Translating a Foreign Degree in Belgium: Complete Guide

Did you obtain a degree abroad and need to have it recognised in Belgium to work, continue your studies or obtain a residence permit? A sworn translation of your diploma is in most cases mandatory. This guide explains how to proceed, what it costs and the pitfalls to avoid.

Why translate your foreign diploma in Belgium?

Belgian authorities, universities, employers and public services require that every official foreign document be accompanied by a sworn translation in order to be legally valid. A diploma in a foreign language, however authentic, will be rejected without this certified translation.

The most common situations where this translation is indispensable:

• Academic recognition procedure via NARIC (French or Flemish Community)
• Professional recognition application (doctors, lawyers, engineers, nurses...)
• Visa or residence permit file involving your qualifications
• Application for a position in the Belgian public sector
• Enrolment at a Belgian university with a foreign diploma
• Belgian naturalisation file mentioning your academic background

Which documents exactly need to be translated?

Depending on your situation, you will need to have one or more of the following documents translated:

• The original diploma (front and back if applicable)
• The transcript of records or diploma supplement
• The school attendance certificate or enrolment certificate
• The detailed course syllabus(for certain professional recognitions)
• Intermediate certificates (bachelor's, master's, licence...)

How much does translating a diploma cost in Belgium?

The price varies depending on the source language, the volume of the document and the desired turnaround. Below are typical price ranges:

The NARIC procedure in Belgium

NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre) is the Belgian body responsible for the academic recognition of foreign diplomas. There are two, depending on your region:

• NARIC Wallonie-Bruxelles: for diplomas used in the French Community
• NARIC Vlaanderen: for diplomas used in the Flemish Community

In both cases, your file must include a sworn translation of every document in a foreign language. The translation must be carried out by a sworn translator recognised in Belgium, registered on the official list of the SPF Justice.

Full timeline to plan for

It is therefore crucial not to delay the translations: they can be obtained quickly thanks to the 24h express service, unlike the administrative processing which takes several months.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does my translation need to be done by a Belgian translator?

Not necessarily Belgian, but the translator must be sworn before a jurisdiction recognised in Belgium. Sworn translations carried out by TranslateBE are valid before all Belgian authorities, including NARIC.

Do I need to send the original or a copy?

For the translation, a legible scan is sufficient. However, NARIC and some employers may sometimes require the original diploma accompanied by the physical stamped translation. Check with the recipient organisation beforehand.

What if my diploma was issued in a country not recognised by Belgium?

Some diplomas from third countries require an apostille before translation. In this case, start by obtaining the apostille in the issuing country, then have the apostilled document translated. Our team will guide you through the procedure based on your country of origin.