Swiss Public Notary

Public notaries in Switzerland can choose to work in any of the 26 Swiss cantons they prefer. The regulations and requirements in each canton are slightly different, though. The profession of public notary in Switzerland is supervised by the Swiss Notaries Association. As a matter of fact, each canton has its own regulatory body, but the Swiss Federation of Notaries work as the national association of notaries. Independent notaries in Switzerland can also register as members of a cantonal association. Usually, public notaries in Switzerland are paid proportional with the value of the transaction. In some cantons, notaries in Switzerland represent an independent profession and can join law firms. However, in other cantons, notaries cannot work in law firms.

Admission

In order for a public notary to be admitted in a canton and practise his legal profession, he must consult the requirements of each canton in Switzerland at first. For instance, not all cantons require Swiss citizenship or studies in law universities in Switzerland. Despite the basic training, all candidates for public notary in Switzerland must complete a special course and pass the cantonal notary’s examination. The diploma obtained in these conditions allows them to practise the profession of notary in Switzerland.

Activities

Public notaries in Switzerland certify acts of law, they complete notarisations of signatures and copies on the basis of original documents. Swiss notaries also provide advice on preparation and certification of transactions and transfers of shares under the corporate law. Public notaries in Switzerland can also consult with foreign authorities if a company transfers overseas. In terms of property selling, a Swiss public notary acts on behalf of both the vendor and the purchaser. All in all, a public notary in Switzerland has the role of providing the highest legal certainty of documents.

BridgeWest offers company registration in Switzerland, including virtual office and other related services.