CertiDocsThe practical guide
Criminal record for a single permit in Belgium
Identify the Region and permit category, then check the record’s issuing country, date and language before ordering translation.
Understand the processWho submits the single permit and where does the record fit?
Link to this sectionAs a general rule, a non-European national wishing to live and work in Belgium for more than 90 days needs a single-permit application submitted by their employer. The Region assesses employment; the Immigration Office assesses residence. A criminal record or equivalent is among the residence documents. The federal page refers to workers over 18: also check the regional list for your category.
Brussels example: under six months and four languages
Link to this sectionSpecific example: for a first application in Brussels under the ‘international agreement’ category, the list requires applicants aged 18 or over to provide a record or equivalent issued less than six months ago by their country of origin or last residence. It specifies a legalised document in French, Dutch, German or English, with sworn translation if needed. Check applicable authentication exemptions for the document. For another category or renewal, use its own checklist.
Should you wait for the visa D appointment?
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
Old record, relocation or renewal: what should you check?
Link to this sectionMessage to adapt: ‘For my single permit [Region, category, first application/renewal], I lived in [countries and dates]. My record dated [date] is in [language]. Please confirm the issuing country, acceptable age at submission and translation formalities.’
| Your situation | What to check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Record nearing the age limit | Submission date and category rule | Confirm acceptability before having it translated. |
| Residence in several countries | Requested countries and periods | Give your employer residence dates to identify the required records. |
| Permit renewal | Current renewal checklist | Check newly requested documents before replacing the initial record. |
Documents to prepare
- Region, category and first application or renewal 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
Region, category and first application or renewal 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.
Arabic to French criminal record translation in Belgium
Translate an Arabic criminal record into French for Belgium: name transliteration, issuing authority, useful date and the judicial entries that really matter.
Family reunification with a temporary resident
Identify the documents when the sponsor has limited residence.
Criminal record for working in Belgium
Check the criminal record required for your employment procedure.
For your application
Related documents
Common translations
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
Frequently asked questions
+−Is a criminal record requested for a single permit?
+−Does the six-month limit cover every procedure?
+−Does a new translation refresh my record?
+−Must I always pay for an apostille?
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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