CertiDocsThe practical guide
eLegalisation: apostille a Belgian document online
Choose the correct submission route, preserve the electronic document and verify the apostille before sending it abroad.
Understand the processCitizen submission or issuer submission?
Link to this sectionBelgian citizens can apply online for civil-status records and population-register extracts. Other electronic documents may be submitted by the issuing body. Apostilles for notarial deeds go through the notary. First check the required formality and any prior authentication.
| Your situation | What to check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Belgian citizen: civil-status record or population extract | eLegalisation citizen access | Check the available category and destination country. |
| Notarial deed needing an apostille | Submission by the notary’s office | Contact the notary; no counter submission. |
| Other electronic Belgian document | Issuer and prior authentication | Have the competent issuer confirm the route. |
| Document issued abroad | Issuing country’s procedure | Consult the Belgian mission responsible for that country. |
Keep the signed file verifiable
Link to this sectionA printout or screenshot is not the original electronic file. Keep the received PDF without merging it, printing it back to PDF or changing pages. A Belgian apostille can be retrieved in LegalWeb using its number and issue date. Check that the displayed document matches the one you send.
Apostille and legalisation have different next steps
Link to this sectionBelgian apostilles have been electronic since 1 May 2018. Legalisation may still require a step with the destination country’s embassy or consulate. Check whether it accepts the electronic format. The language accepted for authentication does not by itself determine the receiving authority’s language requirements.
Pending application: prepare a useful follow-up
Link to this sectionIf you cannot track the application, first identify who submitted it: you or the issuer. Prepare a specific question rather than an identical new application. This follow-up method does not guarantee a processing time.
- Gather the reference, submission date, document type and destination country. If the issuer submitted it, ask them for the status first.
- Distinguish a pending request from an issued document you cannot retrieve. For the latter, check its number and issue date on LegalWeb.
- For an FPS enquiry, use the contact listed on its official page. Explain the issue and provide the relevant references; avoid sending unrelated personal records.
Criminal record: explicitly request forwarding
Link to this sectionFor a Belgian extract intended for abroad, give the municipality the country, your request for authentication through eLegalisation and your email. For a Central Criminal Register extract, include the request in its form. Downloading an ordinary extract should not be assumed to start this formality automatically.
Tax certificate: prepare the correct reference
Link to this sectionThe tax certificate goes through FPS Finance for signature and eLegalisation forwarding. Its tax residence authentication form requires the certificate reference, destination country and an email address. Check the relevant version before ordering translation; our dedicated guide explains what to gather.
Sworn translation in Belgium
A legal framework you can verify.
If your procedure requires a sworn translation made in Belgium, these checks help you review the document delivered.
The professional and their languages
Search the FPS Justice public register by name or VTI number. Check the authorised languages for the translation concerned.
FPS Justice - National register of sworn translators and interpretersThe required details and signatures
Check the conformity statement, languages, place, date, VTI number, translator’s identity and title, and signatures required by Article 555/11, § 4. A signature image does not replace a qualified electronic signature.
FPS Justice - Required details, signatures and legalisation of translationsThe country of use
The translation and original record may follow different formalities. For use abroad, check with FPS Foreign Affairs which apostille, legalisation or exemption applies.
FPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documents
When electronic signing is unavailable, or a court appoints someone outside the register under Article 555/15, an FPS Justice legalisation procedure applies.
FPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translationsDocument review
Check the details that matter.
A preparation checklist to compare your records before sending them. Adapt it to your recipient’s requirements.
| Check | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Destination | Country, authority and exact use. A different recipient may require a different route for the same document. |
| Version and signature | Issuer, date, reference, page count and electronic signature. Distinguish a digital original from a paper scan. |
| Official fee | €25 per apostille or legalisation since August 2026; translation and any other formalities are separate. |
| Final verification | Apostille number, issue date and associated document. Test retrieval before sending the file. |
Documents to prepare
- Complete original, paper or electronic depending on the route
- Receiving authority’s instructions and simulator result
- Required translation kept with its source version
- Payment receipt, number and issue date
Steps to follow
Check the destination
Use the official simulator before choosing apostille, legalisation or exemption.
Choose the correct submitter
Citizen access for eligible categories, or submission by the issuer, including the notary.
Track processing
Follow payment instructions and the timeline for that route, separately from translation timing.
Verify, then send
Verify the document in LegalWeb and preserve received files unchanged.
Guides
On the same topic
Other steps to prepare. Apostille, legalisation and foreign documents.
Belgian criminal record for abroad: request and translation
Request the correct Belgian extract and formalities for use abroad.
Belgian diploma for abroad: legalisation and translation
Prepare a Belgian diploma for study or work abroad.
When does a sworn translation need legalisation in Belgium?
Check whether the translation itself needs legalisation for its intended use.
For your application
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
+−What is the official fee?
+−What processing times does the FPS publish?
+−Is there a Belgian paper apostille?
+−Can I merge the signed PDF with its translation?
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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