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CertiDocsThe practical guide

Sworn translation of a notarial deed in Belgium

A poorly translated notarial formula can change how a power, capacity or signature is read. First freeze the exact deed the recipient needs to use.

Understand the process
Editorial lead : CertiDocs Team3 sources

What actually needs translating?

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Ask whether the recipient needs the full deed, an extract, representation powers, apostilles and all annexes. Scope should follow the intended use, not a translator's guess.

Deed used in Belgium

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FPS Justice requires specific closing statements on a sworn translation and allows the translator's validated languages to be checked in the public register. Since December 2022, the electronic signature replaces the official physical stamp for the relevant translations.

Official sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translations

Deed intended for use abroad

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FPS Justice states that a translation intended for use abroad must, unless another rule applies, go through Foreign Affairs. The translation submitted for legalisation is accompanied by the original or a copy.

Official sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documents

Documents to prepare

  • Final issued deed or copy
  • Every annex referred to in the deed
  • Destination country, recipient and use
  • Target language and sworn-translation requirement

Steps to follow

  1. Get the requirement in writing

    Ask the notary, bank, registry or authority which version and form it expects.

  2. Freeze the deed and annexes

    Do not start while the deed or signatures are still changing.

  3. Check the translator

    Check their registration and language combination in the public register.

  4. Assemble the final chain

    Combine source, translation, annexes and any legalisation in the requested order.

Good to know

Guides

On the same topic

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

Apostille company statutes or a power of attorney

Apostille for Belgian articles or power of attorney: notary submission, €25 fee, stated processing time, seven languages and electronic document.

Contract: sworn or standard translation in Belgium?

A sworn contract translation is not automatic: use, recipient, signatures and annexes determine the right format in Belgium.

eLegalisation: apostille a Belgian document online

Prepare the online application for a document issued in Belgium.

Guides

Guides related to your documents and circumstances.

How to verify a sworn translator in Belgium

Consult the national register and check the translator’s registered languages.

Company statutes for a Belgian notary

Articles for a Belgian notary: incorporation, consolidated versions, certified Fednot copies and representation documents before translation.

Company statutes for a file with a Belgian notary

How to make company statutes readable for a Belgian notary: legal structure, signatures, representation powers and sworn translation if needed.

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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Frequently asked questions

+Is a non-sworn translation enough for a notarial deed?
Sometimes for internal reading, but not when the recipient requires a sworn translation. Confirm the use before ordering.
+Must every annex be translated?
Only when they are in the requested scope or carry necessary information. The recipient should confirm the scope.
+Can the translator apostille the notarial deed?
No. Apostilling the deed depends on its issuer and the official procedure. The translator handles the translation and, if authorised, their own legalisation step.
+Can only the signing powers be translated?
Yes, if the recipient accepts a clearly identified extract. Do not shorten the deed without approval.

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 Justice - National register of sworn translators and interpretersOfficial sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translationsOfficial sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documents

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