Uzbekistan has approved a comprehensive new regulatory framework establishing a unified competitive procedure for appointment to state notary offices and for granting the right to engage in private notarial practice.

The new system will enter into force on 1 April 2026.

The reform introduces standardized testing, mandatory professional training, digital examination platforms, and enhanced transparency mechanisms aimed at strengthening professional standards and integrity in the notarial system.

Centralized and Unified Selection Procedure

 

The unified competition replaces previously fragmented appointment procedures and will be conducted jointly by:

• the Higher Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice; and
• the national Agency for Knowledge and Qualification Assessment.

This structure combines professional oversight with independent testing administration, reinforcing institutional credibility and procedural neutrality.

Vacant and additional notary positions in each notarial district must be published regularly on the official website of the Ministry of Justice.

Two-Stage Examination Process

 

The competition consists of two structured stages.

Stage I - Electronic Testing

 

Candidates must pass electronic examinations covering:

• public and municipal administration,
• anti-corruption legislation,
• civil law,
• notarial law,
• inheritance law.

Testing is conducted throughout the year (with limited seasonal exceptions) depending on regional candidate distribution. Candidates scoring more than 55 points are deemed to have successfully passed this stage.

The testing process is digitally administered and recorded, strengthening procedural transparency and accountability.

Stage II - Practical Examination

 

Candidates who pass the written stage proceed to a practical assessment conducted via a specialized electronic platform.

The practical stage requires candidates to:

• prepare draft notarial acts; and
• resolve a structured case scenario.

The practical examination is recorded via audio and video and broadcast in real time on the official website of the Ministry of Justice. This live-streaming mechanism significantly increases transparency and public oversight of the selection process.

Candidates may compete for only one notarial district per commission session.

Eligibility Criteria

 

Applicants must:

• be citizens of Uzbekistan;
• be between 25 and 65 years of age;
• hold a higher legal education degree;
• possess at least three years of professional legal experience;
• complete at least one year of internship in a notary office.

Internship requirements are waived for certain experienced professionals, including individuals who have served as judges for at least five years, notary assistants, or officials engaged in supervisory roles over notarial activities.

Candidates must also complete mandatory qualification training prior to participating in the competition.

Mandatory Professional Training

 

The reform introduces compulsory training courses conducted by the Institute for Retraining and Advanced Training of Legal Personnel under the Ministry of Justice.

The training program includes:

• structured coursework in civil and notarial law;
• anti-corruption compliance components;
• practical drafting exercises;
• final examination and certification.

Only candidates holding a valid certificate from this program are eligible to participate in the unified competition.

This additional qualification layer institutionalizes professional preparation and raises entry standards to the profession.

Digitalization and Transparency Safeguards

 

The framework integrates multiple anti-corruption and transparency mechanisms:

• electronic testing platforms;
• prohibition of unauthorized electronic devices during examinations;
• audio and video recording of practical exams;
• live public broadcasting of the practical stage;
• formalized appeal procedures;
• electronic notification of examination schedules.

These measures reduce discretionary decision-making and strengthen merit-based appointment.

Broader Governance and Business Implications

 

Although procedural in nature, the reform carries broader institutional significance.

A more transparent and merit-based notarial selection system enhances:

• reliability of notarized transactions;
• legal certainty in property transfers;
• enforceability of inheritance and secured obligations;
• credibility of corporate documentation and shareholder resolutions;
• investor confidence in civil law infrastructure.

Given the central role of notaries in property, corporate, and inheritance matters, professionalization of appointments contributes directly to strengthening rule-of-law foundations.

Uzbekistan’s adoption of a unified competitive and training-based appointment framework for notaries represents a significant institutional modernization step. By combining centralized oversight, digital examination tools, mandatory qualification training, and public transparency mechanisms, the reform reinforces meritocracy and public trust in notarial services.