Doctor's capacity
The doctor's name, stamp, signature and capacity need to stay clear even for a non-medical authority.
Document
Sworn Translation of a medical certificate
2175
registered sworn translators
130
languages and variants
This page brings together the useful information for requesting a certified translation of a medical certificate in Belgium. The doctor's capacity, examination date and intended purpose often determine the real use of the document.
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?
universities, insurers, employers, residence authorities and health bodies
Typical turnaround
Medical certificates are often short, but the real urgency mostly depends on the main file they support.
Indicative pricing
From €110 first page excluding VAT; volume and any surcharges confirmed before payment.
Most requested language pairs
English → French, German → French, Dutch → French
What to send from the start
When these items are clear from the start, you usually save days.
- Send the complete certificate with a readable stamp and signature.
- State whether the document is for a consulate, school, employer or insurer.
- Add annexes if the certificate refers to other pages.
Who may request this translation?
Depending on the procedure, a sworn translation of this document may be requested by universities, insurers, employers, residence authorities and health bodies. Confirm the requirement with the recipient before ordering.
Legal framework
For a medical certificate, the readability of the diagnosis, dates and stated capacity matters as much as the translation itself. A vague version quickly becomes unusable for a school, insurer or authority.
What the authority will actually check
These are the points on which a file usually stands or falls officially.
Date and purpose
A consulate, insurer or employer does not read the same certificate in the same way.
Annexes and readability
If the certificate refers to extra pages, they need to follow with the same level of clarity.
Step-by-step procedure
- 1
Identify the exact use
A medical certificate for studies, insurance, immigration or an employer is not read the same way.
- 2
Send the signed version
The signature, stamp and practitioner's details are often essential.
- 3
Translate the medically relevant content
Diagnoses, dates, incapacity statements or recommendations must stay understandable without being simplified.
- 4
Attach it to the main file
Then submit the certificate with the other records requested by the school, insurer or authority.
Typical turnaround
Medical certificates are often short, but the real urgency mostly depends on the main file they support.
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 sourceImmigration Office - Medical certificate for a long stayOpen the official sourceOfficial sourceFPS Public Health - Legalisation of a medical certificate for use abroadOpen the official sourceOfficial sourceEUR-Lex - GDPR Article 9 on health dataOpen the official sourceOfficial sourceBelgian Data Protection Authority - Health dataOpen 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.
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Frequently asked questions
+−Is a sworn translation of “medical certificate” 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 “medical certificate”?
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 medical certificate?
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 medical certificate?
You can describe your need directly on the site to be routed to a sworn translator.