Remote notarial deeds are now possible!

At the beginning of May, the notarial profession wholeheartedly embraced the digital world. For almost two months now, Belgian citizens have been able to sign notarial deeds remotely. This article explains the two available options, how they work and the equipment you will need.

Which deeds are covered?

Deeds of sale, deeds of gift, marriage contracts, etc. Please note, however, that wills cannot be signed in this way.

Which option should you choose?

To limit contact, comply with the applicable rules and protect the health of the parties involved in the deed as much as possible, Justice Minister Koen Geens proposed two solutions.

• Notarial deeds by digital power of attorney
  The citizen must grant a digital power of attorney to a trusted person, who will physically attend the notary’s office on their behalf. This power of attorney is legally authenticated, meaning that it prevents any subsequent dispute.
  Once the power of attorney has been signed remotely, the citizen will follow the reading of the deed from home by videoconference.
  Once the deed has been signed by the trusted person who was granted the power of attorney and registered by the notary, a copy of the deed is sent to the various parties.
• Remote notarial deeds
  In this case, you only need to visit your notary’s office to sign a power of attorney by hand, allowing your chosen trusted person to physically attend the other notary’s office and sign on your behalf.
  For the reading and signing of the deed, the notaries arrange a videoconference via a private, secure network. The authorised representative signs the deed on behalf of the citizen.
  In this case, the citizen is therefore exposed to greater risks because they physically attend the notary’s office, but this option may be easier to manage for people who are less comfortable with computers.

What equipment is required?

• For notarial deeds by digital power of attorney
  The citizen will need an internet connection and a computer with a webcam and microphone. To sign the power of attorney, they will also need their electronic identity card, PIN and a card reader.
• For remote notarial deeds
  Only proof of identity is required.

Please note that these procedures are free of charge; no additional fees or taxes are payable.