It is impossible to provide a standard rate or average cost for a translation or an interpreting assignment.

The cost of a translation is calculated based on the quantity of text, i.e. the number of lines (1 line = 60 characters in Word, including spaces), the difficulty or technicality of the text, and the source and target languages. A translation will also be more expensive if it has to be sworn or legalised.

In principle interpreting is paid on a full-day basis. Again, rates depend on the source and target languages and the subject. If equipment also has to be delivered, (booths, microphones for speakers and/or interpreters, wireless headphones for the audience), this obviously involves extra costs. Moreover, it is customary to reimburse the interpreter’s transport, hotel and restaurant expenses, if any. We guarantee that Alltrans will provide honest advice about the best possible way to organise an interpreting assignment.

Should you require a quotation for a translation or an interpreting assignment, you are kindly requested to contact us.

It is impossible to provide a standard rate or average cost for a translation. The cost of a translation is calculated based on the quantity of text, i.e. the number of lines (1 line = 60 characters in Word, including spaces), the difficulty or technicality of the text, and the source and target languages. A translation will also be more expensive if it has to be sworn or legalised.

Should you require a quotation for a translation, you are kindly requested to contact us.

In principle interpreting is paid on a full-day basis. Rates depend on the source and target languages and the subject. If equipment also has to be delivered, (booths, microphones for speakers and/or interpreters, wireless headphones for the audience), this obviously involves extra costs. Moreover, it is customary to reimburse the interpreter’s transport, hotel and restaurant expenses, if any. We guarantee that Alltrans will provide honest advice about the best possible way to organise an interpreting assignment.

Should you require a quotation for an interpreting assignment, you are kindly requested to contact us.

A reasonable deadline is agreed on with the translator. Most but not all deadlines set by customers are feasible: in theory, a 4-page translation can be delivered after 1 working day, unless there are several other deadlines around the same time. In any case Alltrans undertakes to find the best possible solution for you.

An interpreter translates orally, a translator only translates on paper.

There are different types of interpreting:

• simultaneous interpreting: interpreters listen to the speaker using headphones and translate almost immediately what they hear, speaking into a microphone. Interpreters usually work in a sound-proof booth. Listeners who do not master the speaker’s language can hear the interpreter through headphones and thus understand the speaker’s message. This is the most frequent type of interpreting.
• whispering: this is a type of simultaneous interpreting, especially used if only one or two individuals require translation. The interpreters will sit next to the person they are translating for and ‘whisper’ their translation into their listener’s ear.
• consecutive interpreting: the interpreter is close to the speaker and takes notes on the latter’s message. After a few minutes the interpreter is given the floor and translates the message, after which it is the speaker’s turn again.
• liaison interpreting: this is actually also consecutive interpreting, but without interpreters taking notes. They translate short interventions of two persons who each speak a different language. This type of interpreting is especially used in a social context (e.g. an immigrant who does not know the language of his host country yet, can appeal to a ‘social’ interpreter to translate at town hall, at the hospital, …)

A sworn translation is signed by a translator who has taken an oath before a court of law to carry out their task conscientiously, accurately and honestly. Since December 2022, the whole process has been entirely electronic: the translator delivers a PDF document bearing an electronic signature and an image of their handwritten signature. As a result, official stamps are no longer used for sworn translations.

Sworn translators must have successfully completed a training course recognised by the Federal Public Service (FPS) Justice, to which they then apply for accreditation. Only after this are they listed in the National Register of Sworn Translators. Sworn status is valid for six years and can then be renewed. Continuing professional development is mandatory.

Sworn translations are usually requested by independent professionals for use in legal proceedings, or for submission to government bodies during administrative procedures. To determine whether a translation needs to be sworn, it is best to consult the person or department requesting it.

A legalised translation is a sworn translation with additional authentication of the translator’s identity or professional status. For legalised translations, it is important to distinguish between two situations:

1. You have a foreign document that needs to be translated for use in Belgium

If you have the document translated by a sworn translator listed in the National Register of Sworn Translators, their signature serves as both sworn certification and legalisation. Be aware, though, that the source document itself may need to be legalised by the foreign authority that issued it and/or to bear an apostille. More information about this can be found on the website of the FPS Foreign Affairs. Alltrans will be happy to give you guidance, but to be absolutely certain about the requirements for both the source document and the translation, you should contact the authority requesting the translation.

2. You have a Belgian document that needs to be translated for use abroad

Sometimes a sworn translation will do; however, depending on the destination country, an additional legalisation or apostille issued by the FPS Foreign Affairs may be required. More information about this can be found on the website of the FPS Foreign Affairs. However, it is always best to check with the foreign authority for which the translation is intended exactly what is required.

Translators with sworn status in Belgium can apply to the FPS Foreign Affairs for legalisation or an apostille (for a fee) for their translations; however, they must also submit the source document, which must meet specific requirements. For instance, a notarial deed must bear an apostille, which can only be requested by the notary. Bear in mind that requirements vary depending on the type of document. Alltrans will always do its best to advise you.