Updated 11.09.2026 · three languages, no interpreter
English-speaking notary in Israel
Alla Flat · Notary #224143 · Bar #49324 · advocate since 2008
A notarial act in Israel can be performed in a language the notary commands. I work directly in English, Hebrew and Russian: I read the document, explain it to the signatory and certify it myself. That removes the need for a separate interpreter at the meeting and reduces the errors that appear between languages.
01 / 05 · Language of the act
In which language the notarial certificate is issued
The notarial certificate is issued in Hebrew, and at the client’s request in English or in another language the notary commands. The document itself, a power of attorney, an affidavit, a declaration, can be in English or Russian when the receiving party requires it.
For languages I do not command, Ukrainian, French, German and others, I do not certify translation accuracy. Only a translator’s declaration can be certified: I certify the translator’s signature on the declaration, and that is not a notarised translation. I flag this difference in advance because not every office accepts that format.
Official source: Notaries Law 1976
02 / 05 · Signatory
When the signatory does not read Hebrew
Before verifying a signature the notary must be satisfied that the signatory understands the document and signs freely. If the person does not read Hebrew, I explain the document in English or Russian, and the certificate records that.
An English-speaking client therefore needs no chaperone and no separate interpreter: the conversation, the identity check and the signature all happen in one language.
03 / 05 · Documents
Documents most often needed in English or Russian
- A power of attorney for use in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia or Europe: in the destination language, with a Magistrate Court apostille.
- A notarised translation of Israeli certificates for consulates, banks and universities: from Hebrew into English or Russian, and back.
- An affidavit or declaration for a foreign court, embassy or employer, in English.
- Consent for a child to travel, a property management POA, a statement of marital status: in Russian when the recipient asks for it.
The fee for each act is the same at every notary and is listed in the official tariff.
04 / 05 · Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Can you certify a document written in English?
- Yes. I read and certify English documents myself, without an interpreter. The certificate can be in Hebrew or English, depending on where the document is going.
- Do I need an interpreter at the meeting?
- No, if you speak English, Hebrew or Russian. For other languages only a translator’s declaration can be certified, which is not a notarised translation.
- Is a notarial act in English more expensive?
- No. The tariff does not depend on language. Translation certification is counted by words.
- Will an English document be accepted in Israel?
- Many Israeli offices accept English; some require Hebrew. I check with the recipient before drafting so the work is not done twice.
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05 / 05 · Basis
Legal basis
- Notaries Law 1976, language of the certificate and the duty to confirm understanding.
- Notary fees, Ministry of Justice, the tariff does not depend on language.
“When the notary and the client share a language, mistakes in a document are found before the signature, not after it.”
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