Do you want to use your translation or another document abroad?

In most cases, you will need legalization or an apostille for that.

Legalization involves verifying the origin of a document. Legalization is the official confirmation by the competent authorities that:

• The signature of the (foreign) official who signed the document,
• The seal or
• The stamp on the document is authentic,
• Or that the person who signed the document was authorized to do so.

Legalization concerns the form of the document, but it does not confirm that the content is correct.

Sworn Translation:

For official documents, it is best to always opt for a sworn translation. In this case, the translation is sworn, and the translator’s signature is confirmed by the courts or other necessary authorities. Our translations are sworn according to the applicable procedures in Belgium or the Netherlands, if desired.

If you require a different form of legalization for your documents, we will assist you with that or handle it for you. Since 2022, we work with a digital signature in Belgium, where the translation is sworn based on the translator’s identity card, which is already registered in the National Register of Interpreters and Translators at the Ministry of Justice.

Legalization:

When you need translations for use abroad, in most cases, after the translation is sworn, you will also need legalization, recognized abroad. This is typically the legalization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FOD Buitenlandse Zaken), but sometimes by the Ministry of Justice (FOD Justitie) or Ministry of Health (FOD Volksgezondheid). Sahli Translation & Mediation will guide you to the appropriate services or authorities for the sworn or legalization procedures. Since 2022, the translator must request the legalization of their translation online, and in some cases, the client still has to pick up the legalization sticker at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brussels.

Apostille:

An apostille is a certificate added to a document to confirm its formal correctness. This certificate then replaces the legalization. An apostille is available for countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. Sahli Translation & Mediation will provide you with the necessary information regarding this when delivering your translation intended for use abroad. Since 2022, the translator must request the apostille of their translation online, meaning the client no longer needs to go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brussels.

Do you need an apostille or legalization for your translation/document? It depends on the country where you intend to use your translation. We are happy to assist you with this. We are familiar with the many legalization procedures and can advise you, upon request, on which services you need to approach or handle the process on your behalf.