Bruges, capital of West Flanders and a city with growing economic dynamism, attracts many foreign workers and students. To have a foreign diploma recognised before NARIC-Vlaanderen or to access qualified employment in West Flanders, a sworn translation is essential. Here is everything you need to know.
NARIC-Vlaanderen and academic recognition in Bruges
NARIC-Vlaanderen (National Academic Recognition Information Centre) is the reference body for the recognition of foreign diplomas in the Flemish Region. For any application submitted from Bruges or the province of West Flanders, your diploma must be accompanied by a sworn translation into Dutch carried out by a sworn translator registered in the Belgian SPF Justice register.
NARIC-Vlaanderen distinguishes two types of recognition: academic recognition (access to higher education or continuing training) and professional recognition (access to regulated professions). In both cases, the certified translation is mandatory for diplomas written in a language other than Dutch, French or English.
Our network of sworn translators covers more than 40 languages and is recognised by all Flemish institutions. Each translation is stamped, signed and delivered in secure digital format or as a physical original.
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Diploma equivalence for employment in West Flanders
West Flanders has a strong industrial and logistics sector. Employers in sectors such as food processing, chemicals, construction and port logistics (Port of Bruges-Zeebrugge) regularly require proof of qualifications via a sworn translation of the foreign diploma.
VDAB (Flemish Employment Service) coordinates vocational training programmes in Bruges, access to which may require the formal recognition of your foreign qualifications. In parallel, the Chamber of Commerce of West Flanders (VOKA) and local professional orders systematically request certified translations to validate qualifications.
- University diploma: Bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree to be recognised by NARIC-Vlaanderen
- Professional bachelor's diploma: technical qualifications for access to regulated professions
- Training certificate: for access to VDAB programmes or continuing training
Regulated professions and professional orders
Certain professions are regulated in Belgium and require formal recognition of your diploma before practising. In Bruges, this concerns in particular healthcare professions (nurses, physiotherapists, doctors), engineers, architects and legal professions.
For these professions, in addition to NARIC-Vlaanderen, the competent professional order (Orde van Architecten, Nationale Raad van de Orde van Advocaten…) may require an additional sworn translation. Our agency is well versed in these specific requirements and can prepare a complete file ready to submit.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which language should I choose for my diploma translation in Bruges?
For procedures before NARIC-Vlaanderen and Flemish institutions in Bruges, translation into Dutch is generally required. Some institutions also accept English. Please specify your needs when requesting a quote and we will advise you based on your situation.
Does my diploma need an apostille before being translated?
For diplomas from countries outside the EU, an apostille or legalisation is often recommended. For European diplomas, it is generally not mandatory. We can guide you through these additional steps on request.
How long does a sworn diploma translation take in Bruges?
For a simple diploma, allow 2 to 4 business days under the standard service. Our express 24-hour service is available for urgent cases (NARIC file, admission deadline). The clock starts when we receive your scan by email.
Is your translation recognised by VDAB and Bruges employers?
Yes. Our translators are registered in the official register of the Belgian FPS Justice, which gives their translations a legal value recognised by all Flemish administrations, VDAB, professional orders and private employers in West Flanders.
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