Do I need to submit translated documents for the Belgium WHV?

Volare Editorial | March 20, 2026

To obtain the Belgium Working Holiday Visa, the correct presentation of documentation is a fundamental step. Depending on your country of origin and the language of issuance of your official documents (such as the criminal record certificate or the medical certificate), consular regulations require certified translations and specific legalizations to process the file.

Translation and legalization regulations by nationality

The Belgian government establishes strict rules regarding the accepted languages for processing the D Visa. Below, the translation requirements are detailed according to the applicant's country of origin:

• Taiwan: Yes. Documents issued in Mandarin must mandatorily be translated into English, French, German, or Dutch. This translation must be done by an official sworn translator, and the final document must have its respective consular legalization to be admitted.

• South Korea: Yes. Documents issued in Korean must be translated into English, French, German, or Dutch by a recognized official translator. In addition, the documentation must indispensably have the Hague Apostille to certify its international validity.

• Canada, Australia, and New Zealand: Not necessary. For applicants of these nationalities, the Belgian consular authorities directly accept the original documents issued in English or French to process the visa, without requiring any type of additional translation or apostille for said documents.

Mandatory Supplementary Requirements

Regardless of the translation regulations for criminal records or medical certificates, the approval of the application is subject to the presentation of the following documents:

• Ticket Documentation: It is a mandatory requirement to present a return ticket already purchased at the end of the 12-month period. If it has not been acquired, the applicant must reliably demonstrate possession of additional and sufficient financial funds to purchase a return ticket at the end of the stay.

• Financial Solvency: Demonstration of funds for initial support through official and updated bank statements.

Final Considerations

It is vital to carefully review the instructions of the corresponding embassy or consulate before attending the appointment. Presenting documents without the required official translations or without the pertinent legalizations (Apostille or consular legalization) will result in the automatic rejection of the visa application.

For technical assistance regarding the preparation of your file and the review of requirements, you can consult the Volare Belgium WHV section.