Laatste update:
16/02/2021
Important preliminary remark: Lawyers’ costs and fees are not regulated in Belgium (they depend on the difficulty and significance of the case, the name and reputation of the lawyer, the urgency of the matter, the outcome of the case, etc.). However, lawyers in Belgium are bound by rules of professional conduct and are legally required to estimate costs in a way that is fair and moderate (see above).
The estimate of costs is provided on a purely indicative basis.
Costs in Belgium
Costs of proceedings at first instance and appeal, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Case study | Proceedings at first instance | Appeal proceedings | Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) |
| Initial court fees | Transcription fees | Other fees | Initial court fees | Transcription fees | Other fees | Is this option available in this type of case? | Fees |
| Case A | EUR 82 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree (arrêté royal) No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | | EUR 186 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree (arrêté royal) No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | | no | |
| Case B | EUR 82 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | | EUR 186 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | | no | |
Costs of lawyers, bailiffs (huissier de justice) and expert witnesses (expert)
Case study | Lawyer | Bailiff | Expert witness |
| Is representation compulsory? | Average costs | Is representation compulsory? | Pre-judgment costs | Post-judgment costs | Is use compulsory? | Fees |
| Case A | no | around EUR 2 500 | no | around EUR 250 | around EUR 250 | no | |
| Case B | no | around EUR 3 500 | no | around EUR 350 | around EUR 350 | no |
|
Costs of witness (témoin) compensation, proof by oath (serment) or other guarantee and other relevant fees
Case study | Witness compensation | Proof by oath or other guarantee | Other fees |
| Are witnesses compensated? | Cost | Does this apply and when and how is it used? | Cost | Description | Cost |
| Case A | yes | EUR 4.96 | In civil cases, as a general rule, an obligation to provide a security when instituting proceedings may be imposed in the situation provided for in Article 851 of the Judicial Code (Code judiciaire). This is an exception applying to foreign applicants. A Belgian respondent may request that the foreign applicant or intervening party provide a security. Article 852 specifies the form which the security may take (sum of money, surety, etc.). See page on transparency of costs. |
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| Case B | yes | EUR 4.96 | In civil cases, as a general rule, an obligation to provide a security when instituting proceedings may be imposed in the situation provided for in Article 851 of the Judicial Code. This is an exception applying to foreign applicants. A Belgian respondent may request that the foreign applicant or intervening party provide a security. Article 852 specifies the form which the security may take (sum of money, surety, etc.). See page on transparency of costs. | | | |
Costs of legal aid (aide juridique) and other reimbursements
See the ‘Legal Aid’ section of the page dealing with costs of proceedings.
Costs of translation and interpretation
Case study | Translation | Interpretation | Other costs relating to transnational disputes? |
| When and under which conditions is it necessary? | Approximate cost? | When and under which conditions is it necessary? | Approximate cost? | Description | Approximate cost? |
| Case A | when the documents are necessary for the proceedings | between EUR 7.57 and EUR 34.48 per page | when the respondent does not understand the language of the proceedings | between EUR 31.61 and EUR 54.62 per hour |
| Case B | when the documents are necessary for the proceedings | between EUR 7.57 and EUR 34.48 per page | when the respondent does not understand the language of the proceedings | between EUR 31.61 and EUR 54.62 per hour | costs of declaration of enforceability | around EUR 100 |
Last update:
02/12/2024
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
Important preliminary remark: Lawyers’ costs and fees are not regulated in Belgium (these depend on the difficulty and significance of the case, the name and reputation of the lawyer, the urgency of the matter, the outcome of the case, etc.). However, lawyers in Belgium are bound by rules of professional conduct and are legally required to estimate costs in a way that is fair and moderate (see above).
The estimate of costs is provided on a purely indicative basis.
