Introduction

As an NRI (Non-Resident Indian), you may often need to have your documents notarized for various reasons—whether it's for property transactions in India, legal matters, or other official paperwork. But here’s the question: where can you get your documents notarized when you're living abroad? Whether you’re in the US, UK, Singapore, or the UAE, there are options available. Let’s walk through where you can get your documents notarized in these countries.

Notarizing Documents in the United States

If you’re in the US, the process is straightforward, and you have several options:

Notary Public Services

In the US, a Notary Public is a person authorized to notarize documents. Here are a few places where you can find notary services:

• Banks: Many banks offer free notarization services to their customers. So, if you have a bank account, check with your bank to see if they provide this service.

• Law Offices: Some law offices offer notarization, especially if you need to notarize legal documents like contracts or power of attorney.

• Independent Notary Offices: You can find standalone notary services through online directories like FindaNotary.com, UPS Store, and Notary2Go.

Online Notarization

Online notarization has grown in popularity, especially after the pandemic. Several platforms like Notarize and NotaryCam allow you to notarize your documents online via a video call.

In-person notarization costs $5-$20 per signature, and online notarization ranges from $25-$50.

Notarizing Documents in the United Kingdom

In the UK, the process for notarization is similar, though it has some specific requirements.  Here's how you can get your documents notarized in the UK.

Notary Public Services

A Notary Public in the UK is a trained and licensed professional authorized to notarize documents. To find one, you can:

• Check the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s website, which regulates notaries in the UK.

• Visit law firms that offer notarial services, as many solicitors in the UK also provide notarization.

Solicitors Offering Notarization

In the UK, many solicitors also offer notarial services. If you're already working with a solicitor for a legal matter, inquire if they offer notarization services.

Online Notarization

Although the UK does not have a widely established system for online notarization, there are some services where you can notarize specific documents remotely.

The minimum charge for traditional paper-based notarization is £80 plus VAT (£96) for personal documents and £100 plus VAT (£120) for complex or commercial documents. 

Notarizing Documents in Singapore

For NRIs residing in Singapore, getting documents notarized is a simple process with multiple options available.

Notary Public Services

In Singapore, a Notary Public is a qualified lawyer authorized by the Singapore Academy of Law to notarize documents. You can find notary services at:

• Law Firms: Many law firms in Singapore have notaries public on staff.

• Independent Notary Offices: There are also independent notary services available for both personal and commercial documents.

Consular Services

Another option is to visit the Indian High Commission in Singapore. They offer notarial services for documents like affidavits, powers of attorney, and more.

The cost for notarizing documents is $10 for the first page with a seal and $2 for each additional page. Without a seal, it’s $5 for the first page and $1 for each extra page. A notarial certificate with a seal costs $75, and a special certificate also costs $75.

Notarizing Documents in the UAE

For NRIs living in the UAE, notarization of documents is easily accessible. Here's what you need to know.

Notary Public Services

In the UAE, the Ministry of Justice operates notarial services in various locations, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. You can visit their offices for notarization of personal, legal, or official documents.

Consular Services

The Indian Embassy or Consulate in the UAE also offers notarial services for powers of attorney, affidavits, and other legal documents.

Online Notarization

While the UAE does not have a broad online notarization system, some legal service providers may offer remote notarization for international documents.

In the UAE, you need to first translate your documents into Arabic (30-50 AED per page) and then get them notarized. The total cost for both steps is around 300-400 AED

The Challenges You Might Face

While the options are plenty, notarizing documents isn’t always smooth sailing. Some common challenges include:

• High Costs: Notaries in certain countries, like the UK, can charge hefty fees.

• Availability: During busy times, finding a notary can take longer than expected.

• Time Constraints: If you’re in a rush, scheduling an appointment might feel like a hurdle.

The Rupeeflo Advantage

Now, let me introduce you to Rupeeflo—a service designed specifically for NRIs. Rupeeflo simplifies the entire notarization process by offering:

• Online Notarization: Save time and notarize your documents from the comfort of your home.

• Affordable Rates: Avoid sky-high notary fees

• Global Accessibility: Whether you’re in the US, UK or any other country, Rupeeflo has you covered.

• Expert Guidance: Unsure which documents need notarization? Rupeeflo’s team will guide you through it all.

Conclusion

Getting your documents notarized might feel like a chore, but it’s a vital step to ensure their legal validity. Whether you choose a bank, a law office, or an online platform, the key is finding a service that works for your needs.