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CertiDocsThe practical guide

Missing apostille on a birth certificate in Belgium

The real trap is to translate a birth certificate quickly while it is still badly authenticated. You pay twice and only later learn that the problem was upstream.

Understand the process

Editorial lead : CertiDocs Team 5 sources

Is an apostille actually required?

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A public birth certificate issued in an EU state and presented to another member state’s authorities benefits from the apostille exemption under Regulation 2016/1191. Translation and legal effects remain separate questions. Outside that scope, check treaties, their entry into force between the countries and the Belgian Foreign Affairs tool before requesting an apostille.

Official sourcee-Justice portal - Public documents in the EU FPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documents HCCH - Apostille Convention

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 documents FPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translations

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For your application

Apostille, legalisation and foreign documents

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

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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 ConventionOpen the official source Official sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translationsOpen the official source Official sourcee-Justice portal - Public documents in the EUOpen the official source Official sourceFPS Justice - National register of sworn translators and interpretersOpen the official source Official sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documentsOpen the official source

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