In Germany, a civil-law notary’s fees are set by the German Act on Court and Notary Fees (GNotKG). This statute establishes uniform fees nationwide for notarial services, regardless of which notary you engage. In other words, the same notarial service costs the same at every notarial office in Germany. Rendering price comparisons between notaries unnecessary.

The notarial fee is generally based on the transaction value. This is the value of the matter in legal terms—for example, the purchase price in a purchase of real property or the assets covered by an inheritance contract The specific fee is then determined by the fixed fee schedules in GNotKG. Where applicable, disbursements (e.g., postage, copies, or register inquiries) and sales tax will be added.

Here’s an example: In the case of the purchase of a house worth €400,000, the notarization of the purchase agreement is subject to a fee calculated as a legally specified percentage of that amount, as set out in the GNotKG fee schedule. Additional statutory fees may apply to further services, such as the establishment of a land charge.

It’s important to note that notaries are not permitted to deviate from the statutory fees, either by under- or over-charging. Discounts or special prices are prohibited by law.