Category: Records and procedures
Notary public (escribano público)
A legal professional with public authority empowered to authenticate signatures, attest legal acts, and execute public deeds in Paraguay.
In Paraguay, the escribano público is the equivalent of a notary public elsewhere. Indispensable in every real-estate transaction: drafts the public deed, verifies parties' identity and contractual capacity, requests the matrícula and cadastral certificates, and finally registers the deed. Fees are regulated but typically 1%–1.5% of property price plus expenses. The buyer can choose their trusted escribano ("escribano del comprador") — a recommended practice since the notary, despite formally being impartial, primarily protects the interests of whoever hires them.
Related terms
Public deed (escritura pública)
A formal document authorized by a notary public that records the sale, gift, or transfer of real estate and perfects the transmission of ownership.
Boleto de compraventa (preliminary sale agreement)
A preliminary sale contract signed between buyer and seller before the public deed, setting price, conditions, and deadline for executing the deed.
Real-estate commission
Fees charged by the brokerage or agent who facilitates a sale or rental — typically 5% of the sale price, or one month's rent for rentals.