Authentic deed

An authentic deed, or public notarisation, is a heightened form in which a competent public official records or certifies the parties’ declarations according to cantonal procedural rules. Swiss law requires this form for certain significant transactions, commonly to protect parties, ensure legal certainty and support registration in public registers. The official does not merely witness a signature but follows prescribed steps to establish identity, capacity and content. If authentic form is legally required, a private written contract usually cannot replace it.