Costs in Belgium
Costs of proceedings at first instance and appeal, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Case study | Proceedings at first instance | Appeal proceedings | Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) |
| Initial court fees | Transcription fees | Other fees | Initial court fees | Transcription fees | Other fees | Is this option available in this type of case? | Fees |
| Case A | EUR 52 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree (arrêté royal) No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | | EUR 186 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree (arrêté royal) No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | | no | |
| Case B | EUR 52 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree (arrêté royal) No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | | EUR 186 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree (arrêté royal) No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | | no | |
Costs of lawyers, bailiffs (huissier de justice) and expert witnesses (expert)
Case study | Lawyer | Bailiff | Expert witness |
| Is representation compulsory? | Average costs | Is representation compulsory? | Pre-judgment costs | Post-judgment costs | Is use compulsory? | Fees |
| Case A | no | around EUR 1 500 | no | EUR 52 | around EUR 100 | no | |
| Case B | no | around EUR 1 000 | no | EUR 52 | around EUR 100 | no | |
Costs of witness (témoin) compensation, proof by oath (serment) or other guarantee and other relevant fees
Case study | Witness compensation | Proof by oath or other guarantee |
| Are witnesses compensated? | Cost | Does this apply and when and how is it implemented? |
| Case A | yes | BEF 200 or EUR 4.96 | In civil cases, as a general rule, an obligation to provide a security when instituting proceedings may be imposed in the situation provided for in Article 851 of the Judicial Code (Code judiciaire). This is an exception applying to foreign applicants. A Belgian respondent may request that the foreign applicant or intervening party provide a security. Article 852 specifies the form which the security may take (sum of money, surety, etc.). See page on transparency of costs. |
| Case B | yes | BEF 200 or EUR 4.96 | In civil cases, as a general rule, an obligation to provide a security when instituting proceedings may be imposed in the situation provided for in Article 851 of the Judicial Code. This is an exception applying to foreign applicants. A Belgian respondent may request that the foreign applicant or intervening party provide a security. Article 852 specifies the form which the security may take (sum of money, surety, etc.). See page on transparency of costs. |
Costs of legal aid (aide juridique) and other reimbursements
See the ‘Legal Aid’ section of the page dealing with costs of proceedings.
Costs of translation and interpretation
Case study | Translation | Interpretation | Other costs relating to transnational disputes? |
| When and under which conditions is it necessary? | Approximate cost? | When and under which conditions is it necessary? | Approximate cost? | Description | Approximate cost? |
| Case A | when the documents are necessary for the proceedings | between EUR 7.57 and EUR 34.48 per page | when the respondent does not understand the language of the proceedings | between EUR 31.61 and EUR 54.62 per hour | | |
| Case B | when the documents are necessary for the proceedings | between EUR 7.57 and EUR 34.38 per page | when the respondent does not understand the language of the proceedings | between EUR 31.61 and EUR 54.62 per hour | costs of declaration of enforceability | around EUR 100 |
Last update:
02/12/2024
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
Important preliminary remark: Lawyers’ fees are not regulated in Belgium (they are determined on the basis of the difficulty and significance of the case, the name and reputation of the lawyer, the urgency of the case, the outcome of the case, etc.). However, lawyers in Belgium are bound by ethical rules and are legally obliged to give an estimate of expenses and costs that is fair and moderate (see above).
The estimate of expenses and costs is purely indicative.
Costs in Belgium
Costs of proceedings at first instance and appeal, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
Case study | Proceedings at first instance | Appeal proceedings | Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) |
| Initial costs of proceedings | Transcription costs | Other Costs | Initial costs of proceedings | Transcription costs | Other Costs | Is this option available in this type of case? | Costs |
| Case A | EUR 27 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree (arrêté royal) No° 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | | EUR 82 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No° 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | | no | |
| Case B | EUR 27 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No° 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | | EUR 82 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No° 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | | no | |
Fees of lawyers, bailiffs (huissier de justice) and expert witnesses (expert)
Case study | Lawyer | Bailiff | Expert witness |
| Is representation compulsory? | Average costs | Is representation compulsory? | Costs prior to the judgment | Costs after the judgment | Is their involvement compulsory? | Costs |
| Case A | no | around EUR 1 000 | no | around EUR 27 | around EUR 60 | no | |
| Case B | no | around EUR 1 000 | no | around EUR 27 | around EUR 60 | no | |
Costs relating to payment of witnesses (témoin), proof by oath (serment) or other guarantee and other fees
Case study | Payment of witnesses | Proof by oath or other guarantee |
| Are witnesses paid? | Cost | Does this apply and when and how is it implemented? |
| Case A | yes | between EUR 15.65 and EUR 48.24 | In civil proceedings, as a general rule, the obligation to provide a deposit when commencing proceedings may arise in the case provided for in Article 851 of the Judicial Code (Code judiciaire). In this case, a claimant who is a foreign national may be obliged to provide a deposit. A Belgian respondent may request that the foreign claimant or intervener provide a deposit. Article 852 specifies the form the deposit may take (sum of money, security, etc.). See fact sheet on transparency of costs. |
| Case B | yes | BEF 200 or EUR 4.96 | In civil proceedings, as a general rule, the obligation to provide a deposit when commencing proceedings may arise in the case provided for in Article 851 of the Judicial Code. In this case, a claimant who is a foreign national may be obliged to provide a deposit. A Belgian respondent may request that the foreign claimant or intervener provide a deposit. Article 852 specifies the form the deposit may take (sum of money, security, etc.). See fact sheet on transparency of costs. |
Legal aid (aide juridique) costs and other types of reimbursement
See the Legal aid section of the page on the costs of proceedings.
