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Diploma, Transcript
Diploma equivalence: FWB, NARIC Vlaanderen or German-speaking Community?
The first real choice is not the translation but the competent authority. In Belgium, diploma equivalence is not handled by a single body: the competent Community depends on the context, the language of the procedure and sometimes on the objective pursued.
Depends on the file + translation if neededDepends on the authority and the completeness of the fileModerate
Last reviewed: 29 March 2026Editorial review: Equipe CertiDocsOfficial sources: 4
Overview
What this guide helps you sort out
The first real choice is not the translation but the competent authority. In Belgium, diploma equivalence is not handled by a single body: the competent Community depends on the context, the language of the procedure and sometimes on the objective pursued.
Steps
4
Documents
5
Official sources
4
What frames this file straight away
Before you even follow the procedure step by step, these are usually the axes that matter.
Common translations
English-French, Spanish-French, Romanian-French, Polish-French
Related cities
Brussels, Liège, Antwerp
What the authority will really test here
In this kind of file, the blockage usually comes from proof, sequencing and consistency, not polished wording.
Records that need to line up
This procedure is usually read through Diploma, Transcript. Names, dates and references need to stay aligned from one record to the next.
Which official reading matters
Brussels, Liège will compare the source record with English-French, Spanish-French and wants the issuing authority, date and registry references to be easy to spot.
Order of formalities
The 4 official sources mainly help keep the sequence sharp: recent record first, any apostille or legalisation next, then the right filing step.
Who handles what in Belgium?
The Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, NARIC Vlaanderen and the German-speaking Community do not handle exactly the same work for the same audiences. The correct entry point depends on the competent Community and on the type of recognition you need. The Belgium.be page is precisely there to help orient you before you go to the right service.
When do you go through the FWB?
The Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles handles the academic and professional recognition of foreign diplomas within its competence. If your file is aimed at French-speaking education or the use of the diploma in that framework, it is often the right authority. The EquiSup site also clarifies which requests do not fall under that service.
When do you go through NARIC Vlaanderen or the German-speaking Community?
NARIC Vlaanderen handles requests linked to education or the use of the diploma in the Flemish framework and offers a guidance tool to check whether the request actually belongs there. The German-speaking Community also has its own route for recognising foreign diplomas and study certificates.
Documents to prepare
- Identify the competent authority before filing anything
- Diploma and complete academic annexes
- Valid identity copy
- Apostille or legalisation if required for the original document
- Sworn translation of records not accepted in the procedure language
Steps to follow
1
Choose the competent Community
Check the competent authority first before gathering or translating documents.
2
Gather the academic file
Prepare the diploma, transcripts, supplements and supporting documents required by the chosen service.
3
Make the documents usable
Obtain any required apostille or legalisation, then the sworn translations needed for the procedure.
4
File with the correct authority
Submit the complete file to the correct Community or specialised authority.
Good to know
Start with the right authority
If you send the file to the wrong Community, you lose time before you even reach the translation stage.
Studying and access to a profession are not always the same thing
The right service can differ depending on whether you want to continue studying, rely on a diploma or access a regulated profession.
Describe your need
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Get matchedFrequently asked questions
+−Can I send the same file everywhere?
No. You first need to identify the competent authority. Sending it everywhere wastes time and does not speed anything up.
+−Does NARIC Vlaanderen handle all Flemish requests?
Not automatically. NARIC Vlaanderen provides a guidance tool precisely to check whether the request belongs there or with another body.
+−Is the FWB competent for all foreign diplomas?
No. Its own website states that some requests do not fall under that service, which is why you should check the exact purpose of your application.
+−When should documents be translated?
After you have identified the right authority and the language actually accepted by the procedure, so you avoid unnecessary translations.
+−Does this page replace a profession-specific guide?
No. For some regulated professions, you must also follow the specific route of the competent sector authority.
Official sources
The links below provide the official baseline. They help verify the procedure but do not replace file-specific analysis or the decision of the competent authority.
Practical guides
Diploma equivalence in BelgiumExchange a foreign driving licence in BelgiumDocuments for family reunification in BelgiumFamily reunification with a BelgianFamily reunification with an EU/EEA citizenFamily reunification after international protectionProving kinship or partnershipFamily reunification Visa DBelgium student visa: documents and translationsBelgium single permit: documents and translationsFamily reunification with a foreign national in limited stayVisa D for marriage or legal cohabitation in BelgiumCriminal record for Belgian nationalityBelgian inheritance after a death abroadMinor child joining a student or worker parent in BelgiumBelgian nationality as the spouse of a BelgianForeign will and mandate in a Belgian inheritanceMinor child joining a Belgian parentBelgian nationality as the parent of a Belgian childInheritance with real estate in two countriesSponsor for a Belgium student visa (Annex 32)Recognition of a foreign adoption in BelgiumSale of undivided inheritance property in BelgiumRecognition of a child in Belgium with foreign recordsForeign heir and power of attorney in a Belgian inheritanceForeign marriage and then family reunification in BelgiumStudy in Belgium with a foreign diplomaWork in Belgium with a foreign diplomaResidence in Belgium after marriage or legal cohabitationSpouse or child of a foreign student or worker in BelgiumFamily reunification refusal in BelgiumRegulated profession in Belgium with a foreign diplomaWork as a nurse in Belgium with a foreign diplomaForeign diploma for a healthcare profession in BelgiumTranscription of a foreign birth certificate in BelgiumEU public documents: when an apostille is no longer requiredHow to verify a sworn translator in BelgiumWhen does a sworn translation need legalisation in Belgium?Transcribe a foreign marriage certificate in BelgiumDivorce granted in the EU: recognition in BelgiumDivorce granted outside the EU: recognition in BelgiumForeign death certificate: steps in BelgiumRemarry in Belgium after a foreign divorceForeign divorce with a child: custody, residence and parental responsibility in BelgiumUpdate Belgian civil status after a foreign divorceMaintenance after a foreign divorce in BelgiumBelgian naturalisation: documents and translationsApostille and legalisation of foreign documents in BelgiumRecognition of a foreign marriage in BelgiumExequatur of a foreign judgment in Belgium