Legalisations, apostilles and official submissions.
We handle the entire legalisation process of your documents with the Belgian authorities and foreign diplomatic missions. One point of contact, from the first counter to the last.
Apostille, or full legalisation?
Hague apostille
For countries party to the Hague Convention: a single stamp from the FPS Foreign Affairs is enough. The fastest route.
Full legalisation
For other countries: the chain continues to the embassy or consulate of destination. We handle every link.
The right counter, in the right order.
Each link requires the right counter, the right order and the right documents. A mistake at the start is paid for at the end, in lost weeks.
We check the applicable route
Hague apostille or full legalisation, depending on the destination country.
Belgian legalisations
Court of First Instance, FPS Justice, FPS Foreign Affairs (apostille), chamber of commerce.
Diplomatic mission
Submission to the country’s consulate or embassy when the apostille is not enough.
Return of the completed file
In person at the office or by secure delivery.
We deal directly with:
Official fees and our fees, distinguished.
Official fees charged by the authority or consulate are billed at cost, against receipt, and are distinct from the office fees.
| Authority | Average timeline | Official fees | Our fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court of First Instance | 1 to 2 weeks | Per official rate | On quote |
| FPS Justice | 1 to 2 weeks | Per official rate | On quote |
| FPS Foreign Affairs — apostille | 1 to 2 weeks | Per official rate | On quote |
| Full consular chain | 2 to 4 weeks | Depends on consulate | On quote |
| Chamber of Commerce (BECI) | 1 to 2 weeks | Per official rate | On quote |
The office fees are set per file, on quote. Official fees charged by the administration or consulate are billed at cost, against receipt.
Questions about legalisation.
Apostille or full legalisation: how do I know?
It depends solely on the destination country. If the country has signed the Hague Convention, a single apostille issued by the FPS Foreign Affairs is enough and no embassy visit is required. Otherwise, the full procedure applies, with a final legalisation by the embassy or consulate of the country concerned.
Which authorities do you cover?
FPS Justice, FPS Foreign Affairs, Court of First Instance, Courts of Appeal of Brussels, Liège, Namur, Mons, Nivelles and Antwerp, embassies and consulates, and chambers of commerce.
How long does a legalisation take?
Authentication at the court is often immediate. The FPS Justice and Foreign Affairs generally each require 1 to 2 working days. Consular legalisation varies greatly by country: from 2 to 14 days. The total timeline is given to you from the quote.
Does the document have to be translated before being legalised?
Usually yes: the sworn translation comes first, then the translator's signature is authenticated by the court registry, before the federal and consular steps. That order avoids back-and-forth.
Do you go to the administrations yourselves?
Yes. Our daily physical presence with the Brussels authorities is what makes it possible to shorten the timelines. We also offer delivery services in Brussels and elsewhere.
Need to legalise your documents?
Get a precise analysis of your file and a detailed quote within 2 working hours.