Immigration

Foreign Degree Recognition

We handle the homologation and equivalence of foreign academic degrees in Spain. Official recognition so you can practice your profession or continue your studies.

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Foreign degree recognition
What it is

Your degree, officially valid in Spain

Foreign degree homologation is the official recognition by the Spanish Ministry of Education (or the competent authority for regulated professions) that your degree has the same effects as its Spanish equivalent. Without it, you cannot practice regulated professions — such as medicine, law or engineering — and, in many cases, you cannot pursue further studies or apply for certain public-sector jobs.

📜Types of recognition

  • Equivalence of university degrees
  • Homologation of university and non-university qualifications — ESO (secondary education), FP (vocational training) and Bachillerato (upper secondary), Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD
  • Professional recognition — for regulated professions (doctors, lawyers, engineers)

🗂️Required documents

  • Original degree, apostilled or legalized
  • Academic transcript
  • Sworn translation (if not in Spanish)
  • Passport or NIE
  • Curriculum / study plan (for university degrees)

⚖️Homologation vs. equivalence vs. professional recognition

Homologation declares that your degree is equivalent to a specific Spanish degree. Equivalence certifies the academic level you have achieved without linking it to a specific Spanish degree. Professional recognition, on the other hand, authorizes you to practice a regulated profession in Spain, and may require aptitude tests or additional internship periods.

🏛️Competent authority

Homologation of university and non-university qualifications is processed before the Ministry of Education; recognition for regulated professions may fall under other ministries or professional associations, depending on the activity. We tell you the exact authority and the right route from day one.

Methodology

How we handle your degree recognition

A clear process, so you always know where your application stands.

1

Degree assessment

We analyze your degree and study plan to determine the most suitable recognition route.

2

Document preparation

We gather the apostille or legalization, the sworn translation and all other required documents.

3

Application submission

We submit your file to the Ministry of Education or the competent authority.

4

Follow-up and decision

We actively follow up until a decision is issued, and prepare an appeal if needed.

Need to get your degree recognized?

We handle the entire process for you, from start to finish.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about degree recognition

How long does it take to get a university degree homologated?
The timeframe can vary considerably, from several months to more than a year, depending on the degree and the Ministry’s volume of applications. We actively follow up to speed it up as much as possible.
What is the difference between homologation and equivalence?
Homologation links your degree to a specific Spanish degree, with the same effects. Equivalence certifies your academic level without assigning you a specific Spanish degree, and is often used to continue your studies.
Can I work while my degree recognition is being processed?
It depends on the profession: for non-regulated activities you usually don’t need to wait for homologation, but for regulated professions (doctor, lawyer, engineer) you cannot legally practice until you obtain the corresponding professional recognition.
What happens if my homologation is denied?
You can file an administrative appeal for reconsideration (recurso de reposición) or, where applicable, a judicial appeal before the administrative courts (recurso contencioso-administrativo). We analyze the reason for the denial and prepare the additional documentation needed to overturn it.
Can I be required to validate courses or take an aptitude test?
Yes. In some cases the Ministry requires you to complete supplementary training, validate courses or pass a comprehensive exam (prueba de conjunto) to verify that your training is equivalent to that of the corresponding Spanish degree.