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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.

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Editorial lead : CertiDocs Team5 sources

Identify the legalisation chain

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Distinguish a Belgian document for use abroad from a foreign document for Belgium. Foreign Affairs describes possible prior legalisations for Belgian documents and electronic submission by certain issuers. For a foreign record, use the tool with the exact country and document type; do not automatically apply Belgium’s eLegalisation process.

Official sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documents

Two documents, potentially two formalities

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Distinguish authentication of the original from authentication of the translation. A Belgian sworn translation intended for use abroad may require its own legalisation unless exempt. If the original’s apostille or legalisation entries need translation, supply them to the translator. There is no single sequence to apply without identifying the recipient.

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

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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 interpretersOfficial sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documents

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