A notary public is a legal practitioner appointed to authenticate documents and signatures so that they can be relied on by authorities, banks and businesses, particularly outside Zambia. A commissioner for oaths administers oaths and takes affidavits for use in Zambia. Knowing which you need, and what the receiving authority expects, can save weeks.

When you are likely to need a notary

  • Powers of attorney to be used in another country, for example to sell property or manage an account abroad.
  • Certified copies of company documents for a foreign bank, investor or regulator.
  • Certified copies of qualifications, passports or other personal documents for use abroad.
  • Declarations and statements required by foreign authorities or courts.
  • Commercial documents, such as contracts or certificates of origin, where the other party asks for notarisation.

Notarisation and legalisation are different steps

Notarisation is the notary’s certification of the document or signature. Many countries then also require legalisation, which confirms that the notary or official who signed is genuine.

Zambia is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so the simpler apostille process is not available for Zambian documents. Instead, documents for use abroad are typically authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lusaka and then legalised by the embassy or high commission of the country where they will be used. Requirements differ between countries and between types of document, and some foreign authorities accept documents without legalisation.

Before your appointment

  1. Ask the receiving authority, bank or organisation exactly what it needs: notarisation only, or notarisation and legalisation.
  2. Check whether the document must be in a particular form or language.
  3. Do not sign the document in advance if your signature is to be witnessed.

What to bring

  • The original document, and any copies to be certified.
  • Your NRC or passport, so the notary can confirm your identity.
  • If you are signing for a company, evidence of your authority, such as a board resolution.
  • Any instructions you have received from the receiving authority.

Our Managing Partner is a Notary Public, and both our advocates are Commissioners for Oaths, so documents can be authenticated, sworn and certified in one visit. See our notarisation and certification services.

This article is general information about Zambian law as at November 2026. It is not legal advice. For advice on your circumstances, book a consultation.