“Sworn translation”, “certified translation”, “official translation”, “legalised translation”: these terms are often used interchangeably. In Belgium, however, only one has a precise legal meaning: the sworn translation, made and signed by a sworn translator listed in the national register. Here is what each term means, and how to know which one you need.
In short
- Sworn translation: made by a sworn translator listed in the national register of the FPS Justice. This is what municipalities, courts and notaries ask for.
- Certified translation: a common term, especially in English-speaking countries. It is not a legal category in Belgium.
- Legalised translation: a sworn translation whose signature has been authenticated, usually for use abroad.
- Official translation: a general term that in practice means a sworn translation.
Sworn translation: the only officially recognised translation in Belgium
Sworn translators are listed in the national register of sworn translators, interpreters and translator-interpreters, created by the Act of 10 April 2014 and kept by the FPS Justice. Since 2022 the register can be consulted online, so you can check that a translator is listed.
The sworn translator translates the document, adds a statement confirming that the translation is faithful to the original, and signs it. Since 1 December 2022 this signature has been electronic: for use in Belgium, it counts as legalisation. The translation is delivered as a PDF; a paper version is still possible if the authority requires it.
This is the translation usually required by the municipality (marriage, legal cohabitation, nationality, registration), the courts, notaries and universities. Find out more about our sworn translations.
Certified translation: a word, not a status
In Belgium there is no “certified translator” in the legal sense. The term is often used to mean a sworn translation. A certificate of accuracy issued by an agency or by a translator who is not sworn does not have the value of a sworn translation: a municipality or court will usually refuse it.
In the United Kingdom or the United States there are no sworn translators: a certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or agency confirming that it is accurate. If an authority in one of these countries asks you for a certified translation, a Belgian sworn translation, with an apostille if needed, is usually suitable: check with the authority.
Sworn, certified, legalised: the terms at a glance
| Term | What it is | Value in Belgium |
|---|---|---|
| Sworn translation | Made and signed by a translator listed in the national register | Official value |
| Certified translation | Common term; in the UK and US, a translation with a signed statement of accuracy | No legal status |
| Legalised translation | Sworn translation whose signature has been authenticated | Needed for use abroad |
| Official translation | General term | In practice, a sworn translation |
| Traduction assermentée | French term: translation by an expert translator registered with a court of appeal | Common synonym of “sworn” |
Which translation for which procedure?
- Marriage or legal cohabitation: sworn translation of foreign certificates, such as the birth certificate, with an apostille or legalisation of the original document if the municipality requires it.
- Court proceedings: sworn translation of the documents into the language of the proceedings, if the court or the other party asks for it.
- Commercial contract, website, internal documents: a professional translation is enough; it does not need to be sworn.
- File for the United Kingdom or the United States: Belgian sworn translation, with an apostille if the authority asks for it.
Is a translation made abroad valid in Belgium?
Within the European Union, Regulation 2016/1191 provides that a certified translation made by a person qualified to do so in one Member State is accepted in all the others, for the public documents it covers (birth, marriage, nationality, absence of a criminal record…). For some of these documents, a multilingual standard form attached to the document often makes a translation unnecessary.
Outside the European Union, a translation made by a foreign sworn translator may be accepted if the translator’s signature is legalised or apostilled. Many Belgian authorities nevertheless prefer a translation by a sworn translator registered in Belgium: check before you order.
And for a document to be used abroad?
A sworn translation intended for use abroad usually has to be legalised by the FPS Foreign Affairs, or receive an apostille if the destination country applies the Hague Apostille Convention. Everything is explained on our apostille and legalisation page.
Frequently asked questions
Is a translation certified by an agency enough for my municipality?
Usually not: the municipality asks for a sworn translation, made by a translator listed in the national register. Ask them for the exact list of documents to be translated.
How can I check that a translator is sworn?
The national register of sworn translators can be consulted online on the FPS Justice website.
Does a sworn translation need to be legalised?
For use in Belgium, the sworn translator’s electronic signature has counted as legalisation since 1 December 2022. For use abroad, a legalisation or apostille from the FPS Foreign Affairs is usually required.
How much does a sworn translation cost?
The price depends on the document, its length, the language and the deadline. See what determines the price of a sworn translation; for an exact price, send us your document.
Need a sworn translation? Send a photo or scan of your document: a project manager replies within 5 minutes with a fixed price and deadline. Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp at +32 494 77 88 76. All our sworn translations are made by translators listed in the national register.