Translation and interpretation costs
Case study | Translation | Interpretation | Other costs relating to cross-border disputes? |
| When and under what conditions is it necessary? | Approximate cost? | When and under what conditions is it necessary? | Approximate cost? | Description | Approximate cost? |
| Case A | where the documents are necessary for the proceedings | between EUR 7.57 and EUR 34.48 per page | where the respondent does not understand the language of the proceedings | between EUR 31.61 and EUR 54.62 per hour | | |
| Case B | where the documents are necessary for the proceedings | between EUR 7.57 and EUR 34.48 per page | where the respondent does not understand the language of the proceedings | between EUR 31.61 and EUR 54.62 per hour | costs of declaration of enforceability (exequatur) | around EUR 100 |
Last update:
02/12/2024
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
Important preliminary remark: Lawyers’ fees are not regulated in Belgium (they are determined on the basis of the difficulty and significance of the case, the name and reputation of the lawyer, the urgency of the case, the outcome of the case, etc.). However, lawyers in Belgium are bound by ethical rules and are legally obliged to give an estimate of expenses and costs that is fair and moderate (see above).
The estimate of expenses and costs is purely indicative.
Costs in Belgium
Costs of proceedings at first instance and appeal, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
Case study | Proceedings at first instance | Appeal proceedings | Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) |
| Initial costs of proceedings | Transcription costs | Initial costs of proceedings | Transcription costs | Is this option available in this type of case? | Costs |
| Case A | EUR 82 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree (arrêté royal) No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | EUR 186 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | Yes | See the section entitled ‘What is the cost of mediation?’ on the Mediation in Belgium page |
| Case B | EUR 52 (European Payment Order) | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | EUR 186 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | Yes | See the section entitled ‘What is the cost of mediation?’ on the Mediation in Belgium page |
Fees of lawyers, bailiffs (huissier de justice) and expert witnesses (expert)
Case study | Lawyer | Bailiff | Expert witness |
| Is representation compulsory? | Average costs | Is representation compulsory? | Costs prior to the judgment | Costs after the judgment | Is their involvement compulsory? |
| Case A | no | around EUR 2 000 | no | around EUR 250 | around EUR 250 | no |
| Case B | no | around EUR 2 000 | no | around EUR 52 | around EUR 100 | no |
Costs relating to payment of witnesses (témoin), proof by oath (serment d'engagement) or other guarantee and other fees
Case study | Payment of witnesses | Proof by oath or other guarantee |
| Are witnesses paid? | Cost | Does this apply and when and how is it implemented? |
| Case A | yes | BEF 200 or EUR 4.96 | In civil proceedings, as a general rule, the obligation to provide a deposit when commencing proceedings may arise in the case provided for in Article 851 of the Judicial Code (Code judiciaire). In this case, a claimant who is a foreign national may be obliged to provide a deposit. A Belgian respondent may request that the foreign claimant or intervener provide a deposit. Article 852 specifies the form the deposit may take (sum of money, security, etc.). See fact sheet on transparency of costs. |
| Case B | yes | BEF 200 or EUR 4.96 | In civil proceedings, as a general rule, the obligation to provide a deposit when commencing proceedings may arise in the case provided for in Article 851 of the Judicial Code. In this case, a claimant who is a foreign national may be obliged to provide a deposit. A Belgian respondent may request that the foreign claimant or intervener provide a deposit. Article 852 specifies the form the deposit may take (sum of money, security, etc.). See fact sheet on transparency of costs. |
Legal aid (aide juridique) costs and other types of reimbursement
See the Legal aid section of the page on the costs of proceedings.
