FCDO e-Apostille for Belgium: Solicitor Certification

Do you need to use a UK document in Belgium?

Ginkgo Advisory provides solicitor verification, enhanced solicitor certification and FCDO apostille services for Belgium.

We assist with UK educational, company, court and personal documents. For urgent cases, our express e-Apostille option may take a few hours to one working day.

However, completion depends on verification, submission times and FCDO processing.

UK Documents for Use in Belgium

Belgium and the United Kingdom use the Hague Apostille system.

For most British documents, an FCDO apostille allows the document to be recognised by a Belgian authority without further legalisation by the Belgian Embassy in London.

However, an important exception applies to certain British civil-status certificates.

British Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates

British birth, marriage and death certificates do not normally require legalisation for recognition by a Belgian authority.

The Belgian Embassy in London confirms that a bilateral agreement signed on 21 December 1928 removed the legalisation requirement for these certificates.

Therefore, a British:

• birth certificate
• marriage certificate
• death certificate

may not need an FCDO apostille for use in Belgium.

Nevertheless, the applicant should send the certificate requirements to the Belgian municipality, civil-status office or other recipient before starting.

The exemption does not automatically cover every other British document. For example, divorce orders, police certificates, degree certificates and company documents may still need an apostille.

Check the Belgian Recipient’s Requirements

Belgian document rules can vary according to:

• the purpose of the application
• the receiving authority
• the region or community
• the language of the procedure
• whether the document is digital or physical
• whether the recipient needs an original or certified copy

Before starting, ask whether the recipient needs:

• an original document
• a solicitor-certified copy
• an FCDO e-Apostille
• a paper apostille
• a Dutch, French or German translation
• separate apostilles for each document
• a document issued within a set period

These checks can prevent delays and unnecessary legalisation.

Which UK Documents Can We Prepare?

Our solicitor can review many types of UK documents.

Educational documents

• Degree Certificates
• Academic Transcripts
• Diploma Supplements
• Higher Education Achievement Reports
• university letters
• school certificates
• professional qualifications

Company documents

• Certificates of Incorporation
• Companies House documents
• Articles of Association
• board resolutions
• shareholder resolutions
• powers of attorney
• commercial agreements

Court and legal documents

• Final Orders
• Decrees Absolute
• court orders
• judgments
• consent orders
• probate documents
• legal declarations

Personal documents

• certified passport copies
• proof of address
• employment letters
• consent forms
• statutory declarations
• professional certificates
• ACRO Police Certificates
• DBS certificates

The correct route depends on the document and its intended use in Belgium.

What Is Solicitor Certification?

Solicitor certification is a formal statement signed by a UK solicitor.

For example, the solicitor may confirm that a copy matches the original document.

Basic wording often states:

“I certify that this is a true copy of the original document.”

This wording may meet a simple certified-copy requirement.

However, it does not confirm that the issuing university, company, court or public body created a genuine document.

Therefore, a Belgian employer, university or public authority may ask for stronger evidence.

What Is Enhanced Solicitor Certification?

Enhanced solicitor certification goes beyond basic true-copy wording.

First, our solicitor checks the document through a reliable source. The source may include a university, Companies House, a court record or an official digital system.

Next, we prepare stronger wording, such as:

“I further certify that I have verified the authenticity of this document with the issuing institution.”

The Belgian recipient then receives:

• a certified copy of the document; and
• confirmation that the solicitor checked its source.

This approach may help where the recipient wants more than a visual comparison with an original.

Solicitor Verification and Certification

Verification and certification are separate stages.

Verification means checking the document with its issuing source.

Certification means issuing the formal solicitor statement after completing that check.

For educational documents, we may use:

• direct university confirmation
• HEDD
• Gradintelligence
• Digitary
• Parchment
• an official university portal
• a secure document-sharing service

Company checks may involve official Companies House records.

Court-document checks can include the court seal, case number, issue email or other official evidence.

Afterwards, our solicitor prepares and signs the certificate.

What Does the FCDO Apostille Confirm?

The FCDO checks whether the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal matches its records.

When the document meets the requirements, the FCDO issues an apostille.

However, an apostille does not confirm every statement inside the underlying document.

