Understanding Degree Recognition in Spain
For foreign nationals planning to work or study in Spain, the recognition of foreign academic qualifications is a formal administrative procedure. This process ensures that an international degree has the same legal validity and effects as a corresponding Spanish degree. Depending on the profession and the level of education, there are three distinct pathways: Homologación, Equivalencia, and Convalidación.
Homologación: For Regulated Professions
Homologación is required for individuals wishing to practice a "regulated profession" in Spain. These are careers that involve public health, safety, or legal interests and require a specific professional title. Examples include:
- Medical Doctors and Surgeons
- Nurses, Physiotherapists, and Dentists
- Architects and Civil Engineers
- Lawyers (requires additional training and exams)
- Secondary Education Teachers
Equivalencia: For Non-Regulated Professions
Equivalencia is the standard route for most degrees in fields like Business Administration, Humanities, or Sciences. This process grants the foreign degree the same "academic level" as a Spanish degree (e.g., Bachelor’s or Master’s) without granting access to a specific regulated profession. It is typically used for general employment in the private sector or for access to public competitive exams (Oposiciones) that do not require a specific regulated title.
Convalidación: For Partial Studies
If a student has not completed their degree abroad or wishes to continue their studies at a Spanish university, they must apply for Convalidación. This process is handled directly by the specific Spanish university the student intends to attend, rather than the central Ministry.
Documentation and Legalization Requirements
The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades) oversees the recognition process. All documents must be official and issued by competent authorities in the country of origin. Under Royal Decree 889/2022, the process is predominantly digital.
Standard Document Checklist
- Proof of Identity: A valid passport or TIE (Foreigner Identity Card).
- Academic Degree: The official diploma or a certificate confirming its issuance.
- Academic Transcripts: A detailed list of subjects, grades, and the duration of the study program (in ECTS credits or hours).
- Proof of Language Proficiency: For health professions, a B2 level certificate in Spanish (DELE or SIELE) is generally mandatory.
Legalization and Translation
Documents issued outside the European Union or the European Economic Area must be legalized. This is usually done via the Hague Apostille. If the country of origin is not a signatory to the Hague Convention, documents must be legalized through diplomatic channels (Consulate and Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
All documents not written in Spanish must be accompanied by a "Sworn Translation" (Traducción Jurada) performed by a translator authorized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.
Application Process, Fees, and Timelines
Applications are submitted through the official online portal of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. Physical submissions are becoming increasingly rare and are generally discouraged to avoid delays.
Administrative Fees
To process an application for Homologación or Equivalencia, the applicant must pay the "Tasa 790-007." As of early 2025, the standard fees are as follows:
- Homologación or Equivalencia to Bachelor or Master Level: 168.12 EUR ($176.50 USD, Jan 2026).
- Equivalencia to Doctorate (PhD) Level: 121.24 EUR ($127.30 USD, Jan 2026).
Estimated Timelines
The legal deadline for a resolution is six months; however, due to high volumes of applications, the actual wait time often extends from 9 to 18 months. Applicants can track the status of their file (Expediente) through the Ministry's electronic headquarters. If additional documentation is requested (Requerimiento), the applicant has 10 to 15 business days to provide it, or the file may be archived.