FWB Diploma Recognition in Brussels: Translation and NARIC Procedure

Brussels is home to hundreds of thousands of international residents, the headquarters of the European Union, NATO and countless multinational corporations. Every year, thousands of foreign degree-holders living in Brussels need their qualifications recognised to work in the Belgian public sector, practise a regulated profession or enrol in a Belgian university. The ARES equivalence procedure is the route for French-speaking Brussels - and a sworn translation is the essential first step.

ARES diploma equivalence in Brussels: the basics

In Brussels, diploma equivalence depends on which linguistic community you wish to work or study in. For the French-speaking institutions of Brussels - Walloon government jobs in Brussels, ULB, UCLouvain (Woluwe), Institut Paul-Henri Spaak, EPHEC and other French-medium institutions - the competent body is ARES/NARIC Wallonie-Bruxelles.

For Flemish institutions in Brussels - VUB, KU Leuven Brussels, Flemish government jobs - the competent body is NARIC Vlaanderen, which operates a separate procedure.

The choice of ARES or NARIC Vlaanderen is determined by the intended use of the diploma, not by your place of residence in Brussels. If you are targeting both communities, you may need to apply to both bodies.

Specific Brussels contexts for ARES equivalence

Brussels's unique institutional landscape creates specific scenarios where ARES equivalence is particularly relevant:

EU institutions and international organisations

EU officials and contractors working at the European Commission, European Parliament or Council of the EU are subject to EU Staff Regulations regarding academic qualifications. While EU institutions use their own recognition procedures (not ARES), many EU staff who transition to Belgian public sector roles or private employment subsequently need an ARES equivalence certificate.

Brussels Capital Region public sector

The Brussels Capital Region (BCR) has its own civil service - SPRB (Service public régional de Bruxelles), STIB, Bruxelles Environnement, citydev.brussels and many others. These bodies typically require an ARES equivalence certificate for positions requiring a higher education diploma, when the candidate holds a foreign degree.

French-medium universities in Brussels

ULB (Université libre de Bruxelles) and the Brussels campuses of UCLouvainhave their own admissions processes for international students, but an ARES equivalence certificate significantly strengthens an application for master's or doctoral programmes and is sometimes required for access to certain regulated programmes.

Documents required for an ARES application from Brussels

• Original diploma or certified true copy authenticated in the country of origin
• Sworn translation into French of the diploma, produced by a Belgian sworn translator on the FPS Justice official list
• Academic transcript (all modules, credits and grades) with sworn translation into French
• Programme description or detailed curriculum for your programme of study
• Apostille or legalisation of original documents if from a non-EU country
• Identity document (national identity card or passport)
• Completed ARES online application form

Brussels residents often have documents from multiple countries and languages - a Moroccan diploma, a French master's, an American bachelor's. We handle multi-language, multi-document sworn translation files and can coordinate complex applications with tight deadlines.

Why choose TranslateBE for your Brussels ARES application

• Sworn translators on the FPS Justice list : recognised by ARES/NARIC Wallonie-Bruxelles without exception
• 70+ languages covered : including Arabic, Turkish, Chinese, Russian, Romanian, Hindi, Farsi and many more
• Express 24-48h delivery : the sworn translation does not have to be the bottleneck in your ARES application
• Online service : no need to visit a physical office in Brussels; upload your document and receive your translation by secure email
• Multiple certified copies available - for ARES, your employer, university admissions and professional order simultaneously

Frequently asked questions: ARES equivalence in Brussels

I work at a European institution in Brussels - do I need an ARES certificate?

For your position within an EU institution, no - EU institutions use their own qualification assessment procedures under EU Staff Regulations. However, if you are transitioning to a role in the Belgian public sector, a regulated profession in Belgium, or a Belgian university position, an ARES equivalence certificate from NARIC Wallonie-Bruxelles may be required. Contact ARES directly to confirm the requirements for your specific situation.

My diploma is in English - do I still need a French sworn translation for ARES?

Yes. ARES/NARIC Wallonie-Bruxelles requires all supporting documents to be accompanied by a French sworn translation, regardless of the original language of the diploma. English-language diplomas from the UK, US, Australia, Canada or other English-speaking countries must be translated into French by a Belgian sworn translator. TranslateBE covers English-French sworn translation with standard 24-48h delivery.

How long does it take to get an ARES equivalence certificate in Brussels?

The statutory ARES processing time is 4 months from the date your complete file is received. This clock only starts once all required documents - including correct sworn translations - are submitted. Incomplete files are put on hold. Submit your sworn translations as quickly as possible (we deliver in 24-48h) to avoid delaying the start of the 4-month period.

See also: ARES diploma equivalence in Belgium, Foreign diploma recognition Belgium, Diploma translation Belgium