Notaries
Notaries are public and ministerial officers appointed by the French Minister of Justice. As public officers, they give legal authenticity to the documents they prepare and ensure their safekeeping. As ministerial officers, they hold an office assigned by the French State. Notaries have exclusive authority to carry out the duties entrusted to them by the French government.
The reform introduced by the Growth and Activity Law aims to gradually rebalance the number of notaries in line with the needs of the French economy, while encouraging newly qualified professionals to establish offices and renew the range of services available, without compromising the viability of existing offices.
Change in the number of professionals
| Period | Notaries |
|---|---|
| In 2015 | 8,616 |
| Recommendations 2016-2018 | +1,650 |
| Recommendations 2018-2020 | +700 |
| Recommendations 2021-2023 | +250 |
| Recommendations 2023-2025 | +600 |
| Recommendations 2026-2031 | +261 |
Opinions on freedom of establishment and maps
In accordance with the Growth and Activity Law, the Autorité issues an opinion to the French Minister of Justice every five years on the freedom of establishment of notaries. The opinion is accompanied by a map identifying the areas where the establishment of new notary offices could improve the supply and proximity of services. The proposed map is then approved by a joint decree of the French Ministers of Justice and the Economy.
In Opinion 26-A-03 of 25 February 2026, the Autorité reviewed the previous maps and the economic situation of notaries. It recommended the appointment of 261 new notaries for the 2026-2031 period. In line with its previous recommendation, the frequency of the maps was extended from two to five years.
- Scale of the establishment area: employment area
- Free establishment areas: 82
- Number of new professionals to be established: 261
For more information, please see:
In Opinion 23-A-10 of 7 July 2023, the Autorité reviewed the previous maps and the economic situation of notaries and recommended the establishment of 600 new notaries by 2025.
- Scale of the establishment area: employment area
- Number of free establishment areas: 168
- Number of controlled establishment areas: 125
- Number of new professionals to be established: 600
For more information, please see:
In Opinion 21-A-04 of 28 April 2021, the Autorité adopted a particularly cautious approach in drawing up its proposed map for the establishment of new notaries, recommending the establishment of 250 new notaries by 2023.
The Decree of 11 August 2021, issued pursuant to Article 52 of the Growth and Activity Law, validated the map proposed by the Autorité.
- Scale of the establishment area: employment area
- Number of free establishment areas: 112
- Number of controlled establishment areas: 181
- Number of new professionals to be established: 250
For more information, please see:
In Opinion 18-A-08 of 31 July 2018, the Autorité assessed the application of the first map and identified 230 free establishment areas in which it recommended the establishment of 700 notaries by 2020.
It also made several recommendations aimed at improving the implementation of the reform.
The Decree of 3 December 2018, issued pursuant to Article 52 of the Growth and Activity Law, validated the map proposed by the Autorité.
- Scale of the establishment area: employment area
- Free establishment areas: 230
- Controlled establishment areas: 76
- Number of new professionals to be established: 700
(+ the balance of the recommendations not implemented during the 2016-2018 period)
Applications in controlled establishment areas can be submitted on the OPM website as of 1 August 2019.
For more information, please see:
- Opinion 18-A-08 of 31 July 2018
- Press releases of 9 April 2018 (launch of the public consultation), 31 July 2018 (adoption of the opinion) and 6 December 2018 (validation of the map)
- Decree of 3 December 2018, issued pursuant to Article 52 of French law 2015-990 of 6 August 2015 for Growth, Activity and Equal Economic Opportunities
In Opinion 16-A-13 of 9 June 2016, the Autorité identified 247 free establishment areas in which it recommended the establishment of 1,650 notaries by 2018. Read the summary of the opinion.
It also made a number of recommendations aimed at improving access to notary offices.
The Decree of 16 September 2016, issued pursuant to Article 52 of the Growth and Activity Law, validated the map proposed by the Autorité.
- Scale of the establishment area: employment area
- Free establishment areas: 247
- Controlled establishment areas: 60
- Number of new professionals to be established: 1,650
During the period of validity of the first map, the Autorité received 308 applications to establish offices in controlled establishment areas. In 22% of its opinions, concerning 17 zones, it considered that a favourable response could be given to an application for the establishment of an office, thereby allowing the free establishment of a new notary. See the opinions here.
For more information, please see:
- Opinion 16-A-13 of 9 June 2016
- The explanatory note on the notion of “recommendations on the rate of establishment compatible with a gradual increase in the number of professionals”
- Press releases of 9 June 2016 and 23 November 2017
- Decree of 16 September 2016, issued pursuant to Article 52 of French law 2015-990 of 6 August 2015 for Growth, Activity and Equal Economic Opportunities