Law
Not every business contract requires notarisation — but for certain transaction types, skipping it renders the agreement legally void. This guide explains when notarisation is mandatory under Uzbek law, and when choosing it voluntarily is simply the prudent course of action.
1 minAny foreign investor establishing a presence in Uzbekistan must legalise their company's corporate documents and have their translation certified by a notary. In this article I walk you through the procedure, the documents required, and the key points to watch out for.
The short answer: it depends on the type of transaction. Uzbek civil law specifies categories of agreements for which notarisation is a condition of legal validity — not a formality, but a threshold requirement. If the required form is not observed, the contract is null and void from the outset, regardless of whether both parties have signed and affixed their corporate seals. For all other agreements, companies may approach a notary voluntarily — and in my practice, I regularly see that this is a sound decision, particularly for high-value or long-term commercial arrangements.
Key points at a glance:
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Uzbek civil legislation expressly requires notarial form for a number of transaction types. Those most commonly encountered in commercial practice include:
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.
Registering a branch or representative office in Uzbekistan involves mandatory notarial certification of several key documents. In this article I explain exactly what a Tashkent notary certifies, which documents to prepare in advance, and what to watch out for to avoid delays.
If you are uncertain whether your particular contract falls into a mandatory category, consult a notary before signing — not after.
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Even where the law imposes no requirement, companies frequently ask me to notarise lease agreements, supply contracts, service agreements, construction contracts, and other commercial arrangements. The reasons are straightforward:
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| What Is Reviewed | Why It Matters | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Legal capacity of the entity | The company must be duly registered and in active standing | Current extract from the state register of legal entities |
| Authority of the signatory | The person signing must be empowered to enter into the transaction | Articles of association, power of attorney, or relevant corporate resolution |
| Content of the contract | Terms must not contravene applicable law | Subject matter, price, and duration must be clearly defined |
| Voluntary consent of the parties | Execution must be free of duress or misrepresentation | Both parties present in person or represented by authorised proxies |
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I recommend preparing the following package in advance for each party to the transaction:
The exact list will vary depending on the nature of the transaction — please confirm the full requirements when booking your appointment.
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Can a contract be notarised if one of the parties is a foreign company?
Yes, but the foreign entity's constitutional documents must be accompanied by an apostilled translation. I recommend confirming the complete list of required documents with the notary in advance, as requirements may vary by jurisdiction of incorporation.
How much does notarisation of a commercial contract cost?
The notarial fee depends on the transaction value, the type of contract, and other factors. Please confirm the applicable tariff with the notary at the time of your appointment, as fee schedules are subject to periodic revision.
Must both parties be present?
As a general rule, yes. If a party is unable to attend in person, representation through a duly executed power of attorney is permissible.
What happens if a contract requiring notarisation is not notarised?
The contract is deemed void ab initio — from the moment of its purported conclusion. Neither party will be able to rely on it in court to enforce their rights.
How long does the procedure take?
With a complete set of documents and a pre-agreed draft contract, the notarisation is typically completed in a single visit. If documents are incomplete or the draft requires revision, additional time will be needed.
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If you are preparing to enter into a commercial agreement and want to ensure it is properly structured and protects your company's interests, I invite you to book an appointment at the notarial office of Alisher Botirov in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. I will help you determine the appropriate form for your transaction, review your documents, and certify the contract in accordance with current Uzbek legislation.
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*This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or notarial advice. Every situation has its own particulars — please consult a notary for guidance specific to your circumstances.*