Foreign documents

Official documents from an EU country

• Legalisation
  Most documents from the EU do not require legalisation.
  
• Translation
  Has the document not been drawn up in Dutch, French, German or English?
  • Translation aid
    In that case, you can request the local authority of the EU country for a translation aid. A translation in one of the required languages will then be added to the document.
  • Sworn translator
    You can also have the document translated by a sworn translator. In that case, the translation will not require any legalisation either.
    Note: has the document been translated in Belgium? Then these rules apply:
    • The translator provided you with the translation digitally
      Then you submit the translation electronically (via email or an online application).
    • The translator provided you with the translation on paper
      Then you submit the translation on paper. Note: the document must contain an original (non-digital) signature of the translator.

Official documents from a non-EU country

• Legalisation
  Legalisation or an apostille is usually required.
  Check whether legalisation or an apostille is required.
• Translation
  Has the document been drawn up in a language other than Dutch, French, German or English? Then also add a translation from a sworn translator.
  • The document has been translated abroad
    Does the original document require legalisation or an apostille? If so, this also applies to the translation.
  • The document has been translated in Belgium
    Has the document been translated by a sworn translator in Belgium? Then these rules apply:
    • The translator provided you with the translation digitally
      Then you submit the translation electronically (via email or an online application).
    • The translator provided you with the translation on paper
      Then you submit the translation on paper. Note: the document must contain an original (non-digital) signature of the translator.

Documents issued by a foreign embassy in Belgium

Sometimes you need to request a document from your embassy, e.g. a ‘certificate of individuality’ when your name has changed.

• Translation
  Since your embassy is based in Belgium, it can draw up the document in Dutch, French or German in most cases.
  Is this not possible? Then we will also accept a document drawn up in English.
• Legalisation
  • Embassy of an EU country
    No legalisation is required.
  • Embassy of a non-EU country
    Check with your embassy whether legalisation is required. If so, you must have the document legalised by the FPS Foreign Affairs, Legalisation Department.

Documents you have drawn up yourself

For some applications you have to draw up a document yourself. E.g. consent that your child may move to Belgium.

• If you draw up this document in a language other than Dutch, French, German or English, you must add a translation. Follow the rules mentioned above.
• You sign the document with your original signature (not digitally). This is the same signature which appears on your national identity card or passport.
• So as to verify that you have signed this document yourself, you must add a colour copy of your national identity card or passport. The copy contains your personal details and your signature, so that we can identify you and compare your signature.

You best have your signature on the document authenticated by the competent authority, but this is not mandatory.