Notary vs. Lawyer in Saudi Arabia: What’s the Difference?
People often use “notary” and “lawyer” as if they mean the same thing. In Saudi Arabia they are two different roles under two different laws. Knowing which one you need can save you time and fees.
This guide explains how a notary differs from a lawyer in Saudi Arabia, based on the Notarization System and the Law of the Legal Profession published by the Ministry of Justice.
Last updated: November 2026, based on the Ministry of Justice’s official pages.
What Is a Notary in Saudi Arabia?
The Notarization System defines notarization as the set of procedures that secure a right in a form that can be relied on. A notary (موثق) is someone who performs notarization under a license issued by the Ministry of Justice.
There are two types:
- Government notary (كاتب العدل): works at the Kitabat al-Adl office and normally can’t carry out work outside it.
- Licensed notary (الموثق): works in the private sector under a Ministry of Justice license. Under the Executive Regulations, a licensed notary may travel when the parties ask.
Documents issued under the system have evidentiary force and are treated as enforceable for the obligations they contain.
What Is a Lawyer in Saudi Arabia?
According to the Executive Regulations of the Law of the Legal Profession, a lawyer (محامي) is a person licensed to practice law after being registered in the roll of lawyers. In general, a lawyer advises clients, prepares legal documents, and represents them before courts and other bodies.
| Notary | Lawyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Main role | Verifies identity and capacity, and records or certifies a document | Advises, drafts, and represents you |
| Licensed by | Ministry of Justice (notarization license) | Ministry of Justice (registered in the lawyers’ roll) |
| Typical tasks | Powers of attorney, declarations, contracts, real estate transfers | Legal advice, contract drafting, court representation |
| Representing you in a dispute | No | Yes |
| Gives a document official evidentiary force | Yes | No |
A notary’s role is formal: confirming who is signing and that they are eligible, then recording the document. Advice and representation are a lawyer’s work.
Who Needs a Notary, and Who Needs a Lawyer?
You likely need a notary when:
- You’re issuing or canceling a power of attorney
- You need a declaration or Affidavit certified
- A contract, company document, or property transfer must be officially recorded
You likely need a lawyer when:
- You want advice before signing something important
- You need a contract drafted or reviewed
- You’re in a dispute or need someone to represent you in court
Many situations need both. For example, a lawyer might draft a contract, and a notary then records it.
Can One Person Be Both?
Yes, in some cases. Under the Notarization System, a person applying for a notary license must not hold a public or private job or practice any other profession, with one exception: law. So a licensed notary may also work as a lawyer.
The law also recognizes experience as a lawyer. An applicant can skip the specialized notarization training course if they’ve worked at least a year as a judge, notary, lawyer, or legal consultant.
Important Things to Know
- Licensing matters. A licensed notary can be found on the Ministry of Justice’s Mwathiq platform (mwathiq.sa) or the Al-Mowathiq app. See our guide on how to verify a licensed notary public in Saudi Arabia.
- Notarization isn’t legal advice. A notarized document confirms a transaction was properly recorded, not that it’s a good deal.
- Not every task needs a lawyer. Many individual powers of attorney can be issued online through Najiz. See how to issue a power of attorney through Najiz.
- Court representation has its own rules. For powers of attorney used in court cases, the agent generally must be a licensed lawyer or a close relative, according to Najiz guidance.
Conclusion
A notary makes a document official, and a lawyer helps you decide what should be in it and stands with you if it’s disputed. Choose the notary for recording, the lawyer for advice, and both when a transaction is complex.
For the basics, read what a notary public is in Saudi Arabia.
Need a Notary in Khobar?
If you need a power of attorney, affidavit, contract, or other Document notarized in Al Khobar, Khobar Notary can walk you through the requirements and fees before you begin. Contact us today to discuss your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a notary the same as a lawyer in Saudi Arabia?
No. A notary verifies and records documents under a Ministry of Justice license. A lawyer advises and represents clients and is registered in the lawyers’ roll.
2. Can a lawyer also be a licensed notary?
Yes. The Notarization System allows a licensed notary to practice law alongside notarization work, and it bars other professions.
3. Do I need a lawyer to notarize a power of attorney?
Not necessarily. Many individual powers of attorney can be issued through Najiz or a notary without a lawyer. A lawyer helps if you want advice or custom wording.
4. Will a court accept a notarized document?
Documents issued under the Notarization System have evidentiary force and are treated as enforceable for the obligations they contain.
5. What’s the difference between a government notary and a licensed notary?
A government notary works at a Kitabat al-Adl office in official hours. A licensed notary works privately under a Ministry of Justice license and may travel when the parties request it.