Notary Services for Expatriates in Saudi Arabia: What to Bring

When you need to have a transaction officially documented, you may hear the terms “notary for expats in Saudi Arabia” and “Licensed Notary” and wonder whether they refer to the same person under different titles or to two distinct authorities. The short answer is that a Notary Public (Katib Al-Adl) is a government employee who works at a notarial office, whereas a Licensed Notary (Muwaththiq) is a professional authorized to perform notarization services under a license issued in accordance with the Notarization Law. In this guide, we explain the difference between a Licensed Notary and a Notary Public, the scope of a licensed notary’s authority, the applicable fees, and how to choose the right authority for your transaction.

Who Is a Notary Public, and Who Is a Licensed Notary?

The Notarization Law defines these two categories separately. The following is a simplified explanation of their legal definitions:

• Notary Public (Katib Al-Adl): A government employee with formal Sharia qualifications who is appointed to the position of Notary Public or Head of a Notarial Office and is responsible for notarizing contracts and declarations.
• Licensed Notary (Muwaththiq): An individual who performs notarization services under a license issued in accordance with the provisions of the Notarization Law.

Licensed notaries provide their services through the Muwaththiq platform, which operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice. The platform facilitates the issuance and revocation of powers of attorney, the notarization of company contracts, real estate title transfers, financial acknowledgments, and real estate mortgages.

Five Key Differences Between a Licensed Notary and a Notary Public

Sources: Notarization Law and the Muwaththiq platform. Legal provisions are subject to change; consult the official sources before taking action.

The Powers of a Licensed Notary Under the Notarization Law

Article 15 of the Notarization Law specifies the functions that may be assigned to a licensed notary, including:

• Executing real estate title transfers, in accordance with the provisions of the Implementing Regulations.
• Notarizing contracts involving movable property.
• Notarizing acknowledgments of joint and several guarantees.
• Notarizing acknowledgments concerning sums of money and movable assets, including their receipt and relinquishment.

The Muwaththiq platform also provides services relating to powers of attorney and their revocation, company contracts, and mortgages. The Law further permits the Council of Ministers to delegate additional functions ordinarily performed by Notaries Public to licensed notaries. On the other hand, the Implementing Regulations stipulate that licensed notaries must exercise their powers in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedural guidelines. Within the scope of their authority, they are subject to the same rules and controls applicable to Notaries Public, except for provisions relating to employment status. This means that describing the powers of the two categories as “exactly identical” is an oversimplification. The more accurate position is that the scope of each party’s authority is determined by law.

Electronic Notarization: How Does It Relate to Both?

Electronic notarization is not a third authority; it is simply a means of delivering notarization services. Licensed notaries provide their services through their electronic platform, while the Ministry of Justice also offers electronic services through the Najiz platform. The National Unified Platform indicates that certain legal entities cannot be represented through powers of attorney issued via Najiz. In such cases, the process must be completed through the Virtual Notarial Office. For more information about the specific process of issuing a power of attorney, read our guide: Notarizing a Power of Attorney Through a Licensed Notary.

Fees: Licensed Notaries vs. Notaries Public

The figures below are current as of October 2026, based on the Notarization Law and its Implementing Regulations. Fees may change, so always verify the applicable amounts through official sources.

Verification date: October 2026. The Implementing Regulations stipulate that fees are agreed upon between the licensed notary and the parties concerned. The notary must record the agreed fee for the notarization transaction using the prescribed form.

How to Choose the Right Authority for Your Transaction

1. Identify the type of transaction: Is it a power of attorney, a declaration, a company contract, or a real estate title transfer? The Muwaththiq platform offers services covering these categories.
2. Verify the licensed notary’s authority: If your transaction falls outside the functions assigned to licensed notaries, consult a Notarial Office to determine the appropriate procedure.
3. Consider service hours and attendance requirements: If you need to complete your transaction outside official business hours, a licensed notary may be available through the platform, whereas Notarial Offices operate during official working hours only.
4. Compare the fees and agree on them in writing: Request a clear breakdown of the applicable fees before proceeding, and ensure that the agreed amount falls within the legally prescribed limits.

The difference between a Licensed Notary and a Notary Public does not lie in the legal value of the document they issue, but rather in their legal status, scope of authority, and the way their services are accessed. Start by identifying the nature of your transaction, then verify that the relevant authority is legally empowered to handle it. If you are dealing with a licensed notary, agree on the fee in writing and verify the document once it has been issued. If your transaction is complex or involves a substantial financial value, seek professional legal advice before signing.