For this reason, enhanced solicitor certification can provide a stronger evidence chain:

Source verification → enhanced solicitor certification → solicitor signature → FCDO apostille

The apostille authenticates the relevant signature or seal. The enhanced certificate explains the verification completed before legalisation.

FCDO e-Apostille for Belgium

The FCDO offers both paper apostilles and e-Apostilles.

For an e-Apostille, a UK solicitor or notary electronically signs the PDF. The completed legalised document can then be downloaded and shared digitally.

Belgium also uses an electronic apostille system for its own documents. Since 1 May 2018, Belgian apostilles have only been issued electronically.

However, Belgium’s electronic system for Belgian documents does not guarantee that every Belgian authority will accept every foreign digital document in the same way.

Therefore, ask the recipient whether it accepts:

• a UK FCDO e-Apostille
• an electronically signed PDF
• a printed version of the e-Apostille
• a paper apostille attached to a physical document
• an original document sent by post

The recipient can verify both UK paper and electronic apostilles through the official FCDO verification service.

Express e-Apostille Service for Belgium

Straightforward cases may take a few hours to one working day when:

• the document is clear and complete
• source verification has finished
• the PDF qualifies for an e-Apostille
• payment has arrived
• the FCDO requires no further checks

Signature checks or document queries may extend the timeframe.

Therefore, urgent clients should provide the document and the Belgian recipient’s instructions as early as possible.

Educational Documents for Belgium

UK educational documents may support:

• Belgian university admission
• postgraduate study
• employment
• diploma recognition
• professional registration
• teaching applications
• healthcare recognition
• immigration or work procedures

Common documents include the Degree Certificate and Academic Transcript.

A Degree Certificate confirms the academic award. An Academic Transcript records subjects, grades, credits and study dates.

However, an apostille does not decide whether a UK qualification is equivalent to a Belgian qualification.

The recognition route can depend on where the applicant plans to study or work.

Belgium Does Not Have One Diploma Recognition Route

Belgium’s education system operates through different communities.

As a result, the recognition process may depend on whether the application concerns:

• Flanders
• the French-speaking Community
• the German-speaking Community
• Brussels

Applicants should identify the correct education or professional authority before arranging legalisation.

NARIC-Vlaanderen Recognition

NARIC-Vlaanderen assesses foreign qualifications for work or study in Flanders and, in many cases, Brussels.

It checks whether the foreign diploma is legally recognised in its country of origin. It may also verify the authenticity of the submitted documents.

Depending on the application, NARIC-Vlaanderen may decide:

• the equivalent Flemish qualification level; or
• the specific Flemish qualification to which the foreign diploma corresponds.

The assessment can involve a comparison of the overseas programme with a current Flemish course.

Therefore, the apostille and NARIC decision serve different purposes:

The apostille authenticates the relevant signature or seal.

NARIC-Vlaanderen assesses the academic level or equivalence of the qualification.

Recognition in French-Speaking Belgium

The Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles operates separate equivalence procedures for foreign secondary and higher-education qualifications.

Its official equivalence service handles applications involving foreign qualifications used for further study or employment in French-speaking Belgium.

Depending on the purpose, the applicant may need:

• a Degree Certificate
• an Academic Transcript
• course descriptions
• proof of the duration of study
• certified copies
• translations
• an FCDO apostille
• an equivalence decision

The Belgian recipient or equivalence service should confirm the exact document format.

UK Degree Verification for Belgium

A basic certified copy may not satisfy every Belgian recipient.

For stronger evidence, our solicitor can verify a UK qualification where the university provides a reliable route.

The process may include:

• reviewing the Degree Certificate
• checking the Academic Transcript
• accessing an official verification platform
• contacting the issuing university
• preparing enhanced certification
• electronically signing the PDF
• arranging the FCDO apostille

This process records how we checked the qualification.

However, it does not replace a decision from NARIC-Vlaanderen, the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles or another competent authority.

Professional Qualifications in Belgium

Belgium regulates many professions.

Applicants may need formal recognition before working as:

• doctors
• dentists
• pharmacists
• nurses
• midwives
• physiotherapists
• psychologists
• teachers
• architects
• lawyers
• other regulated professionals

The correct authority depends on the profession and the relevant Belgian community or region.

