Do you have British documents to use in Belgium? Since Brexit, the rules have changed: the facilities reserved for EU countries no longer apply. Here is what this means for the apostille and the translation of your documents from the United Kingdom.
📖 See also: post-Brexit documents · English translation in Belgium · apostille and legalisation
The key change: Brexit
As the United Kingdom is no longer in the EU, the European Regulation 2016/1191 (multilingual forms, exemption from apostille) no longer applies. In concrete terms, your British documents must now be apostilled in the United Kingdom, then translated by a sworn translator for Belgium. This is a return to a more formal procedure than before Brexit.
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Which documents are concerned?
- Civil status records: birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate.
- Diplomas and transcripts for an equivalence or a job.
- Criminal record extract (police certificate / ACRO).
- Court judgments and notarial deeds: divorce, inheritance.
The British apostille, then the translation
The United Kingdom is a member of the Hague Convention: the apostille is obtained from the competent British service (FCDO Legalisation Office). Once the document is apostilled, the sworn translation into French or Dutch is carried out by a Belgian sworn translator. Check the exact order via our guide to apostille and legalisation.
The reflex to have: no longer assume that your British documents are exempt from formalities as before Brexit. Plan for apostille then sworn translation, and confirm the target language with the Belgian recipient.
British diplomas and recognition
For an equivalence in Belgium, a British diploma generally has to be apostilled then translated. See our guide to diploma recognition and equivalence.
How to proceed
- Gather your British documents and confirm the list with the administration.
- Have the documents apostilled in the United Kingdom.
- Confirm the target language (French or Dutch) with the recipient.
- Entrust the sworn English-French translation to a sworn translator.
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Your British documents, compliant with the post-Brexit framework
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do my British documents still benefit from the EU facilities?
No. Since Brexit, the European Regulation 2016/1191 no longer applies to the United Kingdom. Plan for an apostille then a sworn translation. See our guide post-Brexit documents.
Where do I have a British document apostilled?
With the British legalisation service (FCDO). The procedure falls under the authorities of the United Kingdom: confirm the arrangements directly with them.
Should I translate before or after the apostille?
Generally, the British document is apostilled first, then translated. Check the exact order with the Belgian administration.
Into which language should I translate?
French or Dutch depending on the region and the service. Ask for the target language before ordering.
Urgent British procedure to complete?
Express available for your apostilled British documents. Sworn translation ready for Belgium.