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CertiDocsThe practical guide

Contract: sworn or standard translation in Belgium?

A working translation may be enough for negotiation. For an authority, court, notary or international formality, the required level of proof changes.

Understand the process
Editorial lead : CertiDocs Team3 sources

When a standard translation is enough

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For understanding, negotiation or meeting preparation, a non-sworn translation may be suitable. It must not be presented as official certification.

When to request a sworn translation

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An authority, court, notary, bank or registry may request a sworn translation. In Belgium, then check the translator and language combination in the FPS Justice register.

Contract sent abroad

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If a Belgian sworn translation is to be used abroad, ask the recipient whether it also needs legalisation. That is separate from translation quality.

Official sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translations

Documents to prepare

  • Signed or negotiation version
  • Included clauses, annexes and amendments
  • Recipient and intended effect
  • Governing language versions

Steps to follow

  1. Name the use

    State negotiation, signature, court, bank, notary or authority.

  2. Confirm the format

    Get the requirement for a standard, sworn or legalised translation in writing.

  3. Define the scope

    List the contract, annexes, amendments, signatures and bilingual pages.

  4. Check the delivered version

    Check names, amounts, dates, numbering and cross-references before use.

Good to know

Guides

On the same topic

Other steps to prepare. Apostille, legalisation and foreign documents.

Apostille company statutes or a power of attorney

Apostille for Belgian articles or power of attorney: notary submission, €25 fee, stated processing time, seven languages and electronic document.

Sworn translation of a notarial deed in Belgium

Foreign or Belgian notarial deed: check the version, annexes, sworn translation and any legalisation before sending it to the recipient.

eLegalisation: apostille a Belgian document online

Prepare the online application for a document issued in Belgium.

Guides

Guides related to your documents and circumstances.

Company statutes for a Belgian notary

Articles for a Belgian notary: incorporation, consolidated versions, certified Fednot copies and representation documents before translation.

How to verify a sworn translator in Belgium

Consult the national register and check the translator’s registered languages.

Company statutes for a file with a Belgian notary

How to make company statutes readable for a Belgian notary: legal structure, signatures, representation powers and sworn translation if needed.

For your application

Apostille, legalisation and foreign documents

The right order for authentication, eLegalisation and sworn translation, including for refugees, stateless persons and companies.

Related cities

Budget

Prepare your translation request

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

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Frequently asked questions

+Must a contract always be translated by a sworn translator?
No. It depends on use and recipient requirements. A working translation may be enough for private negotiation.
+Can only selected clauses be translated?
Yes, if the recipient clearly accepts a partial translation. The document should state that it is not the full contract.
+Which contract language governs?
The language clause and applicable law must be read in the contract itself. The translator does not choose the legally prevailing version.
+Does an electronic signature need translating?
Visible signature, certificate and validation statements may be in scope. Ask what the recipient needs to read and verify.

Official source

Official sources used

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

Official sourceFPS Justice - National register of sworn translators and interpretersOfficial sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translationsOfficial sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documents

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