Official sworn translation in Belgium: a guide to legal compliance and global validity
Navigating the Belgian administrative landscape requires more than just linguistic fluency; it requires legal validity.
Whether you are an expat applying for residency in Brussels, an entrepreneur incorporating a company in Antwerp, or a legal professional submitting evidence in Liège, a standard translation is insufficient.
In Belgium, official documents must undergo a rigorous legal process known as sworn translation (beëdigde vertaling / traduction jurée).
Failing to provide a document meeting the standards of the SPF Justice (Federal Public Service Justice) can lead to rejected visas, voided multi-million euro contracts, and missed judicial deadlines.
BeTranslated, a trusted language service provider with deep roots in Belgium, ensures your documents meet every legal requirement.
Do not risk administrative rejection.
Contact the team today at +32 485 85 30 89 or email hello@betranslated.be to discuss your project.
Get an instant quote to ensure your documents meet Belgian legal standards.
What is a sworn translation in Belgium?
A sworn translation is a document produced by a linguist who has taken an official oath before a Belgian Court of First Instance (Tribunal de première instance / Rechtbank van eerste aanleg).
The oath grants the translator legal authority to certify documents for use with Belgian authorities, courts, and notaries.
Without this certification, translations lack the legal standing required for official proceedings.
The authority of the national register
Every sworn translator working with BeTranslated is registered in the National Register of Sworn Translators and Interpreters (VTI).
The Belgian government manages this database, ensuring only qualified professionals with verified criminal records and legal training can certify documents for official use.
Unlike “certified translations” in the US or UK, the Belgian system is strictly regulated by the Law of 10 April 2014.
Using an unverified translator is the fastest way to have your application rejected by a Belgian notary or commune.
When is a sworn translation mandatory?
In Belgium’s complex, trilingual environment (Dutch, French, and German), “official” status is mandatory for any document intended for government bodies, courts, or public notaries.
The following categories require sworn translation:
Key use cases for international entities
Corporate and tax documents:
- Articles of association
- CBE/BCE (Crossroads Bank for Enterprises) extracts
- Annual reports for the National Bank of Belgium
- Shareholder agreements and board resolutions
Legal and litigation documents:
- Summonses and court judgments
- Witness statements and affidavits
- Arbitration awards
- Powers of attorney
Immigration documents:
- Birth certificates and marriage certificates
- Police clearance certificates (extrait de casier judiciaire)
- Divorce decrees
- Adoption papers
Academic documents:
- Diplomas and transcripts for NARIC recognition
- Documents for Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles equivalence
- Professional qualifications
Real estate documents:
- Notary deeds
- Mortgage agreements
- Sales contracts and property titles
The 4-step legalisation process
The transition from a source document to a legally binding translation involves a specific “paper trail” managed entirely on your behalf.
Step 1: source verification
The authenticity of your scan or original document is verified before translation begins.
Any issues with document quality or legibility are flagged immediately.
Step 2: the sworn act
The translator produces the text and appends a mandatory certification statement.
The statement confirms the translation is accurate and complete, bearing the translator’s signature and official credentials.
Step 3: the digital or physical seal
Every page is stamped with the translator’s unique identification number from the National Register.
Both physical “wet ink” stamps and Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) are available to ensure compatibility with modern Belgian administration.
Step 4: legalisation and apostille
If the document is for international use, BeTranslated facilitates the connection with the FPS Foreign Affairs in Brussels to obtain an Apostille under the Hague Convention.
The apostille confirms the document’s authenticity for use in any of the 124 member countries.
Digital evolution: the QES signature
Since 2022, Belgium has moved toward digitalisation.
Many authorities now accept translations with a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES).
Both physical “wet ink” and digital versions are provided to ensure compatibility with all Belgian administrative systems.
Digital delivery accelerates processing times significantly, particularly for urgent immigration or corporate filings.
The preferred partner for international success
With over 15 years of specialisation in the Belgian market, BeTranslated bridges the gap between complex local bureaucracy and international requirements.
- Expert human translators: machine translation is never used for legal documents; files are handled by human experts vetted by the FPS Justice
- Geographic reach: services cover every judicial district in Belgium, including Ghent, Bruges, Charleroi, Leuven, Namur, and Mechelen
- Apostille integration: one of the few agencies providing a “one-stop” shop for both translation and apostille legalisation services
- Confidentiality: all processes are GDPR-compliant, ensuring sensitive corporate and personal data remains secure
- Guaranteed delivery times: deadlines are respected, with express services available for urgent legal matters
For documents requiring additional certified translation services, the team provides comprehensive support across all Belgian language combinations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a sworn and a certified translation?
In Belgium, “certified” is a general term, but “sworn” is a legal status.
A sworn translation is specifically performed by a translator registered with the Belgian National Register.
Foreign certified translations often require additional legalisation to be recognised in Belgium.
The sworn translator’s oath before the Court of First Instance grants legal authority that certified translations from other countries do not possess.
How long does the process take?
A standard sworn translation typically takes 3 to 5 business days.
If you require an apostille from the FPS Foreign Affairs, please allow an additional 2 to 3 days.
Express services are available for urgent legal deadlines, with same-day delivery possible for certain document types.
How do I verify a translator’s credentials?
You can search the public version of the National Register or request the translator’s VTI number.
Every translation delivered includes this official identification, ensuring complete traceability and legal validity.
Can sworn translations be delivered digitally?
Yes.
Since 2022, Belgian authorities increasingly accept translations with Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES).
Digital delivery is faster and equally valid for most administrative purposes.
Physical copies with wet ink stamps remain available for institutions requiring traditional formats.
Which languages are available for sworn translation?
BeTranslated provides sworn translation services in all three official Belgian languages (Dutch, French, German) plus English and over 60 additional languages.
Language services cover all major European and international languages.
Secure your official success today
Mistakes in official documents are costly.
Trust the experts who understand the nuances of the Belgian Court of First Instance requirements.
Do not let administrative errors delay your visa application, corporate registration, or legal proceedings.
- Call: +32 485 85 30 89
- Email: hello@betranslated.be
- Online: Request a free consultation and quote
Limited capacity for new sworn translation clients each month ensures quality standards remain uncompromised.
Contact the team today to discuss your requirements and secure your project slot.
