This presentation describes how certified translations in Belgium work. What is the procedure, how long does it take, where to order them, etc.

1. All you need to know about certified
translations in Belgium

2. Certified translations
1
Certified translations in Belgium are translations performed by a sworn translators
certified by a Belgian court. Examples include:
For companies:
• Documents required for setting up a business location abroad
• Clearance documents for customs
• Visa documents for expats
• Exhibits submitted to courts in international proceedings
For private individuals:
• Births, marriage or residence certificates
• Court rulings or notarial deeds
• Police clearance documents
• Tax documentation

3. Procedure
1. Sworn translation by a court-certified translator
2. Certification by the translator with stamps and signatures
3. Legalization at the court of first instance

4. 1. Sworn translation
1
A certified translator is a translator who has sworn an oath before the court
that he/she will translate all documents to the best of his/her ability. To become
certified, translators have to meet specific criteria and prove their language
skills.
Translation process:
• Documents are received by e-mail from the client. Original documents are not
required for translation, a high-quality scan is sufficient.
• The sworn translator completes the translation.
• A second sworn translator reviews the translation before approving it for
certification.

5. 2. Certification
1
By adding certification to a translation, the sworn translator certifies that the
translation is his/her work and was performed to the best of his/her ability and
knowledge.
Certification includes:
• The sworn translator’s signature.
• The sworn translator’s stamp.
• A brief declaration of certification, stating the languages and court

6. 3. Legalization
1
Upon certification, the translator can bring the translation to the court of first
instance for validation of his/her signature. This procedure is called legalization.
Legalization includes:
• Submission of the translation by the translator to the registrar’s office.
• The registrar places a court stamp on the document and has it signed by the
chief registrar/president of the court.
• The translator collects the translation from the registrar’s office (usually after
1-2 working days)

7. A few tips to conclude
1. Take clear, complete scans
To make sure the translator can read everything in the document.
High-resolution scans are the best option. If applicable,
transcribe any handwritten sections.
2. Contact the translation company on time
On average, certified translations take approximately one working week to
process. Remember to send them for translation on time to avoid rush
charges and ensure timely delivery.
3. Try to bundle your translations
Certification and legalization costs are fixed and do not depend on the
number of documents you send for translation. Try to send all required
documents together in one batch so you only have to pay them once.

8. Need a certified translation?
Contact us at info@transolution.be
Or by telephone at +32 16 23 20 88
Or use our online quotation tool at
www.transolution.be/en/free-quote
Transolution specialized in legal and certified translations. Send us an e-mail
or give us a call to discuss any certified translation needs you may have.