--- title: "Notary vs Judicial Bailiff in Tunisia: Legal Differences, Roles and Practical Guide" description: "Complete guide on civil notaries and judicial bailiffs in Tunisia: statutory roles under Law 94-60 vs Law 2018-9, regulated tariffs, and selecting the right legal officer in Tunis." url: https://www.huissierdejustice.tn/en/guides/huissier-notaire-tunisie-role-differences-guide source: https://www.huissierdejustice.tn/en/guides/huissier-notaire-tunisie-role-differences-guide generated_by: aeo.js --- # Notary vs Judicial Bailiff in Tunisia: Legal Differences, Roles and Practical Guide Complete guide on civil notaries and judicial bailiffs in Tunisia: statutory roles under Law 94-60 vs Law 2018-9, regulated tariffs, and selecting the right legal officer in Tunis. [All Legal Guides](/en/guides)[Français](/guides/huissier-notaire-tunisie-role-differences-guide)[العربية](/ar/guides/huissier-notaire-tunisie-role-differences-guide)[English](/en/guides/huissier-notaire-tunisie-role-differences-guide) Regulations & Official FeesSeptember 11, 2026Drafted under the supervision of the Bailiff's Office ## Notary vs Judicial Bailiff in Tunisia: Legal Differences, Roles and Practical Guide Complete guide on civil notaries and judicial bailiffs in Tunisia: statutory roles under Law 94-60 vs Law 2018-9, regulated tariffs, and selecting the right legal officer in Tunis. [Maître Nabil Baffoun](/en/a-propos) · Judicial officer (huissier de justice) in Tunis since 1998 - Tunis Court of Appeal jurisdiction - Former president of ISIE (elected 2019) - Internet evidence reports since 2010 Written and reviewed by the author — updated 11 September 2026[Full profile](/en/a-propos)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/baffoun-nabil/)[Wikipedia](https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%84_%D8%A8%D9%81%D9%88%D9%86)[Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60438866) General legal information guide based on Tunisian law (Organic Law No. 2018-9, CPCC, COC). Specific legal outcomes depend on individual case facts and contract terms. ## Direct Answer: What is the difference between a civil notary and a judicial bailiff in Tunisia? In Tunisia, people often confuse the terms **"huissier notaire"** (civil notary) and **"huissier de justice"** (judicial bailiff). In Tunisian statutory law, these represent two completely separate ministerial professions: - **The Civil Notary (عدل إشهاد - Huissier Notaire)**, regulated by **Law No. 94-60**, is a public officer tasked with certifying and drafting authentic deeds for non-contentious transactions (real estate sales, marriage contracts, deeds of gift, estate distribution). Notaries intervene **prior to any dispute, within voluntary legal matters**. - **The Judicial Bailiff (عدل منفذ - Huissier de Justice)**, governed by **Organic Law No. 2018-9** (which repealed Law No. 95-29), is the sole authorized public and ministerial officer for litigation procedure, formal service of court documents, debt recovery, urgent factual inspection reports (constats), tenant evictions, asset freezing, and the compulsory enforcement of court judgments. If you need to legalize a property sale or family estate covenant, you retain a **notary in Tunis**. However, for **any litigation, debt recovery, formal notice, urgent inspection, or compulsory court judgment enforcement**, Tunisian law requires retaining a **judicial bailiff (huissier de justice)**. **Notary vs judicial bailiff at a glance** Criterion Civil notary (عدل إشهاد) Judicial bailiff (عدل منفذ) **Governing law** Law No. 94-60 of May 23, 1994 Organic Law No. 2018-9 of 30 January 2018 **Scope** Preventive, voluntary, contractual Litigation, procedure, forced enforcement **Main deeds** Sales, marriages, gifts, estates Service of process, constats, seizures, evictions **Coercive power** No forced-enforcement power Authorized to requisition the public force **Territorial jurisdiction** Notarial district Tunis Court of Appeal & attached courts **Proof of material facts** Not authorized Authentic constat report, valid until challenged for forgery (inscription de faux) Practice area : Service of Process & Legal Writs Notification in Tunis ## Need Official Bailiff Assistance in Tunis? Maître Nabil Baffoun and his office assist domestic and international clients with prompt, compliant enforcement. [Explore our dedicated service](/en/services/signification) Recommended Related Guide ### Bailiff Inspection Report in Tunis: Legal Value, Procedure & Fees Complete guide to bailiff inspection reports in Tunis: evidentiary weight in court, types of inspections (water damage, construction, internet), and official procedure. [Read this guide](/en/guides/constat-huissier-tunis) ## Frequently Asked Legal Questions Can a civil notary enforce a court judgment in Tunisia? No. Under Tunisian law, notaries hold no compulsory enforcement authority. Only a judicial bailiff is legally empowered under Organic Law 2018-9 to carry out seizures, evictions, and judgment executions, requisitioning police assistance when needed. How are notary and bailiff fees regulated in Tunis? Both professions operate under strict statutory tariffs established by joint ministerial decree, ensuring full pricing transparency and standardized fees across Greater Tunis. Where to find a qualified judicial bailiff in Tunis Lafayette? The Office of Maître Nabil Baffoun is conveniently located at 32 Avenue de la Liberté, Lafayette, 1002 Tunis, covering all Greater Tunis jurisdictions. Contact: +216 99 442 883. ### Questions regarding this procedure? Contact our Tunis Office Maître Nabil Baffoun's Office — 32 Avenue de la Liberté, Lafayette, 1002 Tunis [Call our office (+216 99 442 883)](tel:+21699442883)[WhatsApp direct](https://wa.me/21699442883)[Request consultation](/en/consultation)