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Region first, language second
Belgium has three official languages, and public procedures use the regional language: Dutch in Flanders and the Antwerp–Ghent area, French in Wallonia, and German in the eastern cantons. Brussels is bilingual, in Dutch and French.
The first question for a Belgian file is therefore "Which city and which municipality?" A translation in the wrong language can require the entire process to be repeated.
Legalisation arrangements
Belgium is party to the Hague Convention, so Turkish documents are sent with apostilles. Legalisation of Belgian-issued documents is handled by the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs (FOD Buitenlandse Zaken in Dutch, SPF Affaires étrangères in French), largely through an electronic system.
An apostille and notarised translation are commonly accepted for civil status documents sent from Türkiye; some municipalities may prefer a sworn translator in Belgium (beëdigd/juré) — the wording of the appointment instructions is decisive.
Common procedures
- Family reunification: marriage and birth records; international forms are accepted without translation by most municipalities
- Employment and single permit: diploma and work experience letters
- Qualification recognition: handled through NARIC-Vlaanderen in the Flemish community and the relevant community service in the French-speaking community
- Citizenship: criminal record and civil status documents are reviewed carefully
A note for Turkish citizens
The large Turkish community in Belgium means municipalities are familiar with Turkish documents; this does not mean requirements are relaxed. Exact consistency between the two countries' civil registry records is required, especially for names and birth records; discrepancies require correction in Türkiye first.
Frequently asked questions
Which language should I choose for Brussels?
Both Dutch and French are used in Brussels; following the correspondence language of the municipality handling your procedure is the most practical approach.
I have a multilingual Form B marriage certificate; does it need a translation?
Multilingual civil status certificates are generally accepted in Belgium without translation. If your municipality nevertheless requires a translation, we prepare it in the language of the region.
This content is for information purposes. The documents and procedures required by institutions may change; we recommend confirming the requirements with the relevant institution before applying.
