Signed version and parties
The recipient wants to see who signs, for whom, and on which complete version of the record.
Document
Sworn Translation of a contract
2175
registered sworn translators
130
languages and variants
This page brings together the useful information for requesting a certified translation of a contract in Belgium. Clauses, amounts, effective dates and annexes must stay legally usable.
What makes this translation valid under Belgian law
- Since 1 December 2022, the electronic signature has replaced the sworn translator’s physical stamp. The translation must also meet the wording and signature requirements of Article 555/11, § 4 of the Judicial Code; specific procedures cover exceptions.
- A translation prepared by a registered translator must carry their VTI identification number.
- For use in Belgium, a registered translator electronically legalises their translation for authorised language combinations, with all required details. If electronic signing is unavailable, or a court appoints someone outside the register under Article 555/15, legalisation goes through FPS Justice.
- The FPS Justice public register lets you check a registered translator’s name, VTI and authorised languages. Court appointment outside the register under Article 555/15 is a regulated exception.
Document
What to check before translation
Before requesting a translation, compare names and dates with your other documents. Specify the recipient, the required language and any attachments, stamps or handwritten notes.
Who may request this translation?
lawyers, notaries, courts, employers and administrations
Typical turnaround
Timing varies with length, annexes and the level of review required. Urgent documents should be flagged from the start.
Indicative pricing
From €110 first page excluding VAT; volume and any surcharges confirmed before payment.
Most requested language pairs
English → French, Dutch → French, German → French
What to send from the start
When these items are clear from the start, you usually save days.
- Send the signed and complete version, annexes included.
- State the final recipient: notary, bank, court or employer.
- Flag whether signature pages, stamps or related certificates also need translation.
Who may request this translation?
Depending on the procedure, a sworn translation of this document may be requested by lawyers, notaries, courts, employers and administrations. Confirm the requirement with the recipient before ordering.
Legal framework
For a contract, the value lies in the clauses, annexes, amounts and effective dates. A usable translation must stay legally precise down to the details.
What the authority will actually check
These are the points on which a file usually stands or falls officially.
Powers, amounts and clauses
Authorities, limits, amounts and conditions do not tolerate approximation.
Annexes and official references
Registry extracts, notarial pages, annexes or related certificates may carry the real legal weight of the file.
Step-by-step procedure
- 1
Send the full document
Attach annexes, signatures, stamps, page numbering and any general terms.
- 2
Clarify the legal context
State whether the text is for a court, a lawyer, a notary, a negotiation or an administration.
- 3
Translate the full structure
Articles, definitions, operative parts, references and amounts must remain usable as they are.
- 4
Review before filing
Before filing, verify names, dates, case numbers and consistency with the other documents.
Typical turnaround
Timing varies with length, annexes and the level of review required. Urgent documents should be flagged from the start.
Indicative pricing
From €110 first page excluding VAT; volume and any surcharges confirmed before payment.
Describe your need
We frame your request
Targeted matching
Translation and delivery
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 interpretersOpen the official sourceOfficial sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translationsOpen the official source
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.
Guides
Guides for this document
Check the documents, language and formalities before your request.
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Frequently asked questions
+−Is a sworn translation of “contract” always required?
No. It depends on the language, procedure, issuing country and receiving authority. An exemption or multilingual form may sometimes be enough. Confirm the requirement before paying.
+−Does a sworn translation guarantee acceptance of “contract”?
No. It certifies the translation’s conformity but does not fix the wrong record, an insufficiently recent date or missing authentication, apostille or legalisation. The receiving authority decides.
+−What information should I provide for a contract?
The most useful details are the source language, target language and the context in which the document will be used.
+−How do I start a request for a contract?
You can describe your need directly on the site to be routed to a sworn translator.