A Spanish public notary (notario) is a certain type of lawyer who legalises documents, particularly those involved in a property purchase.

A notary is a valued member of the community and to become one takes years of study.  Part of their role is to ensure that both parties agree on a particular transaction and that are agreements are legal and fair.

A notary is very important in the purchase process as they approve and witness the deed of sale (escritura de compraventa).  The notary can be selected by either the buyer or seller.  However, this doesn’t mean they act on behalf of one party as they are a neutral person who works on behalf of both to check all the papers are correct.

Don’t assume that the notary is the equivalent of a lawyer as this is not the case.  It is advisable to employ a lawyer (abogado) to check any legalities. 

One other point to note is that notaries often only speak Spanish, so you may wish to take an interpreter when you go to sign your papers.
A notary also notarises wills, the formation of companies and death certificates.