In 2026, more Australians than ever are working, investing, studying, and relocating overseas.
Whether it’s professionals moving to Dubai, families relocating to the UK, Australians buying property in Bali, or retirees investing in Europe — international transactions are no longer rare. They’re mainstream.
What many people don’t realise until the last minute?
You will likely need a Notary Public.
The Global Shift: Where Australians Are Going
Popular destinations for Australians in recent years include:
The UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi) for tax advantages and career growth
The United Kingdom under ancestry and skilled worker visas
Indonesia (particularly Bali) for lifestyle and property investment
The United States for tech and corporate roles
European countries for dual citizenship and retirement planning
With this international movement comes paperwork — and lots of it.
What Is a Notary Public (And Why Overseas Authorities Require One)?
A Notary Public in Australia is a senior legal practitioner appointed to:
Verify identity
Witness signatures
Certify documents
Authenticate documents for overseas use
Prepare documents for Apostille or Authentication through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
When dealing with foreign governments, banks, courts, or property authorities, a regular JP (Justice of the Peace) is usually not sufficient.
Overseas authorities require documents to be notarised because they need certainty that:
The document is genuine
The identity has been verified properly
The signature is authentic
The certification complies with international standards
Common Situations Where Australians Need a Notary
Here are the most common matters we are seeing in 2026:
1. Buying or Selling Property Overseas
If you are purchasing property in Bali, London, Dubai, or elsewhere, you may need:
Certified passport copies
Notarised contracts
Powers of Attorney
Identity declarations
Company documents
Many overseas property agents will not proceed without notarisation.
2. Working Overseas
Employers may require:
Notarised university degrees
Certified passport copies
Police clearances
Statutory declarations
Visa documentation
Without proper notarisation, your visa or employment approval may be delayed.
3. Dual Citizenship Applications
Australians applying for:
Italian citizenship
UK ancestry visas
Greek or Irish citizenship
often require notarised copies of:
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Change of name documents
These must sometimes also be Apostilled.
4. International Business Expansion
Australian companies expanding into Asia, Europe or the Middle East frequently need:
ASIC company extracts notarised
Certificates of incorporation
Board resolutions
Powers of attorney
Commercial contracts
Foreign regulators will not accept standard certified copies.
What Is an Apostille?
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the Australian Government (through DFAT) that confirms the notary’s authority.
It is required when the receiving country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Without an Apostille, your notarised document may still be rejected overseas.
Why Using an Experienced Notary Matters
International documentation errors can cause:
Visa delays
Property settlement delays
Rejection of contracts
Banking complications
Court filing issues
An experienced Notary Public understands:
The requirements of different jurisdictions
Whether authentication or Apostille is needed
Proper identity verification standards
The format required by overseas authorities
This prevents costly mistakes.
Planning Ahead
If you are:
Moving overseas
Buying international property
Applying for dual citizenship
Expanding your business abroad
It is wise to confirm early whether notarisation will be required.
Many clients only discover this requirement days before a deadline.
Final Thoughts
Australia is increasingly global.
As Australians live, work and invest across borders, proper documentation is no longer optional — it is essential.
If your matter involves a foreign country, it is highly likely you will require a Notary Public rather than a JP.
Seeking advice early can save time, stress and significant expense.