For healthcare professions, applicants must first obtain recognition or equivalence of the foreign basic qualification. An applicant can apply through the Flemish, French or German-speaking Community. A recognition issued by one community can apply throughout Belgium.

A professional-recognition application may require:

• the Degree Certificate
• the Academic Transcript
• course descriptions
• proof of professional registration
• certificates of good standing
• employment records
• apostilled documents
• sworn translations

Obtain the competent authority’s written checklist before arranging certification.

Company Documents for Belgium

UK company documents may support:

• registering a Belgian branch
• forming a Belgian subsidiary
• opening a corporate bank account
• commercial contracts
• investment transactions
• tenders
• property matters
• proving directors or shareholders
• appointing a Belgian representative

Official Companies House certificates may qualify for direct FCDO legalisation.

Company-created documents will usually need an appropriate signature before the FCDO can issue an apostille.

Examples include:

• board resolutions
• shareholder resolutions
• company powers of attorney
• registers of directors
• registers of members
• authorised signatory letters
• commercial agreements

Requirements can differ between Belgian banks, notaries, company service providers and registries.

Therefore, ask the Belgian recipient whether it needs solicitor certification or notarisation.

Powers of Attorney for Belgium

A UK power of attorney may support:

• a property transaction
• company incorporation
• court proceedings
• estate administration
• representation before a Belgian notary
• commercial transactions

The Belgian notary or lawyer should provide the required wording before the document is signed.

Depending on the transaction, the document may require:

• execution before a solicitor or notary
• identity verification
• witness details
• an FCDO apostille
• a sworn translation
• an original paper version

Do not rely on a general power-of-attorney template without checking the Belgian requirements.

Court Documents for Belgium

UK court documents may need legalisation for:

• divorce recognition
• probate
• inheritance
• civil claims
• family proceedings
• debt enforcement
• commercial disputes

Examples include:

• Final Orders
• Decrees Absolute
• court judgments
• consent orders
• Grants of Probate
• Letters of Administration

A court document with a recognised original court signature or seal may qualify for direct FCDO legalisation.

An electronic court document may first need solicitor verification and certification.

Unlike British birth, marriage and death certificates, British divorce orders are not listed under the Belgian Embassy’s 1928 legalisation exemption. Therefore, the Belgian recipient may require an FCDO apostille.

Does Belgium Require a Translation?

The answer depends on the authority and language of the procedure.

A Belgian recipient may ask for a translation into:

• Dutch
• French
• German

Some universities, employers or international organisations may accept documents in English. However, courts, municipalities, notaries and public authorities may require a local-language version.

Belgium maintains a national register of sworn translators, interpreters and translator-interpreters. Members of the public can check whether a translator has authority for the relevant language combination.

Before arranging a translation, ask:

• which language the recipient requires
• whether it accepts English
• whether a Belgian sworn translator must prepare the translation
• whether every page and annex needs translation
• whether the apostille must also be translated
• whether the recipient accepts an electronic sworn translation

Sworn Translations in Belgium

Belgian sworn translators use a regulated certification process.

Since 1 December 2022, the electronic signature of the sworn translator has replaced the former physical official stamp for electronic sworn translations.

For documents intended for use in Belgium, the translator’s electronic signature legalises the sworn translation where the translator follows the required procedure and acts within an authorised language combination.

The translator’s details generally include:

• their identification number
• their name
• their title as a sworn translator
• the relevant language combination
• their signature
• their electronic signature or legalisation

Often, applicants obtain the apostille first. The sworn translator then translates the complete legalised package.

Immigration and Residence Documents

UK documents may support Belgian applications involving:

• employment
• family reunification
• marriage
• residence
• citizenship
• proof of qualifications
• proof of family status
• police-record checks

The required documents depend on the municipality, immigration route and applicant’s circumstances.

Possible documents include:

• a passport copy
• a police certificate
• a marriage certificate
• a birth certificate
• a divorce order
• an employment letter
• educational qualifications

Remember that British birth, marriage and death certificates may benefit from the bilateral exemption. Other documents may still require an apostille.

Documents That Normally Need a Paper Apostille

Some UK documents cannot use the FCDO e-Apostille route.

