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CertiDocsThe practical guide

Foreign document: apostille or translation in Belgium

A translation does not replace authentication of the document. Start with the issuing country, the type of record and the Belgian authority that must receive it.

Understand the process
Editorial lead : CertiDocs Team5 sources

Apostille, legalisation and translation do different jobs

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An apostille or legalisation concerns the formal origin of the document. A sworn translation makes its content readable in the required language. Depending on the country and procedure, a record may need both, one or neither.

Official sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documentsFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translations

Check for an exemption first

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EU rules, multilateral conventions or bilateral agreements may remove the apostille or legalisation requirement for certain documents. The FPS Foreign Affairs simulator helps check the specific case.

Official sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documentse-Justice portal - Public documents in the EU

Translate the version that will actually be filed

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If an apostille, legalisation or official endorsement must be part of the file, finalise that version first. The sworn translator can then include the elements the authority needs to read.

Documents to prepare

  • Country that issued the document
  • Belgian receiving authority
  • Accepted original, copy or extract
  • Language and any required sworn translation

Steps to follow

  1. Identify the exact use

    Ask the Belgian authority which document, format and language it accepts.

  2. Check the country rule

    Use the official simulator and the Belgian representation responsible for the issuing country.

  3. Authenticate if required

    Obtain the apostille or complete the legalisation chain before fixing the version to translate.

  4. Translate and file

    Have the relevant records translated by a sworn translator, then file them with the stated authority.

Good to know

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Frequently asked questions

+Does a foreign document always need an apostille for Belgium?
No. The country, document type and applicable agreements may require an apostille, another legalisation route or an exemption.
+Does a sworn translation replace an apostille?
No. Translation addresses language; apostille or legalisation addresses the document's formal origin.
+Should translation come before or after the apostille?
When the apostille must form part of the readable file, generally finalise the apostilled document before translation. Confirm the sequence with the receiving authority.
+Who decides whether the file is accepted?
The authority receiving the file. CertiDocs and the translator prepare the records but do not replace its decision.

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 Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documentsOfficial sourcee-Justice portal - Public documents in the EUOfficial sourceHCCH - Apostille ConventionOfficial sourceFPS Justice - National register of sworn translators and interpretersOfficial sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translations

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