Brussels hosts over 20,000 Ukrainians under temporary protection since 2022, making it one of Belgium's main reception cities for Ukrainian refugees. Ukrainian is a distinct language from Russian, and Ukrainian refugees consistently request Ukrainian interpreters rather than Russian speakers for their asylum procedures. TranslateBE provides certified Ukrainian interpreters in Brussels for CGRS hearings, Immigration Office procedures, medical consultations and social support - available within 24 hours.
The Ukrainian community in Brussels
The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered the largest displacement of people in Europe since the Second World War. Brussels became one of Belgium's primary reception cities for Ukrainian refugees, with the Belgian government activating temporary protection status (Directive 2001/55/EC) for Ukrainian nationals. The CPAS network, Fedasil reception centres and the Immigration Office all processed unprecedented numbers of Ukrainian applicants in 2022 and 2023, and the flow of new arrivals has continued at a significant pace.
A critical professional consideration: Ukrainian is a distinct Slavic language from Russian, written in a slightly different Cyrillic script and with substantial vocabulary and grammatical differences. Ukrainian refugees have consistently and clearly expressed a preference for Ukrainian interpreters rather than Russian speakers in their interactions with Belgian authorities. This preference reflects both linguistic accuracy and the profound cultural and political significance of the language distinction. TranslateBE provides Ukrainian interpreters who are native Ukrainian speakers, not Russian speakers offered as a substitute.
When do you need a Ukrainian interpreter in Brussels?
- CGRS asylum hearings : precise, impartial interpretation of Ukrainian testimonies before the Commissioner General, where every detail of the applicant's account may determine the outcome
- Immigration Office (DVZ/OE) - temporary protection : registration procedures, temporary protection renewals, family reunification and regularisation applications for Ukrainian nationals
- CPAS/OCMW social assistance : living wage entitlement, housing support, access to healthcare and social integration pathways for Ukrainian refugees
- Fedasil reception centres : intake interviews, internal procedures and support meetings for Ukrainians in Belgian reception centres
- Medical consultations (UZ Brussels, CHR Saint-Louis) : diagnoses, psychiatric follow-up, trauma care, maternity and specialist appointments for Ukrainian patients
- Schools and educational guidance : enrolment procedures, parent-teacher meetings and pupil care teams for Ukrainian children
- Legal aid and Brussels courts : legal consultation sessions, court hearings and administrative appeal procedures for Ukrainian applicants
- Employment and professional integration : ACTIRIS job counselling, vocational training enrolments and professional recognition procedures
TranslateBE
Ukrainian interpreter in Brussels - quote within 1h
Certified Ukrainian interpreters for CGRS, Immigration Office, Fedasil, CPAS and Brussels hospitals. Native Ukrainian speakers, distinct from Russian, as preferred by Ukrainian refugees.
Available interpretation modes
- Liaison (on-site) : The interpreter attends in person and works consecutively. The preferred mode for CGRS hearings, Fedasil intake interviews and medical consultations where physical presence supports communication and trust.
- Remote (Zoom/Teams) : Video interpreting for online Immigration Office procedures, remote CPAS case manager meetings or legal consultations with Ukrainian applicants who cannot travel.
- Telephone : Immediate support for urgent situations - emergency hospital admissions at UZ Brussels, first contacts with social services or police - when on-site attendance is not immediately feasible.
- Consecutive : The speaker pauses after each passage while the interpreter renders the message. Suited to formal asylum hearings, administrative appeal procedures and official legal proceedings.
Ukrainian interpreter rates in Brussels
| Service | Duration | Indicative rate |
|---|---|---|
| Liaison half day | <= 4h | €250–400 |
| Liaison full day | <= 8h | €450–700 |
| Remote (per hour) | 1h | €80–120/h |
| Telephone | 15–30 min | €40–70 |
| Travel | - | +€0.40/km |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why is it important to use a Ukrainian interpreter rather than a Russian interpreter for Ukrainian refugees?
Ukrainian and Russian are distinct languages with different vocabulary, grammar and cultural connotations. Ukrainian refugees have consistently and clearly requested Ukrainian interpreters, not Russian speakers, for their interactions with Belgian authorities. Beyond linguistic accuracy - which matters greatly in asylum testimonies - using a Ukrainian interpreter respects the identity and preference of the applicant. TranslateBE provides native Ukrainian speakers exclusively for Ukrainian assignments.
Are your Ukrainian interpreters certified for CGRS hearings in Brussels?
Yes. Our Ukrainian interpreters working at the CGRS are registered with the National Register of Court Experts (RNEJ) or hold the equivalent recognition from a Court of Appeal. They are trained in asylum terminology and bound by a strict professional code of ethics requiring impartiality, confidentiality and precision throughout every hearing.
Can I book a Ukrainian interpreter in Brussels within 24 hours for an urgent procedure?
Yes. We offer an express service for urgent interpreting requests. After submitting the quote form, you receive an availability confirmation within 1 hour during business hours. For absolute emergencies - a police interview, an emergency hospital admission or an urgent rescheduled CGRS hearing - telephone interpreting can be arranged immediately.
Do your Ukrainian interpreters have experience with trauma-informed communication for refugees?
Yes. Our interpreters working in asylum and refugee contexts are aware of the psychological dimensions of their role. They are familiar with trauma-informed communication principles - maintaining a calm, professional demeanour, not editorialising or summarising, and ensuring the applicant's voice is accurately conveyed. For particularly sensitive cases, please indicate this when booking.
Ukrainian interpreter available in Brussels - express 24h
Urgent bookings for CGRS, Immigration Office, Fedasil, CPAS and Brussels hospitals. Native Ukrainian interpreters confirmed within 1 hour.