Institution and study level
The authority first reads the exact name of the institution, programme and level obtained.
Document
Sworn Translation of a diploma
2175
registered sworn translators
130
languages and variants
This page brings together the useful information for requesting a certified translation of a diploma in Belgium. Academic annexes and transcripts often matter just as much as the diploma itself.
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?
NARIC Vlaanderen, the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, the German-speaking Community and educational institutions
Typical turnaround
Timing mostly depends on the number of annexes. For a complete file, a few business days are often needed before filing with NARIC or the institution.
Indicative pricing
From €77 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.
- Attach the diploma, transcript and any useful annex.
- State the target authority: university, equivalence body, employer or professional body.
- Flag any name difference versus passport or ID card.
Who may request this translation?
Depending on the procedure, a sworn translation of this document may be requested by NARIC Vlaanderen, the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, the German-speaking Community and educational institutions. Confirm the requirement with the recipient before ordering.
Legal framework
For a diploma, transcripts, supplements and annexes are often as important as the diploma itself. A partial translation quickly creates back-and-forth with the authority.
What the authority will actually check
These are the points on which a file usually stands or falls officially.
Credits, grades and honours
Equivalence and admission bodies want the real structure of the studies, not a vague summary.
Annexes and identity
The supplement, transcript and name consistency with the passport often matter just as much as the diploma itself.
Step-by-step procedure
- 1
Identify the competent authority
Check first whether the right authority is NARIC, the FWB, the German-speaking Community or the receiving institution.
- 2
Gather the diploma and annexes
Add transcripts, the diploma supplement and supporting certificates when the authority asks for them.
- 3
Translate the full academic bundle
A partial translation often slows the file down when annexes no longer align with the diploma.
- 4
Submit through the right procedure
Then submit the file in the language accepted by the authority or institution in charge.
Typical turnaround
Timing mostly depends on the number of annexes. For a complete file, a few business days are often needed before filing with NARIC or the institution.
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 sourceBelgium.be - Recognition of a foreign diplomaOpen the official sourceOfficial sourceFWB - EquiSupOpen the official sourceOfficial sourceNARIC VlaanderenOpen 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.
Diploma equivalence in Belgium
Recognition runs through NARIC-Vlaanderen or the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, depending on the community. Required documents, sworn translation and fees.
Diploma equivalence: FWB, NARIC Vlaanderen or German-speaking Community?
How to choose between the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, NARIC Vlaanderen and the German-speaking Community to have a foreign diploma recognised.
Foreign diploma for a healthcare profession in Belgium
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DeepL or a sworn translator: what is the difference?
Compare DeepL as a reading aid with a sworn translator’s work.
Diploma and translation for a university in Belgium
Check your institution’s requirements for the diploma and its attachments.
Which academic records to submit for an equivalence
What really has to become readable on a diploma for equivalence in Belgium: level, institution, annexes, transcripts and useful translation.
Frequently asked questions
+−Is a sworn translation of “diploma” 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 “diploma”?
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 diploma?
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 diploma?
You can describe your need directly on the site to be routed to a sworn translator.