updated 2026-08-25
Notarial documents in Israel: what to know before you start
Alla Flat · Notary #224143 · Bar #49324 · advocate since 2008
Translated from Alla Flat’s original Russian text
When arranging notarial documents in Israel, it is important to know in advance which country and which institution they are intended for. That determines whether you need the original, a translation, an apostille, and in what order everything should be done.
Notarial power of attorney
A notarial power of attorney cannot be executed remotely.
The principal must appear in person before the notary, who identifies the person, verifies the expression of will, and certifies the signature.
The text of the power of attorney can be prepared in advance: send the notary the necessary details, documents, and the list of powers.
Notarised translation
A notarised translation may be made from the original document, a certified copy, an ordinary copy, or information from an electronic database. These options are expressly provided for in the official form of the notarial certificate of translation accuracy.
Which option is suitable depends on the requirements of the institution where the document will be submitted.
If the receiving party requires that the translation be made from the original, the original document must be provided to the notary.
The document can be sent in electronic form in advance for review, preparation of the translation, and a cost estimate.
Notarial copy
If it is necessary to notarise that a copy matches the original, the original document must be provided to the notary for comparison.
What first: apostille or translation?
There is no universal order.
In some cases the apostille is placed on the original document first, and then the document and the apostille are translated. In others, the apostille is required on the notarial certification.
Therefore, before ordering a translation or an apostille, it is important to find out the requirements of the specific institution where the documents will be submitted.
How to avoid extra expense
One of the most common mistakes is to have a document prepared first and only then check the receiving party’s requirements.
To avoid redoing a translation, a power of attorney, or an apostille, it is enough to tell the notary in advance:
which document needs to be prepared, in which country, and at which institution it will be used.
This makes it possible to determine the correct order of work at once.