A notarial deed - property sale, last will and testament, marriage contract or company incorporation - is an authentic instrument that has legal consequences for all parties involved. The notary has a statutory duty to verify that every party fully understands the deed. A professional interpreter makes this comprehension possible when a party does not have sufficient command of the procedural language.
Why does a notarial deed require a professional interpreter?
The Belgian Civil Code provides that a notarial deed is only valid if the parties involved have understood its content. The notary is required to verify that each party signs consciously and voluntarily. When a party does not have adequate command of the deed's language, a professional interpreter is not optional but a statutory requirement. An error by an unqualified interpreter can render the authentic instrument challengeable or even void.
What does our interpreting service for notarial deeds cover?
- Consecutive interpreting during deed signing for real estate transactions
- Language pairs for all types of deeds: sale, gift, will, inheritance, marriage contract
- Pre-deed preparation: the interpreter reads the deed in advance to master the terminology
- Interpreting reports and attestations at the request of the notary for the notarial file
- Available at all notaries in Belgium: Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, Liège, Namur and surroundings
- Languages for foreign buyers: EN, FR (Brussels/Wallonia), DE, ZH, AR, RU, NL and more
- Strict professional secrecy in line with notarial ethics
- Sworn interpreter available for additional legal certainty in cross-border deeds
TranslateBE
Interpreter for notarial deed - quote within 1 hour
Property sale or will involving a non-French/Dutch-speaking party? Receive a quote within 1 hour for a professional notarial interpreter who reviews the deed in advance.
Recommended interpreting mode for notarial deeds
- Consecutive interpreting: the standard for notarial deeds - the notary reads the deed aloud, the interpreter renders it segment by segment, and the party confirms understanding before signing
- Sworn interpreter: recommended for international property transactions or cross-border inheritances where maximum legal certainty is required
- Liaison interpreting: for informal notarial conversations and preparatory meetings before the deed
Rates for notarial deed interpreting
| Service | Duration | Indicative rate |
|---|---|---|
| Half day | ≤ 4h | €250–400 |
| Full day | ≤ 8h | €450–700 |
| Travel | - | +€0.40/km |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the interpreting report legally valid for the notarial file?
An interpreting report or attestation produced by TranslateBE confirms that the party concerned has understood the deed and signed voluntarily. This document can be added to the notarial file. For cross-border deeds, a sworn interpreter can be engaged for maximum legal certainty.
Which languages are available for notarial interpreting services in Belgium?
TranslateBE provides notarial interpreters in more than 70 languages. The most requested combinations for property transactions in Belgium are: EN-NL, EN-FR, FR-NL, EN-DE, EN-ZH, EN-AR, EN-RU and EN-TR. For Asian languages we recommend booking at least one week in advance.
How far in advance should a notarial deed interpreter be booked?
Notarial deeds are typically planned several weeks in advance. Book your interpreter as soon as the deed date is confirmed - ideally 5 working days ahead so the interpreter can read the deed and prepare the terminology. Express 24-hour service is available for commonly requested language pairs.
What is the difference between a liaison interpreter and a sworn interpreter for a notarial deed?
A liaison interpreter provides oral interpreting during the conversation or deed signing. A sworn interpreter (recognised by a Belgian Court of Appeal) can also produce written interpreting attestations with official legal value. For notarial deeds involving liability or cross-border legal consequences, a sworn interpreter is the safest choice.
Book your notarial interpreter - express 24 hours
Deed tomorrow or the day after with a non-French/Dutch-speaking party? TranslateBE provides professional notarial interpreters in express 24 hours, at all notaries in Belgium.