One of the biggest differences between buying property in Israel and Italy is the language.
In Italy, all official notarial documents are written and read in Italian only, even if the buyer is a foreigner.
This is a legal requirement, not a technical or formal matter.
Fundamental Principle
Italian law requires that all parties actually understand the content of the agreement they are signing.
Signing without full understanding is not valid.
What Language is the Agreement Signed In?
- The Atto / Rogito (deed of sale) is always in Italian
- There is no “official” English-only version
- The reading of the agreement at signing is done in Italian
What if the Buyer Doesn’t Speak Italian?
If the buyer:
- Does not understand Italian, and
- The notary does not speak a language the buyer understands,
the law requires a valid translation method.
Legal Ways to Ensure Understanding
- Interpreter at Signing (most common solution)
- Present during the reading of the agreement
- Translates the entire document into a language the buyer understands
- Identified by name and details in the document
- Signs the Atto as interpreter
- Notary explicitly notes that the agreement was understood through translation
This is a fully legal and accepted solution, even without a written translation
- Written Translation of the Agreement
- Translated in advance into the language the buyer understands (usually English)
- Sometimes attached as an appendix
- Less common but possible
- The translation does not need to be English specifically—just a language the buyer actually understands
What is Not a Legal Solution?
- An advisor or companion explaining “on the go”
- A person who speaks the language but is not officially identified as an interpreter in the document
- Unofficial translations not referenced in the Atto
- Relying only on verbal summaries
⚠ In these cases, there is no legal certainty that the buyer understood the agreement
Notary Responsibility
The notary is a public officer. Their role is to:
- Ensure the agreement is legally valid
- Ensure the parties understand its content
If there is no shared language with the buyer, the notary must require an interpreter or valid translation.
However, practical responsibility to ensure this happens also rests with the buyer.
Implications of Mistakes
Signing without a proper translation:
- Does not automatically cancel the deal
- Creates a defect in consent
- Can lead to future legal disputes
These procedures are complex, costly, and lengthy—so prevention is key.
Practical Summary for the Buyer
If the agreement is in Italian and you don’t speak the language:
- Do not sign without a valid translation
- Ensure the translation is recognized by the notary and documented in the agreement
- Do not rely on general or unofficial explanations
A professional Finder ensures the buyer fully understands the agreement before signing day.
They coordinate a certified interpreter or proper translation and ensure it is correctly documented in notarial records.
This minimizes legal risks and prevents invalid signatures due to misunderstanding of the agreement.
