How to Find a Notary in Paraguay | Complete Guide | EscribaníaPY

Finding a reliable notary office in Paraguay can seem complicated due to the lack of a centralized and accessible registry. In this guide we explain the official sources, how to verify a notary's license and what to consider when choosing a notary office.

What is a Public Notary in Paraguay?

The Escribano Público (public notary) in Paraguay is an official who exercises "Public Faith". Unlike other countries, the Paraguayan notary is not an independent professional but receives a concession from the State through a numbered Notarial Registry.

This means that each notary has a unique registry number granted by the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) through a competitive examination. This system ensures that only qualified professionals can practice.

Important

A notary is assigned to a specific jurisdiction. A notary with a registry in Ciudad del Este cannot officiate acts in Asunción and vice versa.

Official Sources to Find Notaries

1. Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ)

The Supreme Court of Justice is the highest authority that grants notarial registries. Through the Competitive Exams, the CSJ publishes lists of adjudicated notaries with their basic data:

Full name
Identity card number
City assigned to the registry
Notarial registry number

Limitation: The CSJ confirms the validity of the registry but rarely publishes contact details such as phone or office address.

2. Paraguayan Notaries Association (CEP)

The Colegio de Escribanos del Paraguay functions as the professional guild. Although membership is technically voluntary, most active notaries are affiliated because the CEP controls the sale of notarial materials (security paper, protocol books).

The CEP has regional offices in:

Asunción - Main headquarters
Ciudad del Este - For Alto Paraná
Encarnación - For Itapúa
Pedro Juan Caballero - For Amambay

Notary Offices by Department

Paraguay has notaries distributed in all its departments, although the concentration varies according to the economic activity of each zone:

Capital (Asunción)

The highest concentration of notary offices is in Asunción, where the General Directorate of Public Registries and central administration are located. Notaries here specialize mainly in:

Government contracts and tenders
Formation of corporations
Powers of attorney for international procedures

Alto Paraná (Ciudad del Este, Santa Rita)

The second most important hub, driven by border trade and agribusiness. Notaries in this area handle:

Imported vehicle transfers
Agricultural contracts and pledges
Export documentation

Central (San Lorenzo, Luque, Lambaré)

Greater Asunción has a high demand for notarial services for:

Residential real estate purchases
Private vehicle transfers
Family powers of attorney and authorizations

Boquerón (Chaco)

New registries have recently been adjudicated in cities like Filadelfia, Loma Plata and Mariscal Estigarribia, facilitating procedures for:

Cattle transfers
Land regularization
Cooperative contracts

How to Verify if a Notary is Licensed

Before hiring notarial services, it's important to verify that the notary is licensed:

Request the notarial registry number: Every notary must inform you of their registry number.
Verify jurisdiction: Make sure the notary is authorized for the city where you need the procedure.
Consult the Notaries Association: You can call the CEP to confirm if a notary is active.
Review previous documents: Notaries must include their name, registry and address in every document they authorize.

Warning

There are suspended notaries or those with disciplinary sanctions. A document authorized by a suspended notary can be declared null, which would cause serious legal problems.

What to Consider When Choosing a Notary Office

Specialization

Some notaries specialize in specific areas. If you need to form a company, look for one with experience in commercial law. For property transfers, choose one familiar with cadastre and public registries.

Location

Due to jurisdictional restrictions, you must choose a notary in the city where the property is located (for real estate) or where the procedure will be carried out.

Availability and Service

Ask about response times and whether they offer after-hours service for emergencies. Some modern notary offices offer initial consultations via WhatsApp.

Cost Transparency

Request a detailed quote before starting. Notarial fees are regulated but may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Use Our Platform to Find Notaries

At EscribaníaPY we have created a digital directory of verified notary offices in Paraguay. Our platform allows you to:

Search by city: Find notaries in your area
Filter by service: Vehicles, real estate, powers of attorney or companies
Calculate costs: Get an estimate before contacting
Contact directly: WhatsApp, phone or email

Need to find a notary office now?

View Notary Directory

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a notary charge in Paraguay?

Fees vary depending on the type of procedure. A vehicle transfer can cost between Gs. 300,000 and Gs. 800,000, while a real estate deed depends on the fiscal value of the property.

Can I use any notary for my procedure?

Not necessarily. The notary must have jurisdiction in the city where the notarial act will be performed or where the property is located.

What documents do I need to go to a notary office?

It depends on the procedure, but generally you will need: identity card, property documents (title, green card) and tax payment receipts.

Do notaries work on Saturdays?

Many notary offices are open on Saturday mornings, especially in commercial areas. Some offer emergency services by appointment.