Understanding Qualification Recognition in Spain
For foreign nationals moving to Spain, the recognition of academic credentials is a fundamental step for legal employment, further education, or professional licensure. The Spanish administrative system distinguishes between different procedures based on the level of education and the intended use of the qualification. As of 2025/2026, the processes are governed by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities for higher education, and the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports for non-university levels.
There are three primary categories of recognition:
- Homologación: Grants a foreign degree the same official validity as a specific Spanish degree that leads to a regulated profession (e.g., Medicine, Law, Engineering).
- Equivalencia: Grants a foreign university degree the same academic level as a Spanish degree (e.g., Bachelor’s or Master’s) without tying it to a specific regulated professional title.
- Convalidación: The recognition of partial studies or non-university education (Primary or Secondary school) to continue studying within the Spanish educational system.
University Degree Recognition: Homologación and Equivalencia
Foreign university graduates must choose between Homologación and Equivalencia. Under the current regulatory framework (Royal Decree 889/2022), the application process is conducted entirely online through the Sede Electrónica of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
Homologación for Regulated Professions
This process is mandatory for those who wish to practice professions that require a specific title in Spain. These include healthcare roles, architects, and various engineering fields. The result of a successful application is a credential that allows the holder to register with the relevant professional college (Colegio Profesional).
Equivalencia for Academic Levels
For individuals seeking employment in the private sector where the profession is not regulated, or for those applying for civil service exams (Oposiciones) that only require a generic degree level, Equivalencia is the standard route. This process is generally faster than homologación.
Costs and Fees
To process these applications, a government fee (Tasa 079) must be paid. As of early 2025, the fee for the recognition of foreign university degrees is 166.50 EUR ($176.49 USD, Jan 2025). This fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the recognition is granted.
Documentation Requirements and Legalization
All documents issued outside of Spain must meet specific legalization requirements to be accepted by Spanish authorities. The requirements depend on the country of origin:
- EU/EEA Member States: Documents typically do not require legalization or the Hague Apostille.
- Hague Convention Countries: Documents must bear the Hague Apostille (Apostilla de la Haya) issued by the competent authority in the country of origin.
- Other Countries: Documents must be legalized through diplomatic channels (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the origin country and the Spanish Consulate).
Sworn Translations
Documents not issued in Spanish must be translated by a Traductor Jurado (Sworn Translator) authorized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. Translations performed by non-authorized entities or non-sworn translators are generally rejected.
Timeline and Procedures
The estimated processing time for university degree recognition ranges from 6 to 24 months, depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of the file. Applicants can track their status through the online portal. If the administration does not issue a resolution within the legal timeframe, it may be considered a "negative silence," although resolutions are often issued eventually even after the deadline.
Note: For primary and secondary school recognition (Bachillerato), the process is managed by the Ministry of Education and requires a different fee structure, usually approximately 40 EUR to 60 EUR ($42 to $64 USD, Jan 2025), depending on the specific autonomous community.
