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French-Ukrainian Translation in Antwerp: VDAB and Integration in Flanders
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French-Ukrainian Translation in Antwerp: VDAB and Integration in Flanders

19 June 20246 min read·By the TranslateBE team

Antwerp and Flanders have welcomed a significant share of the 70,000 Ukrainian displaced persons who arrived in Belgium since February 2022. In this Flemish context, translation of Ukrainian documents is done primarily into Dutch, but demand for Ukrainian-French translation remains significant for federal procedures and employment processes. Our sworn translators registered with the SPF Justice provide a 24-hour express service.

The Ukrainian community in Antwerp and Flanders

The Province of Antwerp has received several thousand Ukrainian displaced persons since the beginning of the conflict. The City of Antwerp itself, owing to its size and reception infrastructure, as well as several municipalities in the province (Mechelen, Turnhout, Lier), have registered significant Ukrainian communities.

In Flanders, the administrative context is specific: Flemish municipalities work primarily in Dutch, which means Ukrainian documents often need to be translated into Dutch for local procedures. However, many federal procedures (FEDASIL, Office of Foreigners, CGRS) are conducted in French or in both languages, creating demand for Ukrainian-French translation in Flanders as well.

The VDAB (Flemish Employment and Vocational Training Service) actively supports Ukrainians in their professional integration in Flanders. This agency generally requires Ukrainian diplomas to be translated in order to assess job seekers' competencies and guide them towards appropriate training.

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Documents most frequently translated for Ukrainians in Antwerp

Displaced Ukrainians in Antwerp and the Province of Antwerp primarily need the following translations:

  • Ukrainian diplomas for the VDAB: диплом (university diploma), атестат (secondary school certificate), свідоцтво про кваліфікацію (professional qualification certificate), to be translated into Dutch or French depending on the receiving body
  • Свідоцтво про народження (birth certificate): for registration with a Flemish municipality, children's school enrolment and Office of Foreigners procedures
  • Свідоцтво про шлюб (marriage certificate): for family files and family reunification in Flanders
  • Дипломи про вищу освіту (higher education diplomas): for diploma equivalence procedures with NARIC Flanders or NARIC Belgium
  • Medical documents: summaries of medical records for vulnerable persons with specific healthcare needs

Legal framework: SPF Justice sworn translator, valid in Flanders

In Belgium, sworn translators are accredited at federal level by the SPF Justice. This accreditation is valid throughout Belgian territory - in Flanders as well as in Wallonia and Brussels. Our Ukrainian-French and Ukrainian-Dutch translators are registered on the official SPF Justice list and their translations are recognised by Flemish municipalities, the VDAB, Antwerp courts and all federal administrations.

The dual translation offering - into both French AND Dutch - is an essential feature for Ukrainians residing in Flanders, who face different language requirements depending on the body they are addressing.

Pricing and turnaround - express service for humanitarian situations

Our rates for certified Ukrainian-French or Ukrainian-Dutch translations start from €65 per document. The 24-hour express service is available and prioritised for displaced Ukrainians. For diploma recognition files at the VDAB or NARIC, we can prepare all documents in a complete file in parallel to minimise turnaround.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does the VDAB accept certified translations in French for Ukrainians in Antwerp?
The VDAB primarily works in Dutch for its Flemish procedures. However, diploma recognition procedures involving NARIC Belgium accept translations in French or Dutch depending on the level. We advise you on the preferred target language for your specific procedure.
Do Antwerp municipalities require translations into Dutch only?
Yes. Flemish municipalities, including the City of Antwerp, require that official documents be translated into Dutch for local procedures (registration in the population register, civil status). For federal procedures (FEDASIL, Office of Foreigners), French is also accepted. We cover both languages.
How can Ukrainian organisations in Antwerp help with translations?
Several Ukrainian associations are active in Antwerp and the province (Ukrainische Gemeenschap Antwerpen, etc.). They can direct displaced persons to competent translation services, but they do not themselves produce sworn translations. For official documents, an SPF Justice sworn translator is mandatory.
Is a Ukrainian engineering diploma recognised for work in Antwerp?
Yes, via NARIC Belgium. Ukrainian engineering diplomas can be recognised for employment in Belgium. The procedure requires a certified translation of the diploma and academic transcript. For certain regulated sectors (Order of Civil Engineers), a specific additional procedure is required.
Can Ukrainian medical documents be translated urgently for Antwerp hospitals?
Yes. TranslateBE's 24-hour express service is particularly suited to urgent medical situations. Ukrainian medical record summaries (виписки з медичних карток) can be translated quickly into French or Dutch to facilitate care at Antwerp hospitals (UZA, ZNA, etc.).

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