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Legalisation before or after translation in Belgium?

Legalisation secures the documentary value of the record. As long as that layer is unstable, translation often comes too early.

Understand the process
Last updated Editorial lead : Hiliyeh Bashir4 sources

Why does this friction keep coming back?

Because many files confuse three different things: the international value of the record, the readability of its content and the final official use. Once those layers are mixed, the sequence goes wrong.

What is the correct logic?

Stabilise the record first, then its reading. In plain terms: the right version, the useful authentication step, then the translation tailored to the authority.

Documents to prepare

  • Identify the authority that will read the record and what it actually requires
  • Check whether an apostille or legalisation is required before translation
  • Choose between a simple or sworn translation according to the real official use
  • Reread the useful date of the record and not only the date of the translation

Steps to follow

  1. Identify the real use

    Look for what the authority wants to do with the record, not just its administrative label.

  2. Check the sequence

    Check whether the apostille, legalisation or freshness check has to come before translation.

  3. Choose the right translation

    Simple versus sworn is not a style question but an official-use question.

  4. Submit a record that is still valid

    Check the useful date of the record when filing, not only when translating.

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Frequently asked questions

+Apostille or legalisation before the translation?
Usually yes, if that step is required. Otherwise, you are translating a record that is not yet in its final form.
+Can a sworn translation be refused?
Yes, if the wrong record was translated, authentication is missing or the authority expected something else.
+Does a translation expire by itself?
Not automatically. But an outdated source record can make the whole set unusable.
+Simple or sworn, how do you choose?
Choose according to what the authority needs to use officially, not according to price alone.

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 sourceHCCH - Apostille ConventionOfficial sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translationsOfficial sourcee-Justice portal - Public documents in the EUOfficial sourceFPS Justice - National register of sworn translators and interpreters

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