If your sworn translation is intended for use abroad, you may need an apostille. Here is the procedure, step by step.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is an official certification that allows a document to be recognised in another country. It is valid between countries that have signed the 1961 Hague Convention.
In Belgium, the apostille is issued by the FPS Foreign Affairs (SPF Affaires étrangères).
Do you need an apostille?
It depends on where your document will be used.
- For use in Belgium: no apostille is needed. A sworn translation bearing my electronic signature is valid throughout Belgium.
- For use abroad: an apostille may be required, depending on the destination country.
You can verify whether your destination country requires an apostille on this page.
Documents exempt from apostille
Some documents do not require an apostille:
- A multilingual extract of a civil status document
- A document issued by a Belgian embassy or consulate
How to proceed — step by step
- Take a clear photo of both sides of your document, or scan them.
- Send them by e-mail to: info@basakbalkan.com
- We determine together whether an apostille is needed. If so, I will confirm the price and timeframe.
- Once payment is received, I produce the sworn translation and obtain the apostille in a single step, directly with the FPS Foreign Affairs. This costs €20. You do not need to visit any office or handle any paperwork yourself.
- You receive your apostilled document as a PDF by e-mail. No printing required.
Some documents must first be certified by a competent Belgian authority — a municipality, a ministry, or an educational institution — before the FPS Foreign Affairs can issue the apostille. Which authority is involved depends on who issued the original document. I will guide you through this if it applies to your case.
Any questions? I am happy to help.
info@basakbalkan.com