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CertiDocsThe practical guide

Recognised refugee: legalisation exemption in Belgium

Refugee status changes the document route: the CGRS can intervene where contact with the authorities of the country of origin is not possible.

Understand the process
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What the CGRS can confirm

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The Helpdesk can issue a certificate confirming that a recognised refugee is exempt from legalising certain civil-status documents. This is tied to personal status and is not a blanket exemption for every document.

Documents listed by the CGRS

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The request must include the Belgian residence permit, the original foreign record and the original sworn translation in one of the four stated languages. Check the current form before sending.

What CertiDocs can and cannot do

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CertiDocs can help identify a sworn translator for the required translation. Recognition of status, issue of the certificate and assessment of the file belong exclusively to the CGRS and competent authorities.

Documents to prepare

  • Proof of recognised refugee status
  • Copy of Belgian residence permit
  • Original foreign civil-status record
  • Original sworn translation

Steps to follow

  1. Check that the status opens this route

    This procedure concerns recognised refugees; subsidiary protection follows a different route.

  2. Gather the originals

    Prepare the residence permit, foreign record and CGRS file references.

  3. Order the required sworn translation

    Have the record translated into an accepted language by a sworn translator competent for the pair.

  4. Submit the request to the CGRS

    Follow the form and channel stated by the Helpdesk and retain a complete copy of the submission.

Good to know

Guides

On the same topic

Other steps to prepare. Apostille, legalisation and foreign documents.

Refugee or stateless person: getting a birth certificate

Recognised refugee or stateless person: the CGRS may issue certain civil-status certificates when the home-country record cannot be obtained.

Subsidiary protection and civil-status documents

Check how to obtain civil records under subsidiary protection.

Foreign document: apostille or translation in Belgium

Distinguish formalities for a foreign document from those for its translation.

Guides

Guides related to your documents and circumstances.

Residence permit for a renewal in Belgium

How to make a residence permit readable for a renewal in Belgium: actual status, useful dates, decisive annotations and sworn translation if needed.

English to French birth certificate translation in Belgium

Translate an English birth certificate into French for Belgium: full version, marginal annotations, stable identity and useful sworn translation.

Moroccan birth certificate for family reunification in Belgium

Prepare the Moroccan birth certificate for the family application.

For your application

Apostille, legalisation and foreign documents

The right order for authentication, eLegalisation and sworn translation, including for refugees, stateless persons and companies.

Related cities

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Prepare your translation request

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Frequently asked questions

+Is the exemption automatic for every recognised refugee?
No. You must request the certificate from the CGRS and provide the listed items for the civil-status document concerned.
+Is a non-sworn translation sufficient?
The official guide requests the original of a sworn translation in one of the stated languages.
+Does subsidiary protection follow the same procedure?
No. The CGRS states that its civil-status document Helpdesk is not competent in the same way for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.
+Does CertiDocs issue the exemption?
No. Only the CGRS handles this request. CertiDocs only helps identify a sworn translator.

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 sourceCGRS - Documents for recognised refugees and stateless personsOfficial sourceCGRS - Guide for recognised refugees in BelgiumOfficial sourceFPS Justice - National register of sworn translators and interpreters

CertiDocs analysis: CertiDocs explains the process and helps connect users with a professional. CertiDocs is not a public service and is not affiliated with any authority.