CertiDocsThe practical guide
Criminal record for a Belgian embassy
Distinguish obtaining a Belgian record from submitting one for a visa. Check the responsible authority and your procedure’s document list.
Understand the processDoes the embassy issue Belgian criminal records?
Link to this sectionSubmitting a record for a visa and requesting a Belgian criminal record are separate processes. The Belgian embassy in the United Kingdom states that it does not issue these extracts and refers applicants to FPS Justice. If registered in a Belgian municipality, request your Belgian record there. If no longer registered or officially removed from the register, apply to the Central Criminal Records Office. For a period of residence abroad, contact that country’s authorities.
Student example: which record and which language?
Link to this sectionVisa example: for a non-EU national’s first application for full-time recognised higher education or its preparatory year, the Immigration Office requires applicants over 18 to provide a record or equivalent issued less than six months ago by their country of origin or last residence. French, Dutch, German and English are accepted; another language requires sworn translation. This rule concerns this study procedure, not every document submitted to an embassy.
Visa D after single-permit approval: which stage?
Link to this sectionAfter approval, a worker who gave an address abroad applies for visa D at the Belgian post responsible for their place of residence. The Immigration Office specifies a valid passport and the single-permit grant decision, Annex 46 or 47, matching the decision sent to the post. This stage follows the permit assessment: prepare the record requested for the employer’s application before the visa appointment.
Preparation advice from CertiDocs
Which record should you prepare for your consular procedure?
Link to this sectionMessage to adapt: ‘My procedure is [visa category or request for a Belgian record]. I am registered in [municipality/country]. The record is issued by [authority], dated [date], in [language]. Please confirm the required document, translations and formalities before submission.’
| Your situation | What to check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Obtain a Belgian record | Registration in a Belgian municipality | Check the responsible service with FPS Justice before booking an embassy appointment. |
| Submit a student application | Study category and post’s checklist | Compare the record with your application checklist before ordering translation. |
| Visa following single-permit approval | Annex 46 or 47 and instructions received | Provide the decision and ask for confirmation if the post requests a new record. |
Documents to prepare
- Record issuance or visa category identified
- Issuing authority, identity and issue date checked
- Language, sworn translation and any exemption confirmed
- Complete copy and recipient instructions attached to quote request
Steps to follow
Identify the procedure
Record issuance or visa category identified
Check the record
Issuing authority, identity and issue date checked
Confirm the formalities
Language, sworn translation and any exemption confirmed
Prepare the translation
Complete copy and recipient instructions attached to quote request
Good to know
Guides
On the same topic
Other steps to prepare. Residence, visas and reunification.
Residence permit for a renewal in Belgium
How to make a residence permit readable for a renewal in Belgium: actual status, useful dates, decisive annotations and sworn translation if needed.
Medical certificate for a residence file in Belgium
Prepare the medical certificate for a Belgian residence application.
Moroccan birth certificate for family reunification in Belgium
Prepare the Moroccan birth certificate for the family application.
For your application
Related documents
Common translations
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
Frequently asked questions
+−Where do I request a Belgian record while living abroad?
+−Is a record under six months old always mandatory?
+−What should I present after single-permit approval?
+−May I omit stamps or a page of the record?
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.
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