Do you have Dutch documents (from the Netherlands) to use in Belgium? Good news: as Dutch is an official Belgian language, your documents are often accepted without translation in Flanders. Here are the cases where a translation is still necessary.
📖 See also: documents for immigration · diploma recognition · apostille and legalisation
The major advantage: the language
As Dutch is one of the official languages of Belgium, a Dutch document is generally accepted as it is by an administration in Flanders or Dutch-speaking Brussels, without translation. This is the most important advantage compared with other countries.
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A Dutch document to use in Belgium?
We tell you whether a translation is necessary (often not in Flanders) and produce it if so. Quote within 1 hour.
When a translation is still necessary
A sworn translation into French is, on the other hand, required when the document is intended for an administration in Wallonia or French-speaking Brussels. This is the main case. Also check:
- French-speaking administration or court: translation into French required.
- Diplomas for an equivalence in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
- Notarial deeds or court judgments intended for French-speaking use.
Apostille between the Netherlands and Belgium
As the Netherlands and Belgium are in the EU, the European Regulation 2016/1191 abolishes the apostille for many civil status records, and a multilingual standard form may accompany the record. See our guide to apostille and legalisation.
The reflex to have: identify the language of the recipient administration. Dutch-speaking: often no translation. French-speaking: plan for a sworn translation into French.
Dutch diplomas and recognition
For an equivalence in the Flemish Community, the Dutch diploma is generally readable without translation. In the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, a translation into French is required. See our guide to diploma recognition and equivalence.
How to proceed
- Identify the language of the recipient administration.
- In Flanders: check whether the document is accepted without translation.
- In Wallonia or French-speaking Brussels: plan for a translation into French.
- Entrust the sworn translation to a sworn translator if it is required.
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No unnecessary translation, accepted file
We translate only if the recipient administration requires it, in the right language.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does a Dutch document have to be translated in Belgium?
Not for a Dutch-speaking administration (Flanders, Brussels NL): Dutch is an official Belgian language. For a French-speaking service, a sworn translation into French is required.
Does a Dutch document need to be apostilled?
No for civil status records between EU states (Regulation 2016/1191). For other documents, check case by case via our apostille guide.
And a Dutch diploma?
Readable without translation in the Flemish Community; to be translated into French for an equivalence in the WBF. See the guide to diplomas.
How do I know whether my administration is French-speaking?
It depends on the municipality and the service. If in doubt, ask for the processing language of the file before ordering a translation.
Urgent Dutch-Belgian procedure?
Express available for your Dutch documents to be translated into French.