Explore country-specific rules for recognising foreign documents for official use.
This map shows when certified or sworn translations, apostilles, or legalisation are required for official use.
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Requirement: Sworn
| Apostille required | Required if the sworn translation will be used abroad |
|---|---|
| Translation type required | Sworn translation |
| Who can translate | Translator registered in the National Register of Sworn Translators and Interpreters |
| Official translator registry | National Register of Sworn Translators and Interpreters (Belgium) |
| Accepted languages | Dutch, French, or German (depending on jurisdiction) |
| Legalisation authority | FPS Foreign Affairs (Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs) |
| Official source | Belgian Federal Public Service Justice – Sworn Translators |
Important: If the sworn translation is intended for use outside Belgium, an apostille or legalisation must be obtained after the sworn translation has been completed.
Find a sworn translator in BelgiumOnly translators who have taken an oath before a Belgian Court of First Instance and are registered in the Registre national des traducteurs et interprètes jurés (RNTIJ) / Nationaal Register beëdigde vertalers en tolken (NRBVT) may issue sworn translations.
Registered translators hold an official identification number and are authorised to produce translations for judicial and administrative purposes.
An official sworn translation must include the translator’s stamp and signature, a certification of accuracy, and matching page numbering between the original and the translation.
The translation is typically attached to the original document (or a certified copy), with the stamp bridging both documents.
Foreign documents submitted for use in Belgium may need to be apostilled or legalised in their country of origin before being translated by a Belgian sworn translator.
Sworn translators in Belgium are governed by the Belgian Judicial Code (Code judiciaire, Article 555/11 § 4). Registered translators may use a qualified electronic signature linked to their Belgian eID. Where applicable, legalisation is handled through the Federal Public Service Justice or the FPS Foreign Affairs.
