What Is a Sworn Translation? Definition and Use in Belgium

You need to complete an administrative procedure, a visa application, a job application, a diploma recognition or a marriage registration, and you are asked for a sworn translation. But what does that mean exactly? And how can you get one quickly in Belgium? This guide explains everything, without jargon.

Definition: what is a sworn translation?

A sworn translation (also called a certified translation or officially certified translation) is a translation produced by a translator who has been officially approved by a competent authority: in Belgium, by the Commission of sworn translator-interpreters or a Court of Appeal.

What distinguishes it from an ordinary translation: the translator affixes their signature and official stamp, certifying that the translation is faithful to the original. This document therefore has a legal value recognised by courts, embassies, municipalities and Belgian and foreign administrations.

Which documents require a sworn translation?

In Belgium, a sworn translation is generally required for all documents whose authenticity you need to prove before a public or judicial authority. Here are the most common cases:

Civil status documents

• Foreign birth certificate
• Marriage or divorce certificate
• Death certificate
• Family record book
• Certificate of acknowledgement of paternity

Administrative and professional documents

• Diplomas and school or university certificates
• Foreign criminal record extract
• Foreign driving licence
• Employment contracts for foreign workers
• Articles of association of a foreign company
• Powers of attorney and notarial mandates

Documents for legal or consular procedures

• Visa file (long stay, family reunification)
• Belgian naturalisation application
• Foreign diploma recognition (Naric/Enic)
• International succession file
• Cross-border legal proceedings

Sworn translation in Belgium: who can produce one?

In Belgium, only translators appearing on the official list of sworn translator-interpreters can deliver translations with legal value. These professionals have taken an oath before a competent court and commit to upholding strict rules of fidelity, confidentiality and professional ethics.

How to verify that a translator is genuinely sworn? You can consult the official register available on the SPF Justice website or directly check the certifications with the chosen agency. At TranslateBE, all our translators are sworn and registered with the competent authorities.

What is the difference with a certified or standard translation?

How much does a sworn translation cost in Belgium?

The cost depends on several factors: the volume of the document (number of words or pages), the language pair (certain rare languages are more expensive), the desired turnaround (standard versus express) and the complexity of the content (legal, medical, technical...).

As a general guideline, expect:

• 30 to 80 euros for a simple one-page document (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• 100 to 250 euros for a diploma with transcript
• 150 to 500 euros or more for contracts or complex legal files
• 30 to 50% surcharge for express 24h-48h turnaround times

Unlike some other countries, Belgium does not set a mandatory fee schedule for sworn translators. Rates vary between providers. At TranslateBE, our rates are transparent and with no surprises: the quote you receive is the final price.

How long does it take to obtain a sworn translation?

The standard turnaround time is 3 to 5 working days for most common documents. For voluminous or complex files, allow 1 to 2 weeks.

If your situation is urgent (court summons, fixed-date visa, job application), TranslateBE offers an express 24h to 48h service available Monday to Saturday, with delivery of the translated document by email as a secure PDF and a paper version on request.

How to order a sworn translation from TranslateBE?

The process is simple and entirely online:

1. Send your document via our secure form (a scan or legible photo is sufficient)
2. Receive a quote in under an hour, with the turnaround time and the definitive price
3. Confirm and pay by secure bank transfer
4. Receive your translation by email (certified PDF) and by post if necessary

You can track the progress of your file in real time from your client portal.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is a sworn translation produced in Belgium recognised abroad?

Generally yes: in particular in EU member states and countries that have signed the Hague Convention. For certain countries, an additional apostille or legalisation may be required. Our teams advise you on a case-by-case basis depending on the destination country. For more information, consult our guide on apostille and legalisation in Belgium.

Do I need to send the original or a copy of the document?

For the translation, a scan or good-quality digital photo is generally sufficient. Some administrations require that the translation be submitted with the physical original: we will inform you if this applies to your procedure.

Is the confidentiality of my documents guaranteed?

Yes. All our translators are bound by a strict non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Your documents are stored on servers located in the European Union, in compliance with the GDPR. They are deleted 30 days after delivery.

Can I obtain a sworn translation into Dutch or English?

Absolutely. TranslateBE offers sworn translations in more than 70 languages, including the 3 official Belgian languages (French, Dutch, German), English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese and many others.