Statutory fees
Under § 17(1) of the Federal Notarial Code, notaries are obliged to charge the fees and expenses prescribed by the Court and Notary Fees Act (GNotKG) — no more and no less. Fee arrangements of any kind are not permitted.
This means: every notary in Germany charges the same for the same service. There is no need to compare prices.
A social fee system
The GNotKG fee system is carefully balanced. Fees are based on the transaction value — not on the time spent. This ensures that everyone can access notarial advice and contract drafting, regardless of wealth or the value of the transaction.
Advice included
A key advantage for you: our advice including the drafting work is included in the notarization fee — regardless of complexity, effort or the number of meetings. It does not matter how much time the notary spends.
Affordable by international comparison
A 2007 Harvard study on the cost, quality and efficiency of typical property transactions found: notaries in Germany not only ensure a high degree of legal certainty but are also very affordable by international comparison.
How is the transaction value calculated?
The transaction value is the basis of every fee calculation. Examples:
- Property purchase: the agreed purchase price
- Land charge: the amount of the charge
- GmbH formation: the share capital (at least the statutory minimum value)
- Will: the testator's assets (less debts)
- Power of attorney: usually half of the assets, with statutory upper and lower limits