A foreign notarial deed (sale, gift, power of attorney) must be translated before being presented to the Chambre des notaires du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg. Procedure, apostille, and turnaround times: here is what you need to know.
Why have a foreign notarial deed translated in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg is a trilingual country (French, German, Luxembourgish) with a population that is almost 50% foreign. The Chambre des notaires du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg brings together Luxembourg notaries, who regularly process deeds from France, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, and other countries.
The most common situations in Luxembourg include:
- Foreign property sale deed: the Luxembourg property market attracts many residents from the Greater Region (Belgium, France, Germany)
- Foreign notarised power of attorney: to appoint a representative to sign a deed in Luxembourg
- Gift and succession deeds: very common in a country where 40% of residents are non-Luxembourgish
- Authentic will: drawn up by a foreign notary, to be recognised in Luxembourg
- Company statutes: for foreign companies - Luxembourg is a major European investment hub
In Luxembourg: what you need to know
The Chambre des notaires du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg brings together all Luxembourg notaries. Luxembourg is both trilingual and highly international, creating strong demand for translation of notarial deeds. Luxembourg notaries draft their deeds primarily in French, in German, or occasionally in Luxembourgish.
For non-residents and cross-border workers (Belgian, French, German), Luxembourg notarial deeds in German may require translation. Conversely, foreign notarial deeds in Dutch, Portuguese, or other languages must be translated before being submitted to a Luxembourg notary.
Good to know - Luxembourg
Luxembourg is an EU member state. Regulation 2016/1191 simplifies the circulation of certain public documents between member states. For notarial deeds from Belgium or France, legalisation formalities may be reduced. Deeds from third countries (Portugal, etc.) generally require an apostille or consular legalisation.
Apostille and legalisation for foreign notarial deeds in Luxembourg
- Belgian or French deeds: EU members, Regulation 2016/1191 applicable; apostille sometimes still required depending on the deed
- Portuguese deeds: Portugal is an EU member and Hague Convention signatory
- German deeds: EU members, European regulation applicable
- Deeds from non-EU countries: Hague apostille or consular legalisation required
See our article on apostille and legalisation in Belgium for a detailed explanation of these concepts.
TranslateBE
Need to have a foreign notarial deed translated in Luxembourg?
Sworn translators for all types of foreign notarial deeds destined for Luxembourg notaries and the Chambre des notaires du Grand-Duché. Quote in 1 hour.
Types of notarial deeds to translate for Luxembourg notaries
- Portuguese notarial deed: very large Portuguese community in Luxembourg
- Belgian notarial deed in Dutch: many Flemish Belgian cross-border workers
- Notarised power of attorney: to allow someone to act on your behalf during a transaction in Luxembourg
- Property sale deed: Luxembourg attracts many foreign investors
- Foreign authentic will: to be recognised in Luxembourg for a succession
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does the Luxembourg Chambre des notaires accept translations made by a Belgian agency?
Yes. TranslateBE, based in Belgium, has Belgian sworn translators whose translations are recognised by Luxembourg institutions. Luxembourg, Belgium, and France share similar legal systems (Roman civil law), and Belgian sworn translators are generally accepted by Luxembourg notaries.
Does a Belgian notarial deed need an apostille to be presented to a Luxembourg notary?
In principle, EU Regulation 2016/1191 simplifies the circulation of certain public documents between EU member states, including Belgium and Luxembourg. However, for notarial deeds specifically, certain conditions still apply. The Luxembourg notary concerned will indicate precisely whether an apostille is required for your particular deed.
Can Luxembourg notarial deeds in German be translated into French for Belgian or French cross-border workers?
Yes. Some Luxembourg notarial deeds are drawn up in German, particularly older deeds or in certain specific contexts. TranslateBE can translate these deeds from German into French for Belgian or French cross-border workers who do not read German. This service differs from the sworn translation of a foreign deed and can be provided as a professional or sworn translation depending on the intended use.
Foreign notarial deed to be recognised in Luxembourg urgently?
TranslateBE translates your foreign notarial deeds for Luxembourg notaries and the Chambre des notaires du Grand-Duché. Sworn translators, free quote.