Covid-19 has fundamentally changed the way we do business in Australia and abroad. But even though international travel has stopped for now, personal documents and business dealings can still be kept moving with the help of a Notary.

Notary services foreign business covid-19

At Betar Lawyers we continue to provide essential services during this time for all overseas and Australian affairs, to companies and individuals throughout Sydney and New South Wales.

We are notarising overseas documents, arranging Apostille with DFAT or consulate certification and consulate legalisation and authentication, witnessing signatures and all other complex requirements to ensure your domestic and foreign paperwork is authenticated, recognised and valid.

Some of the ways we can help you manage personal and business matters during Covid-19 restrictions include:

Power of Attorney for Covid-19: Giving someone the authority to sign documents for you

If you cannot be there in person to sign essential documents, you can appoint someone – an ‘attorney’ - to act on your behalf abroad.

You might wish to arrange a Power of Attorney for personal financial or property decisions in Australia and also abroad. Or you might need a company Power of Attorney, to ensure business decisions and deals continue as normal if key Directors and business personnel are unable to sign paperwork because of travel restrictions or remote working.

Your nominated attorney should be someone who is:

Over the age of 18
Trustworthy and competent
Prepared to seek expert advice where necessary

Often your power of attorney abroad will be your locally engaged lawyer or locally engaged accountant who are well placed at fulfilling this role.

We will make sure all the legal formalities to make your Power of Attorney valid are fulfilled, including outlining your nominated attorney’s responsibilities, limits and scope of power.

Witnessing overseas documents when you can’t travel

Travel bans means you are unable to go abroad to handle personal estate or property or your international business matters. A Notary can witness your signature on documents for use overseas, ensuring there is no delay.

Advising on the changing requirements and timescales for document legalisation & Apostille

Many countries have implemented changes to the usual document process as a result of Covid-19. We will ensure your overseas documents meet current requirements, including any Apostille certification from DFAT and local consulate, and are signed in the correct manner.

We can also liaise with your local Notary or lawyer in your receiving country if required to ensure a problem-free process.

Notary FAQs: Notarising documents during Covid-19

What does notarising a document mean?

Notarisation of documents is when a specially-appointed lawyer – known as a Notary – authenticates documents and signatures to prove that they are genuine, so they can be recognised internationally. It involves affixing a special seal, unique to each Notary, to the document.

At Betar Lawyers, Justin Betar is our Notary. One of the top Notaries in Sydney, he is President of the Society of Notaries NSW. Justin is a renowned expert in notarial matters, delivering best-practice Notary courses and lectures around Australia and internationally. Justin has the globally-recognised authority to witness signatures, administer oaths and prepare and certify documents under his own official seal.

Because of Covid-19, can notarisation be carried out remotely over video call?

The Society of Notaries NSW has advised that documents that require a notarial seal and certificate should not be notarised over Zoom or any other kind of video conferencing app. This is because a Notary must be satisfied of specific factors to notarise a document, which are not be possible through video call because of the limitations of what we can see on camera.

We must be sure of:

The identity of the person signing
That they understand the document they are signing and what it means

That they are of sound mind and have awareness
They are signing voluntarily and willingly
They are not under any sort of influence or pressure to sign

These requirements can only be satisfied through an in-person appointment.

Although there have been recent changes to allow remote document witnessing in New South Wales as a result of Covid-19 (Electronic Transactions Amendment COVID-19 Witnessing of Documents Regulation April 2020) these new rules only allow lawyers – not Notaries – to witness certain documents that are intended for use in New South Wales only.

We will advise if your document requires an in-person visit or can be processed electronically – just call our office on (02) 9279 1100.

What sort of documents need notarising?

Notarisation is needed for any documents that need to be legally recognised in another country. Such as business contracts involving an overseas party, buying or selling property abroad or if you want a Power of Attorney that is valid in a specific country.

We can advise the specific process, costs and requirements for documents in your receiving country and manage the complete notarisation of your documents from start to finish.

We can also perform other common, everyday document requirements, including:

Signature witnessing when you sign documents such as a Deed
Verifying true copies of original documents

Authentication of documents as genuine

How do I arrange a Notary appointment in Sydney during Covid-19?

At Betar Lawyers we are taking all necessary precautions and are adapting our practice to ensure we can safely take care of all your personal and corporate documentation needs.

You can arrange a personal appointment with Justin Betar at our office in Sydney CBD, or we can attend your place of business, always with social distancing considerations in mind.

What do I need to bring to my Notary appointment?

What you need to bring depends on the document to be notarised. In most instances you will need formal photo ID – such as a current passport or driving licence – so we can identify you.

We will explain what you need when we have an understanding of your documentation, when you make an appointment.

Can you help with urgent or complex document notarisation?

Yes, Justin Betar specialises in urgent and complex notary cases and can arrange fast notary appointments in Sydney CBD or at your place of work. We will make sure that all requirements are in place for your documents for quick and easy resolution.

See a Notary in Sydney

Call Betar Lawyers on (02) 9279 1100 to arrange document notarisation in Sydney. You can also learn more about what’s involved for overseas document notarisation, and the notarisation process. Or email us with any questions at hello@betarlawyers.com.au and we will come back to you.

Covid-19: Guide to Essential Notary Services for Foreign Business