Document freshness
The first question is often simple: is the extract still recent enough when filed?
Document
Sworn Translation of a criminal record extract
2175
registered sworn translators
130
languages and variants
This page brings together the useful information for requesting a certified translation of a criminal record extract in Belgium. The issue date, issuing authority and the absence of truncated mentions are crucial here.
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?
municipalities, the Immigration Office, nationality authorities, regulated employers and some courts
Typical turnaround
In practice, expect 24 hours to 5 business days for the translation, plus the authority's own processing time.
Indicative pricing
From €77 first page excluding VAT; volume and any surcharges confirmed before payment.
Most requested language pairs
Arabic → French, Turkish → French, Romanian → French
What to send from the start
When these items are clear from the start, you usually save days.
- Check that the extract is still considered recent.
- Keep the issue date and issuing authority clearly visible.
- State the target authority and the filing deadline.
Who may request this translation?
Depending on the procedure, a sworn translation of this document may be requested by municipalities, the Immigration Office, nationality authorities, regulated employers and some courts. Confirm the requirement with the recipient before ordering.
Legal framework
A criminal record extract is often rejected when it is too old, incomplete or poorly contextualised. The date, issuing authority and any mentions must remain fully usable.
What the authority will actually check
These are the points on which a file usually stands or falls officially.
Issuing service identifiable
The service that issued the extract needs to stay readable or the record quickly loses weight.
Exact criminal wording
Shortened or poorly rendered wording can completely change how the document is read.
Step-by-step procedure
- 1
Check that the record is recent enough
Many authorities reject an extract that is too old. First check the required validity window.
- 2
Get the complete version
The document must show the full identity, issuing authority and the mentions that actually matter for the file.
- 3
Translate without truncating the mentions
A useful translation keeps references, convictions, absence of convictions and any reservations.
- 4
File it with the right context
State whether it is for nationality, residence, employment or judicial purposes.
Typical turnaround
In practice, expect 24 hours to 5 business days for the translation, plus the authority's own processing time.
Indicative pricing
From €77 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 - Criminal record extract and models 595/596Open the official sourceOfficial sourcee-Justice portal - Public documents in the EUOpen the official sourceOfficial sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documentsOpen the official sourceOfficial 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.
Criminal record for a single permit in Belgium
Criminal record and single permit in Belgium: document freshness, issuing authority, apostille, sworn translation and consistency with the work file.
Criminal record for a student visa in Belgium
Prepare the criminal-record extract requested for your studies.
Criminal record: the date and wording the authority checks
Check the required extract, issuing authority and date for the nationality file.
Criminal record for working in Belgium
How to prepare a criminal record for a work file in Belgium: the right authority, the right date, useful authentication and a readable sworn translation.
Criminal record for a municipality in Belgium
What a Belgian municipality actually wants to read on a criminal record: the useful version, a recent date, legalisation if needed and a sworn translation that does not cut away the decisive information.
Criminal record for a Belgian embassy
How to prepare a criminal record for a Belgian embassy: the right version, the useful date, legalisation if needed and a sworn translation that matches the application.
Frequently asked questions
+−Is a sworn translation of “criminal record extract” 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 “criminal record extract”?
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 criminal record extract?
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 criminal record extract?
You can describe your need directly on the site to be routed to a sworn translator.