Chinese-French Translation in Belgium: Guide for the Chinese Community

Between 50,000 and 80,000 residents of Chinese origin live in Belgium, mainly in Brussels and Antwerp. Whether for family reunification, degree recognition or registration in a municipal register, translating Chinese documents is an essential step. This guide explains everything you need to know to obtain a Chinese-French or Chinese-Dutch translation that meets Belgian administrative requirements.

The Chinese community in Belgium

The Chinese presence in Belgium dates back to the early 20th century, but the community grew substantially from the 1980s onwards with China's economic opening. Today, several distinct waves of immigration can be identified:

• Economic migrants from the 1980s–2000s, often from Zhejiang or Fujian provinces, predominantly active in the catering and retail sectors.
• Students and young professionals from the 2000s onwards, drawn by Belgian universities and career opportunities in Brussels (EU institutions) and Antwerp (port).
• Entrepreneurs and investors, particularly active in Sino-European trade.
• The Taiwanese community, smaller in number but active in business and cultural circles.

The main concentrations are in Brussels (Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, Matonge, Anderlecht) and Antwerp, with smaller communities in Ghent and Liège.

The most commonly translated Chinese documents in Belgium

Here are the main types of Chinese documents our clients ask us to translate, with their associated administrative procedures:

出生证明 (Chūshēng zhèngmíng) — Birth certificate

Chinese birth certificates are issued by the local civil affairs bureau (民政局). They are required for registration in a Belgian population register, family reunification, Belgian naturalisation or establishing a family relationship in an inheritance file. This document generally needs to be apostilled before being translated (see section below).

结婚证 (Jiéhūn zhèng) — Marriage certificate

The Chinese marriage certificate (a small red booklet) is required for the recognition of a Sino-Belgian marriage, a spouse's family reunification, or inheritance proceedings. Note that marriage in China is registered at the local civil affairs bureau (民政局) and the certificate format differs from European civil status documents. Our translators are familiar with these specificities.

无犯罪记录证明 (Wú fànzuì jìlù zhèngmíng) — Criminal record extract

This document (also referred to as a "certificate of no criminal record" in official Chinese translations) is required for residence permit applications, work permits, naturalisations and many jobs in Belgium. It is issued by the local Public Security Bureau (公安局) or by the Chinese Embassy for nationals already living abroad.

学位证书 (Xuéwèi zhèngshū) — University degree

To have a Chinese degree recognised by the Belgian NARIC, a sworn translation of both the degree and the academic transcript (成绩单, Chéngjì dān) is mandatory. Degrees issued by Chinese universities (本科 bachelor, 硕士 master, 博士 doctorate) may also require verification through the CHESICC database (China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center).

Key distinction: Simplified Chinese vs Traditional Chinese

One of the most common questions from our clients is: is my document in Simplified or Traditional Chinese? This distinction matters because it determines which specialist translator is best placed to handle your document.

Simplified Chinese (简体字)

Used officially in the People's Republic of China (mainland China) and Singapore. This is by far the most common script among our clients. All official PRC documents are written in simplified characters.

Traditional Chinese (繁體字)

Used officially in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. If your document originates from one of these regions, it will be in traditional characters. Although the spoken language is fundamentally the same, the orthographic differences are substantial and a translator specialised in simplified characters may make errors on a traditional-character text (and vice versa). Always specify the geographic origin of your document when placing an order.

Indicative turnaround times

Apostille and legalisation of Chinese documents

For a long time, China was not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, which meant a complex diplomatic legalisation process for Chinese documents. Good news: China acceded to the Hague Convention on 7 November 2023. Since then, official Chinese documents can be apostilled, greatly simplifying procedures.

In practice, the recommended process for Chinese civil status documents intended for Belgian authorities is:

• Obtain a certified copy of your document from the issuing authority in China (civil affairs bureau, police, university, etc.).
• Have the Hague Apostille affixed to this copy by the competent Chinese authority (since November 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its provincial delegations).
• Send the apostilled document to TranslateBE for the sworn translation.

For documents from Hong Kong and Macau (which have separate authorities) and Taiwanese documents (Taiwan is not a party to the Hague Convention), specific procedures apply. Feel free to contact us for personalised advice.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I have a Chinese document translated without apostilling it first?

Technically, the translation can be produced without an apostille. However, if you intend to submit the translated document to a Belgian authority, they will most likely require the apostille on the original. It is therefore more sensible to apostille first, then translate. In urgent cases, we can carry out the translation in parallel with the apostille process.

Is a degree from Peking University sufficient for Belgian NARIC recognition?

NARIC generally requires a sworn translation of both the degree and the academic transcript (成绩单). Verification of the degree's authenticity through CHESICC may also be requested. Our translators can advise you on the specific requirements depending on the type of degree and the issuing institution.

Can the Chinese Embassy in Brussels certify the translation?

The Chinese Embassy can certify certain Chinese documents intended for use in China. But for a translation of Chinese documents intended for a Belgian authority, only a sworn translator recognised by a Belgian Court of Appeal can produce a translation with legal standing in Belgium. The Embassy has no authority to issue sworn translations valid under Belgian law.

Family reunification from China: which documents need to be translated?

For a family reunification file from China to Belgium, you will generally need: the sponsor's birth certificate (translated), the beneficiary's birth certificate (translated), the marriage certificate if applicable (translated), the beneficiary's criminal record (translated), and sometimes additional proof of family ties. All these documents must be apostilled and translated by a Belgian sworn translator.