Notary Services in Russia: FAQ

A Russian notary is a lawyer with state powers, not a signature witness as in California. Notarial acts follow the Fundamentals of Legislation on Notaries, and many Russian transactions and filings cannot be done without a notary. For a foreigner, the practical questions are how to execute documents abroad so they are accepted in Russia and how to handle Russian inheritance. Attorney Elena Petrova answers the most frequent ones.

Powers of Attorney Signed in the USA

Will a California notary's power of attorney work in Russia?

Yes, if it carries an apostille from the California Secretary of State and a certified Russian translation. Without the apostille, Russian authorities and banks will refuse it.

Can I sign a Russian-style POA at a consulate?

Yes. Russian consulates perform notarial acts, and their documents need no apostille. Availability of appointments varies, so plan ahead.

How long is a POA valid?

The term stated in the document. If no term is written, Russian civil law treats it as valid for one year from signing.

Apostilles and Translations

Does every US document need an apostille?

Public documents such as birth, marriage and court records do. Both the US and Russia are parties to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, so no consular legalisation is required.

Who translates documents for Russian use?

A translator whose signature a Russian notary certifies. A translation made in the US may be accepted if it is apostilled together with the original.

Inheritance Cases

Where is an inheritance case opened?

With a notary at the deceased's last place of residence in Russia. If that place is unknown, at the location of the property.

What is the deadline to accept an inheritance?

Six months from the date of death. The heir files an application with the notary personally, by mail with a certified signature, or through a representative.

What if the six months have passed?

The term can be restored by a court if the heir did not know and should not have known about the death, provided the heir goes to court within six months after the reason ceased.

Real Estate and Family Deals

Is a notary required to sell a flat?

Not always. It is mandatory for shares in common ownership and property of minors. Other sales can be registered without a notary.

Are prenuptial agreements notarised?

Yes. A marriage contract in Russia is valid only in notarised form.

Notarial Fees

How are fees calculated?

Part is a state-set notarial tariff; part is a charge for legal and technical services set by the regional notary chamber. The notary must state the total in advance.

Are there discounts?

Certain categories, such as close relatives in inheritance, pay reduced tariffs.

Finding a Notary

How do I find a notary in a given city?

Through the search on notariat.ru, the site of the Federal Notary Chamber. It shows the notary's district and working details.

Can a notarial act be done remotely?

Some acts, such as certain certifications and transfers of documents, can be performed remotely through the notarial system. A POA or a will still requires personal presence.

Delegating Notarial Tasks

Can the attorney act at the notary for me?

Yes. Under your POA we file inheritance applications, collect certificates and complete registration of property. You receive reports in English at each step.

The main channel of communication with the attorney is email: attorneypetrova1@gmail.com.