1. Home
    2. ›
  2. Looking for
    3. ›
  3. Sworn Translator in Belgium: How to Find One and When You Need It.

Sworn Translator in Belgium Sworn Translator in Belgium: How to Find One and When You Need It.

What a Sworn Translator Can Help You With in Belgium.

A sworn translator (sworn translator / beëdigd vertaler) is an officially recognised professional authorised to produce translations that carry legal validity. Their signature and stamp give documents legal force in Belgium.

A sworn translator can assist you in the following situations:

1. Translation of Official Documents.

A sworn translation is required when submitting documents to Belgian public institutions, courts, schools, universities, or employers.

Commonly translated documents include:

  • birth, marriage, and divorce certificates,
  • passports and ID cards,
  • diplomas, transcripts, and educational certificates,
  • driver’s licences,
  • court decisions,
  • medical certificates and vaccination records,
  • documents for family reunification,
  • criminal record certificates.

2. Legalisation and Apostille Procedures.

A sworn translator can:

  • prepare translations that will be submitted for apostille or legalisation,
  • explain the legalisation procedure,
  • advise whether apostille/legalisation is needed in your specific case.

3. Documents for Migration and Social Services.

Translations required for:

  • Instructions or decisions from the Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken,
  • CPAS/OCMW,
  • Health insurance funds,
  • Employment services (Actiris, VDAB, Forem).

4. Translations for Education and Employment.

Including:

  • Diploma recognition (equivalence / NARIC / Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles),
  • CVs, employment certificates, professional qualifications,
  • Documents for internships or recruitment.

5. Translations for Business and Notarial Procedures.

Such as:

  • company statutes,
  • contracts,
  • notarial deeds,
  • documents for opening a business or bank account.

6. Court and Legal Translations.

A sworn translator may work:

  • upon court request,
  • during police or legal proceedings,
  • in cases where an accurate and officially validated translation is required.

Why It Is Important to Use a Sworn Translator.

Only a sworn translation has legal validity in Belgium.
Incorrectly prepared or uncertified translations may be rejected by institutions — causing delays in your application, status procedures, or access to social support.

How to Find and Verify a Sworn Translator in Belgium?

Step 1. Check the Official Registries.

You can find a registered sworn translator through official Belgian government resources:
National Register of Sworn Translators. 
Officially recognised by the Chambre Belge des Traducteurs et Interprètes (CBTI-BKVT).

Step 2. Verify the Translator’s Credentials.

Before confirming your translation, make sure the translator is legally authorised.

  • Check that the translator has the status “sworn / beëdigd vertaler.
    This status is listed in the register.
  • Ask for their VTI number.
    This is the official identification number proving their registration.
  • Confirm the language combination.
    For example: Ukrainian → Dutch, Ukrainian → French, etc.