Belgium is one of the main host countries for the Iranian diaspora in Europe. Between asylum cases processed by the CGRA, family reunifications and everyday administrative procedures, the need for sworn Persian (Farsi) translation is constant and structural. TranslateBE supports individuals and Iranian families at every step.
Why translate Persian in Belgium: migration and administrative context
Persian (Farsi) is the official language of Iran and is also spoken in Afghanistan (Dari) and Tajikistan. In Belgium, the Iranian community is concentrated mainly in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. Several profiles generate regular translation needs:
- Asylum seekers: the CGRA (General Commissioner for Refugees and Stateless Persons) processes thousands of files from Iranian nationals each year. Every piece of the file - testimonies, identity documents, evidence of persecution - must be translated by a recognised sworn translator.
- Family reunification: spouses and children joining a Belgian resident must provide birth certificates, marriage certificates and Iranian court rulings translated and legalised (apostille or consular legalisation).
- Naturalisation: the procedure for acquiring Belgian nationality requires complete civil status documents, particularly for persons born in Iran.
- Medical and social files: hospitals, CPAS and social services need translations to understand the medical history or personal situations of their Persian-speaking patients and beneficiaries.
Iranian documents typically requiring translation in Belgium
Iranian civil status documents have important specific features that only an expert translator knows: the Jalali (Persian solar) calendar, family name structures, the format of records issued by the Civil Registration Office (Sazman-e Sabt-e Ahval). The main documents concerned are:
- Birth certificate (Shenasnameh):Iran's fundamental identity document, often combined with a civil status extract. Conversion of Jalali dates to the Gregorian calendar is carried out precisely.
- Marriage and divorce certificate: Iranian notarised documents recognised by Belgian authorities once translated and apostilled. Essential for family reunification and proceedings before Belgian courts.
- University diplomas: diplomas from Iranian universities (Tehran, Sharif, Amirkabir) for recognition by NARIC Belgium, Wallonie-Bruxelles International or the Flemish Ministry of Education.
- Criminal record: required for certain long-stay visa applications and naturalisation procedures. The document must be translated and bear the sworn stamp.
TranslateBE
Sworn Persian translation for your procedures in Belgium
Iranian documents translated into French or Dutch by sworn translators certified before Belgian courts. Free quote in 1 hour, express 24h available.
Sworn Persian translators in Belgium: procedure and guarantees
In Belgium, only a translator who has taken an oath before a court of first instance can produce a sworn translation with legal force. Our Persian translators are registered with the national register of judicial experts (registre.juridat.be) and master both written variants of Persian: Iranian Persian and Afghan Dari. Each translation is accompanied by the legal notice, stamp and signature of the translator, in accordance with Article 17 of the Belgian Judicial Code.
For documents to be submitted abroad (Iranian embassy, French or Swiss institutions), we also offer apostille services via the SPF Justice or consular legalisation. Standard turnaround: 3 to 5 business days. Express turnaround: 24 to 48 hours.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Persian, Farsi and Dari?
Persian is the generic name for the language. Farsi is the term used in Iran to refer to this language. Dari is the variant spoken in Afghanistan, very close to Iranian Farsi, with some lexical differences. Our translators master both variants and specify in their translation which variant the source document is in.
How is an Iranian calendar date converted to a Gregorian date?
The Iranian calendar (Jalali or Shamsi) is a solar calendar whose year begins in spring. The conversion is not a simple fixed calculation because the offset varies from year to year. Our translators systematically carry out the conversion and indicate both dates in the translation to avoid any administrative confusion.
Does the CGRA accept translations from TranslateBE?
Yes, provided the translation is produced by a translator sworn before a Belgian court. Our Persian translators are registered on the national register (registre.juridat.be). We deliver each translation with the oath certificate and the translator's full contact details, in accordance with the CGRA's requirements.
Can a handwritten Persian document be translated?
Yes, our translators handle handwritten documents, whether in Persian Nastaliq (traditional calligraphy) or printed Persian. For old or damaged documents, a high-quality scan is recommended. Contact us before ordering so we can confirm the legibility of the document.
Urgent Persian translation for your CGRA or Immigration Office file
Our sworn Persian translators work within 24 hours for urgent files. Valid before all Belgian courts and administrations.