Notarization in Bahrain: What Documents Need to be Notarized

Notarization is a crucial step in validating documents for legal, commercial, and official purposes in Bahrain. Whether you're forming a company, executing a power of attorney, or authenticating documents for use abroad, understanding when and how to notarize documents can save time and prevent complications.

What is Notarization?

Notarization is the official process by which a licensed notary public verifies the identity of document signatories, witnesses their signatures, and certifies that the document was executed properly. The notary's seal and signature give the document enhanced legal standing and create a presumption of authenticity that courts and government agencies recognize.

In Bahrain, notary services are provided by the Ministry of Justice's Notary Public Office and by licensed private notaries. Sahwan Law holds the official Notary of Bahrain seal, allowing us to provide full notarization services directly to clients.

Documents That Require Notarization

Corporate Documents

The following corporate documents must be notarized in Bahrain: Memorandum and Articles of Association for company formation, amendments to constitutional documents, share transfer agreements, board resolutions for major corporate actions, shareholder agreements, and merger and acquisition documents.

Powers of Attorney

Powers of attorney (POA) authorizing someone to act on your behalf must be notarized to be legally effective. This includes general powers of attorney granting broad authority, special powers of attorney for specific transactions, corporate POAs authorizing representatives to act for companies, and litigation POAs authorizing lawyers to represent clients in court.

Real Estate Documents

Property transactions require notarized documents including sale and purchase agreements, lease agreements (particularly long-term commercial leases), mortgage and security documents, and property development agreements.

Personal Documents

Various personal documents require notarization for official recognition: affidavits and statutory declarations, marriage contracts, divorce documents for recognition abroad, inheritance documents, and name change declarations.

Documents for Use Abroad

Documents originating in Bahrain that will be used in foreign countries often require notarization as the first step in the authentication chain. These include educational certificates for overseas employment or study, commercial documents for international trade, personal status documents for immigration, and corporate documents for foreign registrations.

The Notarization Process

The standard notarization process involves several steps. First comes document preparation, where the document is drafted in its final form (notaries do not make changes to content). Next is identity verification, where signatories present valid identification (CPR for Bahraini citizens and residents, passport for visitors). The signing ceremony follows, where parties sign the document in the notary's presence, and the notary may read or explain the document. Finally, the notary applies their official seal and signature, and records the notarization in the official register.

All parties whose signatures are being notarized must appear in person before the notary. The notary cannot notarize a document signed elsewhere, nor can they notarize a photocopy or scan of a signed document.

Translation Requirements

For documents not in Arabic, a certified Arabic translation is typically required before notarization. The translation must be performed by a licensed legal translator, and both the original and translation are notarized together. For some purposes, particularly documents going abroad, English translations of Arabic documents may also be required.

Apostille and Authentication

Documents destined for use in foreign countries require additional authentication beyond notarization. Bahrain is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. For Hague member countries, a single apostille certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs authenticates the document for use abroad. For non-member countries, full legalization through the embassy or consulate of the destination country is required.

The authentication chain typically runs: notarization, then Ministry of Justice attestation, then Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille or attestation, and finally embassy legalization (for non-Hague countries only).

Virtual Notarization

Bahrain has embraced remote online notarization (RON), allowing certain documents to be notarized via secure video conference. Virtual notarization is particularly useful for overseas clients forming Bahrain companies, busy executives who cannot attend in person, and urgent matters requiring immediate execution.

The process involves identity verification through secure digital means, live video witnessing of signature, electronic application of the notary seal, and secure delivery of the notarized document. Not all documents are eligible for virtual notarization—real estate transactions and certain sensitive documents still require physical presence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several common errors can invalidate notarization or cause delays. Signing before the notary appointment means the notary cannot notarize pre-signed documents—you must sign in their presence. Incomplete documents cause problems because the notary cannot notarize documents with blanks to be filled in later. Expired identification is rejected; your CPR or passport must be currently valid. Wrong parties appearing causes issues since all signatories must be present, and representatives cannot sign without a valid power of attorney. Missing translations mean that non-Arabic documents require certified translation before notarization.

Notarization Fees

Notarization fees vary based on the type and complexity of document. Ministry of Justice fees follow a published schedule. Private notary fees may vary. Corporate constitutional documents and powers of attorney typically range from BD 30-100 depending on complexity. Certified copies and simple attestations are less expensive. Urgent or after-hours services may incur additional charges.

Our Notarization Services

Sahwan Law provides comprehensive notarization services as one of the licensed private notaries in Bahrain. Our services include: notarization of all document types, certified legal translation (Arabic-English), document drafting (POAs, affidavits, corporate documents), apostille and embassy legalization coordination, virtual notarization for eligible documents, and same-day service for urgent matters.

As a full-service law firm, we can handle the entire process from document drafting through notarization to authentication, providing a seamless experience for clients.