All you need to know about certified translations in Belgium

Certified translations

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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 proceedingsFor private individuals:• Births, marriage or residence certificates• Court rulings or notarial deeds• Police clearance documents• Tax documentation

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

1. Sworn translation

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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.

2. Certification

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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

3. Legalization

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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)

A few tips to conclude

1. Take clear, complete scansTo 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 timeOn 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 translationsCertification 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.

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.