Sworn Translation Requirements in Belgium
In Belgium, translation requirements for documents depend on the region and the purpose of the document.
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. The country is divided into three main regions, each with its own primary language:
- Flanders, where Dutch is the official language
- Wallonia, where French is the official language
- The Brussels-Capital Region, which is officially bilingual (Dutch and French)
- And a small German-speaking community in the east of the country
When translating your documents for official purposes in Belgium, such as legal proceedings, visa applications, academic enrolment, or international business transactions, you need to consider the language of the region where the document will be used.
For official translations, it is advisable to hire a sworn translator registered in Belgium. These translators are registered with the Belgian Chamber of Translators and Interpreters (CBTI-BKVT), the authority responsible for registering translators and interpreters in the country. Using a certified translator ensures that your translations will be accurate, professional, and compliant with local regulations.
But if you are a citizen of Belgium and you need to translate your documents for use in a foreign country, you need to find out the certified/sworn translation requirement of the destination country and follow it. As a rule, before document translation, your documents need to be legalized in Belgium by the issuing authority of the document. Translayte can also assist you with this.
Using a Sworn Translator in Belgium
At Translayte, our team of sworn translators is registered with the Belgian Chamber of Translators and Interpreters (CBTI-BKVT), the official authority responsible for registering Belgian translators and interpreters in Belgium. By choosing our services, you can rest assured that your translations will be accurate, professional, and compliant with local regulations. We handle a wide range of documents; including contracts, business agreements, diplomas, birth certificates, and more.
Translayte works with hundreds of sworn translators in Belgium who can translate from over 60 languages into the official languages in Belgium and can help produce acceptable translations for your application.
Which document requires sworn translation in Belgium?
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Certificate of no Impediment & Nulla Ostas
- Criminal records
- Contracts
- Driving licenses
- IMTI declarations
- Divorce sentences
- Reports and medical documents
- Financial information
- Invoices
- Academic document
Where are sworn translations required in Belgium?
These are some organizations that may require you to submit a sworn translation in Belgium along with your documents.
- FPS (Federal Public Service) Justice
- FPS Employment, Labour, and Social Dialogue
- Insurance Companies
- Universities
- Banks
- Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs.
You may also be asked to submit sworn translations, depending on the purpose of your application. Some reasons are:
- Legal proceedings
- Visa and immigration applications
- International business transactions
- Academic enrolment and degree recognition
- Employment in Belgium for foreign workers
With our certified translation services, you can confidently navigate these processes, knowing your documents will be accepted and recognized by the relevant Belgian authorities.
