Namur, the administrative capital of Wallonia, is a hub for many foreign diploma recognition procedures. Whether you wish to access a regulated profession, register with FOREM or present your qualifications to a Walloon employer, a certified translation of your diploma is often essential.
NARIC French Community: the route to diploma recognition in Wallonia
In Wallonia, the recognition of foreign diplomas falls under the NARIC French Community (attached to the Directorate-General for Non-Compulsory Education and Scientific Research). For any application submitted from Namur or the Province of Namur, your diploma must be translated into French by a sworn translator recognised by the Belgian authorities.
The NARIC French Community distinguishes between academic recognition (access to higher education, grade equivalence) and professional recognition (access to a specific profession). These two procedures may require different documents, and our agency helps you prepare the dossier suited to your situation.
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FOREM and access to skilled employment in the Province of Namur
FOREM is the Walloon public employment and vocational training service. To access certain qualifying training courses or to have your foreign diploma recognised as part of a job search in Wallonia, FOREM may direct you to a recognition procedure with NARIC or a professional body.
In Namur, the economic fabric includes sectors such as public administration, education, information technology and metallurgy. Employers in these sectors regularly require formal proof of foreign qualifications in the form of a diploma accompanied by a certified translation into French.
Regulated professions in Wallonia: the key steps
Healthcare professions (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, midwives), architects, lawyers and engineers are subject to specific recognition procedures in Wallonia. These professions generally require:
- An application to the relevant professional body (National Council of the Order of Physicians, National Council of the Order of Architects, etc.)
- A certified translation of the diploma, transcripts and any supporting documents
- An apostille for diplomas from countries outside the EU
- A certificate of good standing or equivalent issued by the competent authority in the country of origin
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does the NARIC French Community automatically recognise European diplomas?
No, there is no automatic recognition for most academic diplomas in Belgium. Even for European diplomas, a formal recognition procedure is required, with translation if the diploma is not in French.
Can I work in Wallonia while my recognition application is pending?
This depends on the profession. For regulated liberal professions, practice is in principle prohibited without prior recognition. For unregulated jobs, an employer may engage you on the basis of your CV and presented qualifications while recognition is pending.
How long does recognition with NARIC French Community take?
NARIC French Community turnaround times range from 2 to 6 months depending on the complexity of the dossier. It is therefore crucial to submit a quality certified translation from the outset to avoid back-and-forth. Our agency guarantees the compliance of our translations with NARIC requirements.
Is a certified translation into French produced in France valid for NARIC French Community in Namur?
In theory, a sworn translator recognised in France may have their translation accepted. In practice, the NARIC French Community and Walloon administrations prefer translations produced by translators registered on the Belgian SPF Justice register. To avoid any rejection, opt for a Belgian sworn translator.
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