In short
- A notarial deed for a deal costs 0.5% of the sum, at least €140, plus 21% VAT.
- If you or a lawyer draft the contract, the notary only certifies signatures: €23 per signature plus VAT.
- Holding money in the notary's deposit costs 0.3% of the sum, minimum €80, unless it is part of a notarial deed.
- For a €100,000 flat a notarial deed costs €605; certifying both parties' signatures costs about €56.
Why notary costs differ
Sworn notaries' fees are set by Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 737, so every notary charges the same for the same service. The notary adds 21% VAT on top of the fee.
In a flat deal you usually choose one of two routes.
- Notarial deed. The notary drafts and executes the purchase contract, checks the parties and the property, can hold the money in deposit and files the documents with the Land Register (Zemesgrāmata).
- Private contract. The parties or a lawyer draft the contract, and the notary certifies the signatures on the Land Register application.
Which route suits you depends on how complex the deal is. With a mortgage, several owners, or money that must be held until the entry is made, the notary's full service gives more security.
How much a notary costs: the main fees
The table shows fees before VAT, as amended from 16 April 2026.
| Service | Fee before VAT |
|---|---|
| Notarial deed for a deal | 0.5% of the sum, at least €140 |
| The same, if you draft the contract yourself | 75% of the fee |
| Certifying a signature on a Land Register application | €23 |
| Contract draft not followed by a notarial deed | €139 |
| Holding money in deposit | 0.3%, at least €80; from month 2, 0.1% a month, min €40 |
| Filing documents with the Land Register | €15 per right |
| Data checks in information systems | €4 per person or property |
| Service outside working hours | +50% |
Example: a €100,000 flat
The state fee and the Land Register office fee come on top in both cases; they are not the notary's fee. All costs together are covered in costs of buying a flat.
| Notarial deed | Private contract | |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | €500 (0.5%) | Yourself or a lawyer |
| Signature certification, 2 people | Included | €46 |
| Money deposit | Included | €300 if needed |
| VAT 21% | €105 | €9.66, or €72.66 with deposit |
| Total | €605 | €55.66, or €418.66 with deposit |
Who pays the notary
The law does not say which party pays the notary. In practice the buyer often pays for the contract and the Land Register entry, since it is in their interest, but the parties can agree to split the costs. Put the agreement in the contract, or at least in writing, before you go to the notary.
How to prepare for the notary
- Passports or ID cards for all parties
- The property's cadastral number and Land Register folio number
- Agreement on the price, the deposit (rokasnauda) and how payment works
- Spouse's consent, if the notary asks for it
- The bank's loan decision and its pledge contract requirements, if you buy with a loan
- Ask the notary for the total including VAT before the meeting
Common questions
How much does a notary cost when buying a flat?
A notarial deed costs 0.5% of the deal sum, at least €140, plus VAT. If the notary only certifies signatures, it is €23 per signature plus VAT.
Do I need a notary to buy a flat?
A notarial deed is not compulsory, but private persons' signatures on the Land Register application must be certified by a notary or an orphan's court (bāriņtiesa).
How much does a notary's deposit cost?
0.3% of the sum held, at least €80, and from the second month 0.1% a month. With a notarial deed the deposit is already included.
Do notary fees include VAT?
No, the fees in the regulation are before VAT. The notary adds 21% VAT.
Sources
This article is for information only and is not legal, financial or tax advice. It may contain mistakes or be out of date, so check it against official sources or with a specialist before you decide. m²cena accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of the information in this article.