Ghent is a dynamic university and entrepreneurial city, home to Ghent University (UGent) and a network of innovative start-ups and SMEs. Dutch-French translation is essential there for researchers, companies with a French-speaking reach, and the administrations of this historic city.
Why translate Dutch ↔ French in Ghent?
Ghent is Belgium's third city and one of its most economically dynamic. Ghent University (UGent), one of Belgium's and Europe's top universities, generates a significant volume of academic publications, theses, patents, and international collaboration agreements in Dutch that must be translated into French and other languages for international dissemination. The city also hosts major industrial companies (ArcelorMittal in Zelzate, Volvo Cars, Eandis) and a dense network of biotech, cleantech, and ICT start-ups. These companies export to French-speaking markets (Wallonia, France, Switzerland, francophone Africa) and need commercial and technical materials in French. The Ghent city administration (Stad Gent) produces its documents in Dutch, creating needs for French- speaking companies and residents interacting with municipal services.
Most frequently translated Dutch ↔ French documents in Ghent
- UGent academic publications and theses: scientific articles, doctoral theses, and research reports from Ghent University to translate for international journals and French-speaking partners
- Patents and technology licences: patent applications filed in Dutch via the EPO or Belgian OPI, exploitation licences and technology transfer agreements of Ghent spin-offs
- Partnership contracts and commercial agreements: samenwerkingsovereenkomsten and distributiecontracten of Ghent companies exporting to French-speaking markets in Europe and Africa
- Ghent City administrative documents: permits, administrative decisions, and regulations from Stad Gent for French-speaking companies and residents
- Ghent civil status documents: birth, marriage, and divorce certificates issued in Dutch by municipalities in the Ghent region, for use in France, Wallonia, or abroad
TranslateBE
Dutch documents from UGent, a Ghent start-up, or Stad Gent?
Translators specialised in academic, technological, and Flemish law. Mastery of Ghent scientific and legal terminology. Quote in 1h.
Sworn translation vs. professional translation
For civil status documents issued in Dutch by municipalities in the Ghent region (Ghent, Merelbeke, Destelbergen, De Pinte) and used outside Flanders, a sworn Dutch-French translation is mandatory. Judicial documents from the Ghent-Oudenaarde court of first instance must also be certified for production before French-speaking courts. For academic publications, patents, commercial contracts, and marketing materials of Ghent companies, professional specialised translation is the standard — precise and faithful, but without the need for formal legal certification.
Rates and turnaround times
| Translation type | Turnaround | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Professional translation | 2-3 days | €0.10/word |
| Sworn translation | 2-4 days | €0.12/word |
| Express 24h | 24h | +50% |
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Translate your Dutch documents in Ghent
Academic, innovation, and Flemish law expertise for the Ghent metropolitan area. 100% online service, FPS Justice certified translators.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a UGent doctoral thesis translated into French?
UGent doctoral theses are generally written in Dutch or English. For publication with a French academic press or dissemination to French-speaking partners, we translate theses and academic publications respecting the discipline's scientific terminology. The turnaround depends on volume; we recommend planning the translation 3 to 4 weeks before the submission date.
Can a Ghent start-up have its pitch deck and investor contracts translated into French?
Yes. We translate investor decks, term sheets, shareholders agreements, and business plans for start-ups and scale-ups in the Ghent ecosystem (imec.istart, Ghent Tech, StartHub) seeking investors or partners in France, Wallonia, or French-speaking Switzerland. Turnaround: 2 to 3 days for a standard deck.
Is a building permit issued by Stad Gent valid in Wallonia?
No, a building permit issued by Stad Gent is only valid for the territory of the City of Ghent. For cross-border procedures or to inform Walloon or French partners of a planning situation in Ghent, translating this permit into French may be useful. For use in notarial deeds or real estate transactions, a sworn translation is recommended.
Can licence agreements from the Belgian OPI (Intellectual Property Office) be translated from Dutch into French?
Yes. Patents and licences filed in Dutch with the OPI or via the PCT/EPO procedure can be translated into French. For patents granted by the EPO in another language, a French translation is required for national filing in France or Switzerland. Our translators specialised in intellectual property handle these technical translations with precision.