An interpreter at the notary when signing a transaction: a case study

A Serbian citizen was buying a share in a Russian LLC. The notary refused to certify the contract without an interpreter: the buyer does not speak Russian, and the notary is required by law to make sure the person understands the meaning of the transaction and its legal consequences. The client expected a written translation of the contract prepared in advance to be enough. It was not — an interpreter present in person at the moment of signing is exactly what is needed.

Why a written translation is not enough

The notary checks intent and understanding here and now. They explain the content of the document, ask control questions, and the interpreter renders this aloud and renders the foreigner's answers back into Russian. Afterwards the interpreter signs the document itself and the notary's register, confirming that the interpretation was complete and accurate. A written translation done a week ago by an unknown person cannot serve that function: it does not certify that the person understood everything at the moment of the transaction.

Requirements for the interpreter: confirmed knowledge of the language (a diploma or other education document), a passport, and sometimes inclusion on a particular notary office's list of interpreters. A relative, a business partner, or an employee of the party company is usually not acceptable — an impartial specialist is required. An "outside" interpreter the office does not know may also be turned away.

How to prepare for a notarial transaction with a foreigner

Agree the interpreter's candidacy with the notary in advance: many offices have their own vetted pool, and that is the fastest route. Give the interpreter the draft contract and accompanying documents a day or two ahead — sight interpreting of a legal text with no preparation raises the risk of inaccuracies in important wordings.

Allow time: a notarial act with interpretation runs slower than usual — an hour to an hour and a half instead of twenty minutes. And check in advance whether a notarised written translation of the contract itself is also needed for the registering authority: often both are required — interpretation at signing and a written translation in the document package for registration.