In this article, based on archival and published sources, but also on the monographic literature, we analyze the evolution of the notary institution in Bessarabia, the establishment of which took place in 1813, almost immediately after the annexation of the territory between Prut and Dniester to the Russian Empire. The institution of the notary in Bessarabia began to develop especially after the province was included into the Russian trade and customs system, by introduction of the guild system and supperssion of the Dniester Customs from 1 January 1831. Even though the institution has played a positive role in the development of the economic relations in the province, it is not to be forgotten the interference of the governor general of New Russia and Bessarabia into the procedure of appointing the notaries in Chisinau. A careful analysis of the actions in question demonstrates that, under the slogan of encouraging trade and merchants, the Tzarist government promoted a cunning policy to place alien elements in key economic positions, which fact should have served the Russian imperial interests in subjection of the native population.