Ukrainian-French Translation in Belgium: Guide for Refugees and Residents

Since February 2022, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have found refuge in Belgium. To access temporary protection, register with a municipality, enrol their children in school, or have their qualifications recognised, they need certified translations of their official documents into French or Dutch. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Ukrainian-French certified translation in Belgium.

Ukrainian translation in Belgium — why and when do you need it?

The Ukrainian language uses the Cyrillic script — but it is entirely distinct from Russian, both linguistically and culturally. This distinction is politically important: always ensure your translator is specifically sworn in for Ukrainian, not Russian. The two languages are not interchangeable, and Belgian authorities are aware of this difference.

In Belgium, a sworn (certified) Ukrainian-French translation is required in several situations:

• Filing a temporary protection application with Fedasil or the Immigration Office
• Registering with a Belgian municipality's population register
• Enrolling children in school (Ukrainian school certificates)
• Applying for social assistance through the CPAS/OCMW
• Seeking asylum through the CGRA (Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons)
• Recognition of a Ukrainian university degree (NARIC Belgium)
• Notarial or legal proceedings involving Ukrainian documents

Most requested Ukrainian documents in Belgium

Here are the Ukrainian documents we most frequently translate for administrative procedures in Belgium:

Identity and civil status documents

• Ukrainian passport (закордонний паспорт) — for identification and residency applications
• Birth certificate (метрика / свідоцтво про народження) — for municipal registration and family reunification
• Marriage certificate (свідоцтво про шлюб) — for civil status and spousal rights
• Death certificate (свідоцтво про смерть) — for inheritance or legal proceedings

Academic and professional documents

• University degree (диплом) and transcript (додаток до диплому) — for NARIC recognition
• School attendance certificate — for children's school enrolment
• School reports / transcripts — for admission into the Belgian school system

Legal documents

• Criminal record certificate (довідка про несудимість) — for work permits, municipal registration or various applications
• Divorce judgements or child custody decisions

Turnaround times: comparison table

How to order a certified Ukrainian-French translation in Belgium

The process is simple and entirely online:

1. Send your documents — a clear photo or scan is sufficient. You do not need to send originals initially.
2. Receive a quote — within an hour you get a detailed offer with confirmed turnaround and price.
3. Confirm your order — your file is assigned to a sworn translator specialising in Ukrainian.
4. Receive your translation — by email (certified PDF) or by post if the authority requires a paper original.

All our Ukrainian-French translations are produced by sworn translators recognised by the Belgian Courts of Appeal. They are valid with all Belgian authorities: municipalities, the Immigration Office, CPAS, CGRA, Fedasil, NARIC, courts and notaries.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can a Ukrainian document be translated without sending the original by post?

In the vast majority of cases, yes. Belgian authorities accept sworn translations produced from a scan or good-quality photograph. If an original must be apostilled, we will guide you through that process.

Can a Russian translator translate Ukrainian documents?

No — and this is a crucial point. A translator must be sworn specifically for Ukrainian. Ukrainian and Russian are two distinct languages. Beyond the linguistic difference, submitting a Ukrainian document with a translation certified only for Russian could invalidate it with Belgian authorities.

Is temporary protection still valid in Belgium?

Temporary protection for Ukrainian nationals is regularly extended by decision of the EU Council. At the time of writing (April 2026), it remains in force. Please check the Immigration Office website (dofi.ibz.be) for the most up-to-date information.

Does Fedasil accept online translations?

Yes. What matters is that the translation was produced by a sworn translator recognised by a Belgian Court of Appeal and that it bears their official signature and stamp. How you placed the order (online or in person) has no legal relevance.