Beruf Notar: Wie der Karriereweg zum Notar aussieht

Becoming a Notary in Germany: The Career Path Explained

The role of a Notary in Germany is a specialized and highly respected profession within the country's legal system. While many law graduates aspire to become lawyers or judges, only a small fraction of them pursue a career as a Notary. The number of Notaries in Germany has been gradually declining since 2016, with only 6,205 currently serving as of the beginning of 2026.

So, what exactly does a Notary do? Notaries serve as guardians of pre-emptive legal guidance in Germany, operating under the Federal Notarial Act (BnotO). They are independent public officials entrusted with the issuance of various types of legal documents, such as property purchases, marriage contracts, and inheritance agreements. These documents, known as notarial acts, are legally binding and provide immediate legal consequences.

Notaries also create binding evidence for civil court proceedings, ensuring that the recorded events are fully documented and require no further court testimony. Additionally, notarial acts are enforceable, allowing the involved parties to bypass the court system and have their rights implemented by authorities such as the land registry or court bailiff.

There are two main types of Notaries in Germany: the main professional Notaries, who are appointed for life in most federal states, and the so-called attorney Notaries, who are lawyers who practice notarial duties alongside their legal work. The career path to becoming a Notary differs depending on the chosen path.

For those interested in becoming a main professional Notary, they must first work as a Notary Assessor for three years under practical training. Notary Assessors are in training to prepare them for the position. After completing this training, they can apply for vacant or newly created Notary positions. The requirements for becoming a Notary include excellent legal knowledge in various fields, such as property law, family law, inheritance law, and corporate law.

Notaries must also possess strong interpersonal skills, as they regularly interact with people who have diverse legal needs and concerns. They must navigate complex interpersonal situations with sensitivity and impartiality.

The path to becoming a Notary is rigorous and demanding. Aspiring Notaries must undergo a long and thorough process, including a law degree and two state examinations, which form the basis of legal qualifications for all full-time attorneys. However, the ultimate decision to appoint a Notary rests on their ability to handle the responsible duties with integrity, confidentiality, independence, and impartiality.