Are you a member of the Pakistani community and need to have Pakistani documents translated for a procedure in Belgium? Here is which records to translate, why Pakistan follows a legalisation procedure rather than the apostille, and how to build an accepted file.
📖 See also: apostille or legalisation · legalisation guide · immigration documents · sworn translation guide
Which Pakistani documents to have translated?
Depending on your procedure (residence, family reunification, marriage, nationality, diploma equivalence), the Belgian administration generally requires a sworn translation of the Pakistani records. Many are issued by NADRA and drawn up in Urdu and/or English. The most requested:
- NADRA civil status records: birth certificate, marriage certificate, FRC (Family Registration Certificate).
- Criminal record extract (Police Character Certificate).
- Diplomas and transcripts for an equivalence or a job.
- Court judgments and family records for reunification procedures.
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Pakistani documents to translate for Belgium?
Sworn Urdu or English into French translation of your records, names transliterated correctly. Quote within 1 hour.
Legalisation and not apostille
A key point: Pakistan is not a member of the Hague Convention. Your documents therefore cannot receive an apostille. They must follow a chain consular legalisation procedure: authentication by the Pakistani authorities (often the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad), then legalisation by the competent diplomatic representation, before or after translation depending on the recipient authority. To understand the difference, consult our guide apostille or legalisation and our legalisation guide.
The transliteration of names, a key point
Pakistani records in Urdu require a consistent transliteration of your surname and first name with your Belgian documents (residence permit, identity card) and your passport. A divergent spelling frequently leads to a rejection. Always indicate to the sworn translator the spelling already used on your Belgian papers and on your Pakistani passport.
Good to know: ask the administration for the precise list of the records and the target language (French or Dutch depending on the region). Also check whether the legalisation must precede the translation. This avoids unnecessary translations or an incomplete file.
How to proceed
- Gather your recent Pakistani records (NADRA, criminal record, diplomas) and confirm the list with the administration. See our immigration guide.
- Have the documents legalised via the consular chain, as the apostille is not available.
- Entrust the sworn Urdu or English into French translation to a sworn translator.
- Specify the spelling of your name as it appears on your Belgian papers and your passport.
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A consistent and accepted Pakistani file
Sworn translation of your NADRA records, diplomas and criminal record, with data aligned with your Belgian documents.
In summary
The essentials: Pakistani records (NADRA, FRC, criminal record, diplomas) in Urdu or English require a sworn translation into French or Dutch. Since Pakistan does not apply the apostille, plan a chain consular legalisation and ensure the consistency of transliterated names. Our sworn translation guide details the steps to follow.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can a Pakistani document be apostilled?
No. Pakistan is not a member of the Hague Convention, so the apostille does not exist. A chain consular legalisation is needed. See our apostille or legalisation comparison.
Which NADRA documents are concerned?
The birth certificate, the marriage certificate and the FRC (Family Registration Certificate) are the most requested NADRA records, usually in Urdu and English.
Should you legalise before or after the translation?
It depends on the recipient authority. Confirm the order with the Belgian administration and consult our legalisation guide.
Into which language should I translate in Belgium?
Into French or Dutch depending on the region and the service. Ask the administration for the target language before ordering.
Urgent Pakistani procedure to complete?
Express available for your NADRA records and diplomas. Sworn translation ready for the Belgian administration.