Notar (Slovenian Notary)
The notar is a state-appointed public official in Slovenia who authenticates property deeds, certifies signatures (clausula intabulandi), and holds funds in escrow during property transactions. Their involvement is mandatory for enforceable land register entries.
Slovenian notaries (notarji) are state-appointed public officials licensed under the Notarial Act (Zakon o notariatu). Unlike lawyers, notaries are neutral officers of the state — they do not represent either party but serve the legal system by certifying documents, authenticating signatures, and maintaining records.
In property transactions, the notary's key role is to certify the clausula intabulandi — the seller's declaration authorising the land register to record the transfer. This certification is mandatory for land register registration. The notary verifies the seller's identity and capacity, checks that the property is as described, and certifies the relevant clause.
Notaries in Slovenia also operate escrow accounts (notarska deponija) for purchase funds. When a buyer deposits the purchase price with the notary, it is held securely until the land register confirms the transfer of ownership. Only then are the funds released to the seller. This protects both parties from the risk of payment before title and title before payment.
Notarial fees in Slovenia are regulated by a statutory tariff (Notarska tarifa) based on the transaction value. For a EUR 200,000 property transaction, notarial fees typically range from EUR 300–600 excluding VAT. Fees for the clausula intabulandi certification are modest — around EUR 50–100 per document.
All Slovenian notaries are registered with the Notarska zbornica Slovenije (Slovenian Notarial Chamber). Their contact details and licence status are publicly verifiable.
Key Facts
| Role | State-appointed neutral public official |
|---|---|
| Key task | Certify clausula intabulandi for land register |
| Escrow | Notarska deponija — holds funds until title confirmed |
| Fee | Regulated by Notarska tarifa; typically EUR 300–600 |
| Register | Notarska zbornica Slovenije |
Common Mistake
Expert Tip
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete a Slovenian property purchase without a notary?
For most property transactions, the clausula intabulandi must be notarially certified, making notary involvement practically mandatory. Some limited exceptions exist for court-supervised transactions.
Does the notary check the title for me?
The notary verifies specific legal formalities but does not conduct a full title investigation on the buyer's behalf. Your own lawyer (odvetnik) should independently search the zemljiska knjiga and advise on any risks.
What is the difference between a notary and a lawyer in Slovenia?
A notar is a state-appointed neutral official who certifies documents. An odvetnik (lawyer/advocate) represents your interests, advises on risks, and negotiates on your behalf. Both are often needed in a property transaction — the notary certifies the deed; the lawyer protects your interests in drafting it.