Notaries in Dakar: role, steps and addresses

Signing a property sale, settling an estate or setting up a company in Dakar all go through a notary. This legal professional authenticates the deed and protects every party involved in the transaction. Before booking an appointment, here is what to know about the notary's role, the documents to gather and a few pointers for Senegalese living abroad.

What a notary actually does in Senegal

Notaries handle deeds that need a certain date and enforceable status: buying or selling land or an apartment, a donation, settling an inheritance, a marriage contract, or setting up or transferring a company. They check the identity of each party, confirm the documents presented are in order, and draft the official deed. This step is unavoidable whenever property changes hands in Dakar, from Plateau to Almadies or Pikine, and it is also valuable support when drafting the articles of a new company.

Preparing your file before the appointment

A first conversation helps list exactly what is needed for your case: a valid ID, the existing property title or lease, civil status documents for an inheritance, or the company's articles and partners' documents for a business matter. Bring clear copies and ask every question at the first meeting: nature of the deed, realistic timelines and next steps. For a property purchase, also ask how the notary verifies the property's history before you commit.

Fees without the surprises

Notary fees are governed by professional regulation and vary with the nature of the deed and the value of the property or company involved. No serious office can quote an exact figure before reviewing your full file. Always ask for a written estimate detailing the deed fees, duties and any additional costs, and compare between a couple of offices if the transaction is significant, especially for property.

Diaspora: power of attorney and remote deeds

Living abroad does not stop you from settling an estate or selling property in Dakar. The usual solution is a notarised power of attorney, drawn up in your country of residence and then legalised, allowing a relative or representative to act on your behalf. Ask a Dakar office early about the exact form expected, since postal and administrative delays can stretch a file that looked simple. For any question about an office or professional conduct, the Senegalese chamber of notaries remains the reference body for the profession.

To compare options, browse the services directory for Dakar on SeneFinder, which lists several notary offices in the capital.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• cabinet Notaire SCP Patricia LAKE DIOP et Djibril THIAM: notary office in Dakar.
• Notaire Bineta Thiam Diop: notary office in Pikine.
• SCP Papa Ismaeel Ka Alioune Ka Notaires: notary office in Plateau.
• Étude Notariale: SCP DIOP, GUEYE et DIOUF - Notaires Associées: notary office in Dakar.
• Étude SENGHOR & SARR, Notaires associés: notary office in Plateau.

To see all addresses in this category, or for a full overview, explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

Before your appointment, the FCFA currency converter and the practical guide gather useful daily information. If you have just created your company, remember to list your business for free. You may also like our articles on buying property in Senegal and on the best lawyers in Dakar.

Frequently asked questions

Is a notary required to buy land in Dakar?

Yes, a property sale deed must go through a notary to be authentic and enforceable, which protects both buyer and seller.

How much does a notarised deed cost?

The amount depends on the nature of the deed and the value of the property or company; always ask for a detailed written estimate before committing.

How can I settle an inheritance from abroad?

A notarised power of attorney, drawn up and legalised in your country of residence, lets a relative act on your behalf; contact a Dakar office beforehand to confirm the exact form required.