Law
Foreign nationals living or doing business in Uzbekistan frequently need notarised documents — from certified translations and powers of attorney to real-estate contracts. As a practising notary in Tashkent, I walk you through exactly what needs notarisation, what to bring, and what to watch out for.
1 minA foreign document does not automatically carry legal weight in Uzbekistan — it must go through an established recognition procedure. In this article, a notary from the Yunusabad district of Tashkent explains what legalisation and apostille mean, when each is required, and how to prepare your documents correctly.
Whether you are in Uzbekistan temporarily or on a long-term basis, you will almost certainly need notarised documents at some point. This could be a certified translation of your passport, a power of attorney for a local representative, notarisation of a property transaction, or a certificate of marital status. Without notarisation, many such documents are simply not accepted by government agencies, banks, or business partners.
Key points:
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In my practice, I regularly see foreign clients come in for the following:
1. Certified Translation of Foreign Documents
Passports, birth certificates, educational diplomas, and driving licences issued abroad must be translated into Uzbek or Russian, and the translation must be notarially certified. This is one of the most frequently requested services.
Practising private notary of the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. Certifies transactions, powers of attorney, inheritance and family documents under the law of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Applying to a university abroad involves more than gathering paperwork — it requires getting that paperwork notarised correctly. In this article I explain which documents need to be certified by a notary, why an apostille matters, and how to avoid the most common mistakes when preparing your application package for overseas study.
2. Power of Attorney
If a foreign national cannot be personally present for a transaction or administrative procedure — such as registering a company, selling property, or collecting documents — they may grant a notarially certified power of attorney to a trusted representative.
3. Real-Estate Transactions
Purchasing, selling, or gifting real estate involving a foreign national typically requires notarisation of the contract. It is important to verify in advance that the foreign national has the legal right to enter into such a transaction under current Uzbek law.
4. Consents and Declarations
Examples include a notarised spousal consent for a child to travel abroad, consent to a specific transaction, or a declaration of single status.
5. Apostille and Legalisation
Documents issued in Uzbekistan that are intended for use abroad may require an apostille or full legalisation. As part of that process, a notary can certify the authenticity of a signature or official seal on the document.
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| Document Type | What the Notary Does | What to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|
| Translation of a foreign document | Certifies the translator's signature | The translator must be qualified; confirm the target language in advance |
| Power of attorney | Notarises the power of attorney | Define the scope of authority clearly; arrange a translation if the document will be used abroad |
| Real-estate contract | Notarises the contract | Verify the foreign national's eligibility to participate in the transaction |
| Consent / declaration | Certifies the signature or document | Check whether an apostille is needed for overseas use |
| Copy of a document | Certifies the copy as a true copy | The original must be presented |
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I recommend preparing the following in advance:
If you are unsure about the complete list, call ahead. It is far better to clarify over the phone than to arrive with an incomplete set of documents.
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Can a foreign national use any notary in Uzbekistan?
Yes. Foreign nationals may approach any licensed notary practising in Uzbekistan. No special permit is required.
Do I need an interpreter if I do not speak Russian or Uzbek?
The notary is obliged to ensure that you understand the content of the document being notarised. If you do not speak the language of the document, the involvement of an interpreter is generally mandatory. The interpreter may also be required to sign a corresponding statement.
Are powers of attorney issued abroad recognised in Uzbekistan?
Yes, provided they are properly authenticated. A foreign power of attorney must be legalised or apostilled (if the issuing country is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention) and translated into Russian or Uzbek with a notarially certified translation.
What are the notary fees for foreign nationals?
Notarial fees are set by law and may change periodically. Please confirm the exact cost with the notary on the day of your appointment.
Can a foreign national purchase property in Uzbekistan, and must the contract be notarised?
A foreign national's right to acquire real estate in Uzbekistan is governed by Uzbek law and depends on the type of property and the buyer's legal status. A property sale-and-purchase agreement is generally subject to notarisation. I strongly recommend consulting a notary before proceeding with any transaction.
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*This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal or notarial advice. Every situation has its own particularities, which must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.*
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If you are a foreign national and need assistance with document notarisation in Tashkent, I invite you to schedule a consultation at my notarial office in the Yunusabad district. I will help you determine exactly which notarial acts are required in your specific case and carry out all procedures in full compliance with the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.