Translation and interpretation costs
Case study | Translation | Interpretation | Other costs relating to cross-border disputes? |
| When and under what conditions is it necessary? | Approximate cost? | When and under what conditions is it necessary? | Approximate cost? | Description | Approximate cost? |
| Case A | where the documents are necessary for the proceedings | between EUR 7.57 and EUR 34.48 per page | where the respondent does not understand the language of the proceedings | between EUR 31.61 and EUR 54.62 per hour | | |
| Case B | where the documents are necessary for the proceedings | between EUR 7.57 and EUR 34.48 per page | where the respondent does not understand the language of the proceedings | between EUR 31.61 and EUR 54.62 per hour | costs of declaration of enforceability (exequatur) | around EUR 100 |
Last update:
02/12/2024
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
Important preliminary remark: Lawyers’ fees are not regulated in Belgium (they are determined on the basis of the difficulty and significance of the case, the name and reputation of the lawyer, the urgency of the case, the outcome of the case, etc.). However, lawyers in Belgium are bound by ethical rules and are legally obliged to give an estimate of expenses and costs that is fair and moderate (see above).
The estimate of expenses and costs is purely indicative.
Costs in Belgium
Costs of proceedings at first instance and appeal, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
Case study | Proceedings at first instance | Appeal proceedings | Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) |
| Initial costs of proceedings | Transcription costs | Initial costs of proceedings | Transcription costs | Is this option available in this type of case? | Costs |
| Case A | EUR 82 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree (arrêté royal) No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | EUR 186 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | yes | See the section entitled ‘What is the cost of mediation?’ on the Mediation in Belgium page |
| Case B | EUR 82 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | EUR 186 | EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) | yes | See the section entitled ‘What is the cost of mediation?’ on the Mediation in Belgium page |
Fees of lawyers, bailiffs (huissier de justice) and expert witnesses (expert)
Case study | Lawyer | Bailiff | Expert witness |
| Is representation compulsory? | Average costs | Is representation compulsory? | Costs prior to the judgment | Costs after the judgment | Is their involvement compulsory? |
| Case A | no | around EUR 3 000 | no | around EUR 500 | around EUR 250 | no |
| Case B | no | around EUR 3 000 | no | around EUR 500 | around EUR 250 | no |
Costs relating to payment of witnesses (témoin), proof by oath (serment) or other guarantee
Case study | Payment of witnesses | Proof by oath or other guarantee |
| Are witnesses paid? | Cost | Does this apply and when and how is it implemented? |
| Case A | yes | BEF 200 or EUR 4.96 | In civil proceedings, as a general rule, the obligation to provide a deposit when commencing proceedings may arise in the case provided for in Article 851 of the Judicial Code (Code judiciaire). In this case, a claimant who is a foreign national may be obliged to provide a deposit. A Belgian respondent may request that the foreign claimant or intervener provide a deposit. Article 852 specifies the form the deposit may take (sum of money, security, etc.). See fact sheet on transparency of costs. |
| Case B | yes | BEF 200 or EUR 4.96 | In civil proceedings, as a general rule, the obligation to provide a deposit when commencing proceedings may arise in the case provided for in Article 851 of the Judicial Code. In this case, a claimant who is a foreign national may be obliged to provide a deposit. A Belgian respondent may request that the foreign claimant or intervener provide a deposit. Article 852 specifies the form the deposit may take (sum of money, security, etc.). See fact sheet on transparency of costs. |
Legal aid (aide juridique) costs and other types of reimbursement
See the Legal aid section of the page on the costs of proceedings.
Translation and interpretation costs
Case study | Translation | Interpretation | Other costs relating to cross-border disputes? |
| When and under what conditions is it necessary? | Approximate cost? | When and under what conditions is it necessary? | Approximate cost? | Description | Approximate cost? |
| Case A | where the documents are necessary for the proceedings | between EUR 7.57 and EUR 34.48 per page | where the respondent does not understand the language of the proceedings | between EUR 31.61 and EUR 54.62 per hour | | |
| Case B | where the documents are necessary for the proceedings | between EUR 7.57 and EUR 34.48 per page | where the respondent does not understand the language of the proceedings | between EUR 31.61 and EUR 54.62 per hour | costs of declaration of enforceability (exequatur) | around EUR 100 |
Last update:
02/12/2024
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
