Sworn translations

W. Pellegrims is a sworn translator at the Court of First Instance in Antwerp, Mechelen Division and authorised to sworn translations of, for example, notarial deeds, marriage certificates, birth certificates, diplomas, etc.

Legalised translations

The translation is legalised when W. Pellegrims has affixed his electronic signature to it. These printed or electronic translations are accepted at official bodies such as city council, ministry, court, notary, etc.

Physical signatures or ink stamps are no longer used in Belgium to officialise translations.

Apostilles and legalisations intended for abroad

Translations submitted abroad must - depending on the country - either receive an apostille or be legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. An apostille is a seal that proves that the signature on the original document is genuine.

The procedure to apostille or legalise translations destined for abroad is as follows:

• W. Pellegrims posts a pdf file of the original document and of the legalised translation on the relevant website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Mandatory details to be provided are: (1) Country of destination, (2) E-mail of addressee, (3) Language of addressee (Dutch, French, German or English), (4) Last name of addressee, (5) First name of addressee.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sends an e-mail to the addressee with a payment request of € 20 per document to be apostilled or legalised.
• After the payment is made, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sends a link to the addressee that allows him/her to open, print, download, or forward the apostilled or legalised document.