Notarial translation in Belgium is often confused with certified translation, but these two concepts cover different realities. When a foreign notarial deed must be presented to a Belgian notary - for a real-estate sale, an international succession or a gift - a precise and certified translation is essential. This guide explains when to request one, how to obtain it and how much it costs.
Notarial translation vs certified translation: what is the difference?
In Belgium, a certified translation is produced by a translator registered with the national register of sworn translators-interpreters (National Register of Judicial Expertise, RNEJ). It is required by public authorities - municipalities, SPF, courts - for civil status records and administrative documents.
A notarial translation refers to the translation of a foreign notarial deed intended for use with a Belgian notary. It must be produced by a sworn translator (to guarantee authenticity) but is adapted to the notarial legal register: deed terminology, property transfer clauses, designation of parties in accordance with Belgian practice. Some notaries require the translation to be annexed to the original, accompanied by an apostille if the deed comes from a country that has signed the Hague Convention.
- Foreign real-estate sale deeds: preliminary contracts, authentic deeds, title certificates, translated for Belgian notaries when a foreign national purchases property in Belgium.
- Wills and succession deeds: holograph or authentic will drawn up abroad, European Certificate of Succession, foreign notarial inventory.
- Donation deeds: inter vivos donation made abroad, to be registered for tax purposes in Belgium (gift duties).
- Notarial powers of attorney: power of attorney drawn up abroad authorising a third party to sign in Belgium.
- Foreign marriage contracts: foreign matrimonial property regimes to be taken into account during a Belgian real-estate transaction.
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Certified notarial translation in Belgium
Foreign notarial deeds for real-estate sales, successions and donations. Sworn translators specialised in notarial law. Free quote within 1 hour.
When is a notarial translation required in Belgium?
Belgian notaries are required to verify the authenticity and legal scope of any foreign document presented in the context of a notarial deed. Several concrete situations trigger this obligation:
- Property purchase by a foreign national: the Belgian notary must verify that the buyer does not already own property abroad under conditions that are incompatible with Belgian law, which requires translation of foreign supporting documents.
- International succession involving immovable property in Belgium: EU Regulation No. 650/2012 determines the applicable law, but foreign deeds must be translated to be produced before the Belgian notary handling the liquidation.
- Donation of property located abroad: donation of immovable property in France, the Netherlands or Spain by a donor residing in Belgium requires the Belgian notary to understand the foreign deed.
- Recognition of a foreign company: articles of association, board minutes, signatory powers - for commercial notarial deeds in Belgium involving a foreign entity.
The procedure generally comprises: (1) submission of the original deed or a certified copy, (2) translation by a sworn translator into your notary's language (FR, NL or DE depending on the region), (3) affixing the translator's stamp and signature, (4) if required: apostille on the original or consular legalisation. Rates for a notarial translation in Belgium range from €150 to €400 depending on the length of the deed and the language pair.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is notarial translation the same as certified translation?
Not exactly. Certified translation is a general term referring to any translation produced by a translator registered with the Belgian RNEJ. Notarial translation is a certified translation specifically intended to be presented to a notary for a notarial deed. It meets the same formal requirements (stamp, signature, oath statement) but is adapted to the register and terminology of Belgian notarial law. Some notaries may also require it to be attached to the original deed as an annex.
I have a foreign notarial deed for a property purchase in Belgium: what should I do?
You must have the deed translated by a sworn translator into the language of your Belgian notary (French, Dutch or German depending on the region). If the deed comes from a country that has signed the Hague Convention (France, Spain, the Netherlands, etc.), an apostille on the original is generally sufficient to attest its authenticity. For countries that have not signed, consular legalisation is required. Your Belgian notary will tell you precisely which formalities are required for your file.
How long does it take to obtain a notarial translation in Belgium?
For a standard notarial deed (2 to 5 pages), the turnaround is generally 2 to 4 business days. In urgent cases (imminent notarial signing), we offer an express service in 24 to 48 hours. For substantial deeds (succession with inventory, detailed foreign company articles), allow 5 to 7 business days. We recommend planning ahead and not waiting until the day before signing.
Is an apostille always required on a foreign notarial deed in Belgium?
An apostille is required when the deed comes from a country that has signed the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 (including France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Germany, etc.). It authenticates the signature of the foreign public official. For non-signatory countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, some Sub-Saharan African countries), consular legalisation is necessary. EU Regulation 2016/1191 has also abolished the apostille for civil status records circulating between EU Member States since 16 February 2019.
Foreign notarial deed to translate for signing in Belgium?
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