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CertiDocsThe practical guide

Belgian sworn translation for use abroad

A document can be correctly signed in Belgium yet need another formality for a foreign recipient. Prepare the request with the destination country, receiving service and required final format.

Understand the process
Last updated Editorial lead : CertiDocs Team5 sources

Ask the recipient two questions

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First ask which formalities apply to the original record, then which apply to the translation. State where each was issued. An apostille on the original alone does not establish that all translation formalities are complete. Keep the written response for the quote and submission.

Official sourceFPS Justice - Required details, signatures and legalisation of translationsFPS Foreign Affairs - Prior authentication by the Belgian authority

Apostille, legalisation or exemption

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Use FPS Foreign Affairs’ simulator and instructions for the country and document. Ask the translator or competent body to identify any preliminary step. General guidance for another country is insufficient; within the EU, also check whether the document qualifies for an exemption.

Official sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documentse-Justice portal - Public documents in the EU

Electronic submission and budget

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For an electronic or electronically signed record, FPS guidance says the issuer submits through eLegalisation. The official Belgian fee is €25 per apostille or legalisation from 1 August 2026. Obtain separate costs for translation, required formalities and any paper delivery.

Official sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documents

Agree the deliverable before ordering

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Tell CertiDocs the destination country, target language and recipient’s instructions. Flag any additional formality at quote stage. Before the appointment, check that you have the required original, complete translation and accompanying evidence. Translation turnaround does not automatically include administrative processing.

Official sourceFPS Justice - Required details, signatures and legalisation of translationsFPS Foreign Affairs - Prior authentication by the Belgian authority

Signed PDF or scan: what should you send abroad? #

For a qualifying electronic record, FPS Foreign Affairs provides for submission by the issuer through eLegalisation. Keep the originally signed file: printing and scanning does not preserve the PDF’s verifiable digital signature.

Primary sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documentsAdobe - Validate digital signatures in a PDF
Destination requirements → Originally signed PDF → Confirm formalities and delivery
CertiDocs preparation diagram: confirm the requirements with the recipient.

Preparation advice from CertiDocs #

Fictional example: a foreign authority requests a signed translation and authentication. You hold the translator’s PDF and a later scan. Confirm the accepted format and send the signed file where required. Keep eLegalisation links or evidence attached to the correct record; a screenshot does not replace the verifiable file.

  • Distinguish the signed original, any attachments and the reading copy.
  • Confirm the time needed for each formality before booking an appointment abroad.

Prepare the next step

Documents to prepare

  • Destination country and authority
  • Separate requirements for original and translation
  • Signed PDF, attachments and required final format

Steps to follow

  1. Get the destination’s instructions

    Ask for precise signature, language, authentication and format requirements.

  2. Confirm scope and timing

    Separate translation, formalities and delivery when planning the appointment.

Good to know

Budget

Prepare your translation request

Choose the document type in the form to see your fixed price.

One fixed price per complete document, regardless of page count. Confirm the price before submitting. See all prices

Prepare my request

Frequently asked questions

+Does every Belgian translation need an apostille?
No. Check the destination, document and applicable exemptions. Do not automatically order an apostille for domestic use or an exempt case.
+Can I send a scan of the signed translation?
Keep and send the originally signed file where the procedure requires a verifiable digital signature. Separately ask whether a paper copy is also required.

Primary source

Sources and documentation used

The references below are the public sources used to document this page. The competent authority always retains the final decision.

Primary sourceFPS Justice - Required details, signatures and legalisation of translationsPrimary sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Prior authentication by the Belgian authorityPrimary sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documentsPrimary sourcee-Justice portal - Public documents in the EUPrimary sourceAdobe - Validate digital signatures in a PDF

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