknowledgment of waiver, by contrast, concerns relinquishing a right to a sum of money. Selecting the wrong service may change the legal effect of the document, so choose the service that reflects the actual transaction.
Conclusion and Next Steps
notarized declaration Saudi Arabia transforms a document that may be subject to dispute into a notarized instrument with evidentiary force and the status of an enforceable instrument. The key safeguards are to select the correct type of acknowledgment, verify legal capacity and applicable conditions, state the right clearly, and approve the document only after a thorough review, because withdrawal after approval is not easily available. If your acknowledgment may lead to enforcement proceedings, keep track of the date on which the new Enforcement Law enters into force. If you would like your circumstances reviewed before approval, consult the Guide to Notarization by a Licensed Notary, then contact us through our Contact Us page.
Sources:
- Evidence Law, Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
- Notarization Law, Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
- Implementing Regulations of the Notarization Law, Ministry of Justice Legal Portal
- Enforcement Law issued under Royal Decree No. M/53, Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
- New Enforcement Law, Ministry of Justice Legal Portal
- New Enforcement Law, Umm Al-Qura Gazette
- Electronic Services, Najiz Platform
- Acknowledgment of Debt, Ministry of Justice
- Acknowledgment of Waiver of a Sum of Money, Ministry of Justice
- Acknowledgment of Receipt of a Sum of Money, Ministry of Justice
- Viewing Acknowledgments, Ministry of Justice
- Launch of the Acknowledgment of Receipt of Movable Property Service, Saudi Press Agency