Examples may include:

• ACRO Police Certificates
• DBS certificates
• fingerprint certificates
• certain original public certificates
• documents that the Belgian recipient requires in physical form

However, British birth, marriage and death certificates form a special case for Belgium. They generally do not require legalisation under the bilateral agreement described by the Belgian Embassy.

Therefore, do not order a paper apostille for a British civil-status certificate without first checking whether the Belgian recipient actually requires one.

Separate or Combined Apostilles?

Several related documents can sometimes form one solicitor-certified PDF.

However, this approach does not suit every Belgian application.

Separate apostilles may work better when:

• the Degree Certificate and Transcript have different uses
• an equivalence body wants separate files
• each document will go to a different authority
• the recipient requests an individual apostille for each document
• the documents come from different issuing bodies

Ask the Belgian recipient whether it accepts one combined legalised file before submission.

Our Process

Step 1: Send the Document

Send us a clear PDF of the UK document.

Step 2: Provide the Belgian Requirements

Include any instructions from the Belgian authority, university, employer, court, bank, notary or company.

Step 3: Check Whether Legalisation Is Needed

We first check whether the document needs an apostille.

This step is particularly important for British birth, marriage and death certificates because they may fall under the bilateral exemption.

Step 4: Select the Correct Route

We determine whether the document needs:

• no apostille
• an e-Apostille
• a paper apostille
• solicitor certification
• notarisation
• source verification

Step 5: Verify the Document

Where possible, our solicitor checks the document with its issuing source.

Step 6: Prepare Enhanced Certification

We draft the appropriate certification wording and apply the solicitor’s signature.

Step 7: Arrange the FCDO Apostille

Our team submits the document through the suitable FCDO route when legalisation is required.

Step 8: Send the Completed Document

Finally, we provide the completed digital document or arrange return delivery of the paper documents.

Need an Apostille for Belgium?

Send Ginkgo Advisory:

• a copy of the UK document
• its intended use in Belgium
• the name of the Belgian recipient
• the relevant region or community
• the language of the procedure
• any written requirements
• your required completion date

We will check whether an apostille is necessary and confirm the suitable verification, certification and legalisation route.

Eligible express e-Apostille cases may take a few hours to one working day, subject to document checks and FCDO processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Belgium accept an FCDO apostille?

Yes. For British documents that require legalisation, an FCDO apostille generally allows recognition in Belgium without further legalisation by the Belgian Embassy.

Do British birth certificates need an apostille for Belgium?

Normally, no. The Belgian Embassy states that British birth certificates benefit from a bilateral legalisation exemption.

Do British marriage certificates need an apostille for Belgium?

Normally, no. British marriage certificates are also covered by the exemption described by the Belgian Embassy.

Do British death certificates need an apostille for Belgium?

Normally, no. The bilateral agreement also covers British death certificates.

Does a UK divorce order need an apostille?

It may do. Divorce orders are not included in the Belgian Embassy’s stated exemption for British birth, marriage and death certificates.

Does Belgium accept an FCDO e-Apostille?

A UK e-Apostille may suit a digital application. However, the receiving Belgian authority should confirm that it accepts an electronically signed PDF.

Is true-copy certification enough?

It depends on the purpose. Some Belgian recipients may also want confirmation that the solicitor verified the document with its issuing body.

Can you verify a UK Degree Certificate?

Yes, where the issuing university provides a reliable verification route.

Does an apostille replace NARIC-Vlaanderen recognition?

No. An apostille authenticates the relevant signature or seal. NARIC-Vlaanderen assesses the legal status, authenticity and Flemish equivalence of a foreign qualification.

Which Belgian authority recognises a foreign degree?

The answer depends on the intended region, community, profession and purpose. NARIC-Vlaanderen handles many applications in Flanders and Brussels. The Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles operates separate procedures for French-speaking Belgium.

Does Belgium require a translation?

Sometimes. The Belgian recipient may request a Dutch, French or German translation prepared by a sworn translator.

Can you apostille an Academic Transcript?

Yes. We can review, verify and certify an eligible Academic Transcript before arranging the FCDO apostille.

Can an ACRO Police Certificate receive an e-Apostille?

No. An ACRO Police Certificate normally requires the FCDO paper apostille route.

Can several documents share one apostille?

Sometimes. However, the Belgian recipient may request a separate apostille for each document.

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