We provide certified translations in nearly all language combinations.

Typically, the translation process, along with legalization or apostille, takes 2 to 5 working days on average.

Legalization is a purely administrative procedure that does not validate the content of a document. However, it grants Belgian or foreign documents the necessary evidential value for their use either abroad or in Belgium. Depending on the country of origin or destination, documents may require legalization or apostille. For certain countries, an apostille suffices. (Source: FPS Justice)

For certain countries, instead of the regular legalization procedure, the option of apostille (a simplified process) applies. This was established by the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, which eliminated the need for legalization of foreign public documents (the Apostille Convention). An apostille is a certificate attached to a document to confirm its formal accuracy, replacing the need for legalization. Apostille is applicable to countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. (Source: FPS Justice)

Until 30 November 2022, sworn translators and interpreter-translators legalized their certified translations of official documents for use in Belgium using an official physical stamp. This stamp was replaced on 1 December 2022, by the electronic signature of the sworn translator or interpreter-translator. Sworn translators with an electronic eID card will affix their electronic signature to their certified translations.

• Sworn translations of official documents intended for use in Belgium are legalized with the electronic signature of the sworn translators or interpreter-translators.
• Sworn translations intended for use abroad must be legalized by the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Development Cooperation, unless otherwise specified.

Any sworn translator or interpreter-translator with an electronic signature can now directly submit their sworn translations to the FPS Foreign Affairs. (Source: FPS Justice)

Sworn translators and interpreter-translators without an electronic signature will have their translations legalized by FPS Justice, whether for use in Belgium or abroad. This also applies to those not listed in the national register, who are exceptionally summoned by a judicial authority to translate a document under Article 555/15 of the Judicial Code, even if they can electronically sign their translation. Before legalization, FPS Justice verifies whether the entries at the end of the translation comply with the relevant judicial codes. Legalization by FPS Justice confirms the signatory's authorization to provide the sworn translation for the specified source and target languages. Legalization requests can be submitted electronically or by post to FPS Justice. (Source: FPS Justice)

Sworn translators and interpreter-translators personally legalize certified translations of official documents for use in Belgium with their electronic signature. They can include a scan of their physical signature on the electronically used translation. For paper versions, the translator prints the translation with the electronic stamp and adds their physical signature. A sworn translator or interpreter-translator may only legalize their translation for the language combinations listed in the national register. (Source: FPS Justice)

FPS Foreign Affairs legalizes certified translations intended for use abroad. To obtain legalization from FPS Foreign Affairs, sworn translators must submit the translation for legalization along with the original copy or a copy of the source text. FPS Foreign Affairs affixes electronic legalization to electronic documents or scanned versions of paper documents if they bear electronic signatures. For paper documents, physical legalization is applied to the original copy of a certified translation or a copy previously legalized by FPS Justice. Sworn translators or interpreter-translators can only upload translations they have personally signed with their identity card on the FPS Foreign Affairs e-legalization website. Other documents will be rejected. (Source: FPS Justice)

The Legalization service at FPS Foreign Affairs in Brussels legalizes documents issued in Belgium. In some cases, documents must first be legalized by the competent Belgian authority before FPS Foreign Affairs can provide legalization/apostille for use abroad. It's advisable to check whether this is necessary before applying to avoid unnecessary travel. More information is available on the FPS Foreign Affairs website. 

Legalization or apostille: Is it necessary for every document?

Legalization or apostille makes your Belgian document usable abroad and your foreign document usable in Belgium. Apostille is a form of legalization. Whether you require legalization or apostille depends on several factors.

How quickly can I obtain legalization or apostille for a document issued in Belgium?

Applications at the Brussels counter are processed immediately for original documents of up to 4 pages issued in Belgium. Documents of more than 10 pages are available the following working day. Online requests can be submitted by accredited partners of FPS Foreign Affairs and are processed within 48 hours. Requests from notaries are processed within 5 working days.

Who can present my document at the counter?

Anyone can present your document at the counter on your behalf, except for requests for the legalization of your own signature, which require your personal presence.

Do documents need to be translated for legalization/apostille?

Documents for legalization/apostille must be in French, Dutch, German, English, Spanish, Italian, or Portuguese. Documents in other languages must be accompanied by a certified translation.

For further queries

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact us via email, providing a scan or photo of your document to be legalized and specifying the destination country. Our email address is elegalisation@diplobel.fed.be. Unfortunately, we cannot be reached by phone. 

If you're unsatisfied with our translation or interpretation service, please reach out to us, and we'll do our best to assist you further.