Why Choose an English-Speaking Notary in Tuscany
The Italian Notary is not just a signing official — they are the independent legal guardian of your property transaction. Here is why choosing the right one is the single most important decision you will make as a foreign buyer.
The role of the Italian notary
A unique legal figure

What Does an Italian Notary (Notaio) Actually Do?
The Italian Notary is a public official appointed by the Italian State — not a private lawyer working for one of the parties. Unlike in many other legal systems, the Italian notary's role is to be impartial: they protect the interests of both buyer and seller and ensure that the transaction is legally valid, tax-compliant, and properly registered.

In an Italian property transaction, the notary:

- Verifies the legal title of the property and the seller's right to sell
- Checks for mortgages, liens, and encumbrances at the Real Estate Registry
- Drafts the notarial deed (rogito notarile) in legally valid form
- Reads the deed to all parties and explains its content
- Verifies the identity of all parties and the traceability of payment
- Calculates and collects all applicable taxes on behalf of the State
- Registers the deed with the Real Estate Registry and Revenue Agency

The notary protects you: Once a deed is signed before an Italian notary and registered, ownership is legally certain and protected against subsequent claims. This level of legal certainty is one of the great advantages of the Italian property system for foreign buyers.

You Can — and Should — Choose Your Own Notary
Under Italian law, the notary's fees are paid by the buyer. And because the buyer pays, the buyer has the unconditional right to choose which notary they use. This is a legal right that cannot be overridden by the seller, the estate agent, or anyone else.

This matters because estate agents in Italy sometimes suggest — or even pressure — buyers to use a specific notary. You are under no obligation to follow this suggestion. Choosing your own notary, one who speaks your language and has experience with international clients, is always in your best interest.


The Language of Your Transaction Is the Language of Your Protection
Italian notarial deeds are drafted in Italian — this is required by law. However, if you do not understand Italian, the law requires either the presence of a sworn interpreter at the deed signing, or the preparation of a bilingual deed. Both options are available and standard for international clients.

But language matters far beyond the deed itself. Throughout the purchase process — during due diligence, when reviewing the preliminary contract, when discussing tax implications — the ability to communicate directly with your notary in English means:

- You fully understand what you are signing at every stage
- You can ask questions and receive clear, detailed answers without intermediaries
- Legal and tax concepts are explained in terms you can act on
- Risks and complexities are flagged proactively, not discovered after the fact
- Coordination with your international lawyers, accountants, and banks is seamless

What We Offer Foreign Buyers — From First Contact to Final Deed

Codice Fiscale in 24 Hours
We apply directly to the Agenzia delle Entrate on your behalf and obtain your Italian tax code within 24-48 hours — without you needing to travel to Italy.
Pre-Purchase Due Diligence
Full legal check of the property's title, mortgages and encumbrances before you commit to purchase.
Preliminary Contract Review
We review and advise on the compromesso before you sign — ensuring the terms protect your interests and include appropriate conditions.
Bilingual Notarial Deed
We prepare the rogito notarile in bilingual form (Italian and English) as standard for international clients — full legal certainty in your language.
Power of Attorney
If you cannot attend the deed signing in person, we prepare a notarial power of attorney allowing a trusted representative to sign on your behalf.
Tax Calculation & Registration
We calculate all applicable taxes, collect them on behalf of the State, and handle all registration formalities after the deed is signed.


We Are Your Long-Term Legal Partner in Italy
Our relationship with international clients does not end at the deed. We assist with:

- Succession planning/Will: Ensuring your Italian property passes smoothly to your heirs, coordinating with your home-country estate plan
- Donation and transfers: Notarial deeds for gifts of Italian property between family members
- Company structures: Formation of Italian companies (S.r.l.) for property ownership when appropriate
- Mortgage deeds: Registration of Italian mortgages for buyers requiring financing
Our studio is based in Pisa, at the heart of Tuscany, and we assist buyers across the entire region — from the Chianti hills to the Maremma coast, from Lucca to Siena and the Val d'Orcia.

Begin your journey to property ownership in Tuscany

Contact Notai Associati Pisa for a confidential initial consultation in English — no commitment required. We will answer your questions, outline the process, and provide a transparent estimate of all costs before you take any step. We look forward to guiding you to your Italian home.