FrenchBackground, Culture and Documents
Background on the French language, its dialects and writing system, and the document requirements for sworn translations. Translations are made by Rbtv-registered, court-sworn translators and accepted by every Dutch authority.
Summary of sworn French translation
Sworn translation between Dutch and French is official translation carried out by a translator entered in the Dutch Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators (Rbtv). The translator's signed statement and stamp give the translation legal standing, which is why bodies such as the IND, gemeenten and courts accept it.
Definition: sworn French translation
Sworn French translation: Sworn translation between Dutch and French is official translation carried out by a translator entered in the Dutch Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators (Rbtv). The translator's signed statement and stamp give the translation legal standing, which is why bodies such as the IND, gemeenten and courts accept it.
Facts about French
- Writing system
- Latin alphabet
- Number of speakers
- 320 million
- Countries
- Frankrijk, België, Zwitserland, Canada, Luxemburg
About sworn French translations
International clients often use the words certified or notarised, while the Dutch system uses the term sworn (beëdigd). In the Netherlands the element that carries legal weight is the sworn, Rbtv-registered translator who signs and stamps the work; a notary is not involved in the translation itself. So if a Dutch body asks for a certified or official French translation, a sworn translation is what they mean.
Only a translator sworn before a Dutch district court and listed in the Rbtv for the Dutch–French pair, a register kept by Bureau Wbtv on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and Security. That registration is what authorities check, not the translator's qualifications alone.
Civil-status documents (birth, marriage, death and divorce certificates), academic documents (diplomas and transcripts), criminal-record extracts, and various legal and corporate documents are the most common.
Documents and requirements for French
Delivery time, apostille requirement and the destination authority per document type for French destinations. For prices, see our pricing page.
| Document | Delivery time | Apostille required | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | 5-7 working days | Yes | Préfecture, Mairie |
| Diploma + cijferlijst | 5-7 working days | Depends | ENIC-NARIC France, université |
| Marriage certificate | 5-7 working days | Yes | Mairie, Belgische gemeente |
| Power of attorney | 5-7 working days | Yes | Notaire, Tribunal |
| Personal Records Database extract (BRP) | 5-7 working days | Yes | Belgische bevolkingsregister |
Documents we translate into French
We translate every kind of official document to and from French. Below are the document types people request most often:
Is your document type not listed? See all 103 document types.
Apostille Convention countries where French is official
When you have a document sworn-translated for one of these countries, a Dutch apostille is enough, so consular legalisation is not required.
- BurundiBI
- FranceFR
- LuxembourgLU
- MonacoMC
Frequently asked questions about French translations
What is a sworn translation?▼
Is a sworn translator the same as a certified translator?▼
Who can make a certified Dutch–French translation?▼
Do I need a sworn translation for the IND?▼
How we know this
This page is based on Dutch Wbtv legislation, the official Rbtv register and publications by De Rechtspraak and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Specific French document requirements were verified with the relevant authorities in the destination countries.
By: Beëdigde Vertaling Online. Last updated on .
Sworn translation French
Rbtv-registered · accepted by every Dutch authority
More about the work of a sworn French translator
Want to know what a sworn French translator does, which Rbtv/Wbtv requirements apply, and how Beëdigde Vertaling Online selects your translator? Read our full explanation, with the acceptance guarantee and a price indication.
