Who issues apostilles in Belgium?
For Belgian public documents, the apostille is issued by the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs. Some documents must first be signed or checked by another authority, for example a notary or a court. We identify the right sequence for your document and handle the steps for you.
Apostille and sworn translation
When your document must be translated for the destination country, the order matters: the apostille may go on the original before translation, on the translation itself, or on both. The receiving authority decides. We check its requirements first so nothing has to be done twice.
Documents coming into Belgium
A foreign document intended for a Belgian authority usually needs an apostille from its country of origin, or legalisation if that country has not joined the Convention. We explain the procedure and translate the document and its apostille into French, Dutch or German.
Not always needed within the EU
Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 exempts certain public documents, such as birth, marriage and death certificates, from the apostille when they are used in another EU member state. Ask us before paying for a procedure you may not need.
Documents that often need an apostille
- Birth, marriage and death certificates
- Criminal record extracts
- Diplomas and school records
- Notarial deeds and powers of attorney
- Company documents and extracts
- Court decisions
- Sworn translations
Frequently asked questions
Which countries accept the apostille?
All countries party to the Hague Apostille Convention: more than 120 states, including most of Europe, the United States and many countries in Latin America and Asia. Other countries require legalisation through their embassy or consulate.
How long does an apostille take?
It depends on the document and the authorities involved. The quote includes a realistic timeframe, with options for urgent files.
Can you apostille a foreign document?
No. Only the country that issued a document can apostille it. For a foreign document the apostille must be obtained in the country of origin; we explain how, and translate it once it's done.
Related services
Sworn translation
Official translations signed by sworn translators, accepted by Belgian authorities, notaries and courts.
Legalisation
Legalisation through the FPS Foreign Affairs, embassies and consulates for countries outside the Apostille Convention.
Document retrieval
Official documents requested on your behalf from Belgian and foreign authorities.
Interpreting
Sworn and professional interpreters for notaries, municipalities, meetings and conferences, on site or remote.