Recognition of foreign qualifications in Spain is an essential procedure for people who have completed their studies abroad and want their qualifications to be recognised in Spain. This process allows students to access employment and educational opportunities in Spain by ensuring that their credentials are equivalent to Spanish qualifications.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about recognition of qualifications in Spain, including the requirements, the process and the bodies involved.

What is the recognition of foreign studies in Spain?

Recognition of foreign studies is an administrative process through which a qualification obtained abroad is officially recognised as equivalent to a Spanish qualification. This process is essential to ensure that international students can access higher education or jobs in Spain that require a specific qualification.

Recognition is handled mainly by the Ministry of Universities and is governed by Law 404/2020, which has simplified certain aspects of the process. It is important to note that recognition applies not only to university qualifications, but also to certain secondary education and vocational training qualifications.

To begin the recognition process, you must meet a number of requirements, which vary depending on the type of qualification and the country of origin. The qualification must be valid in the country where it was issued, and the applicant must have completed all the required courses and other requirements.

What are the requirements for recognition of foreign studies?

The requirements for having a university degree recognised in Spain vary and may depend on the country of origin and the type of qualification. However, some of the most common requirements include:

• Official validity of the qualification in the country of origin.
• Documents proving that the studies have been completed.
• Sworn translation of the qualification and academic documents.
• A duly completed application.
• Payment of the applicable fees.

In addition, the studies for which recognition is sought must have been completed at recognised and authorised institutions. Applicants should also bear in mind that certain qualifications may require additional documents or be subject to stricter criteria.

The Ministry of Education provides online guides and resources to help applicants better understand the specific requirements for their situation.

How do you get a university degree recognised in Spain?

The process of having a university degree recognised in Spain involves several stages. First, you need to gather all the required documents, including the original degree certificate, transcripts and a sworn translation if the document is not in Spanish.

Once you have gathered the documents, the next step is to submit your application for recognition to the Ministry of Universities or the competent authority in the relevant autonomous community. Depending on the case, you can apply in person or online.

We recommend using resources such as Valida-TE, a platform that provides information and guidance on the recognition and validation of studies in Spain. This comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for anyone considering having their qualifications recognised.

How long does the recognition process take?

The recognition process can take considerably different amounts of time. In general, the process of recognising foreign qualifications in Spain can take anywhere from a few months to more than a year, depending on several factors.

One of the main factors affecting the processing time is the complexity of the documents submitted and the number of applications being handled by the relevant office at the time. In general, applications involving more common qualifications and documents that meet all the requirements tend to be processed more quickly.

We recommend staying in touch with the Ministry or the body responsible for recognition to receive updates on your application status. It may also be helpful to consult online forums and communities where other applicants share their experiences and waiting times.

Where do I apply to have my qualifications recognised?

Applications to have qualifications recognised are generally submitted through the Ministry of Universities. However, depending on the autonomous community where you live, specific offices may handle the process.

As well as submitting your application, it is important to make sure that your documents meet all the requirements before you submit them. You can apply online or in person, depending on your preference.

There are also advisory platforms and services, such as Valida-TE, that can guide applicants on where and how to submit their applications effectively.

What documents do I need to have my studies recognised?

To complete the recognition process, you need to submit a set of documents. These may vary depending on the level of education and type of qualification, but generally include:

1. Original academic qualification or a legalised copy.
2. Academic transcript or grade certificate.
3. Sworn translations of the documents, if required.
4. Documents proving that the qualification is valid in the country where it was awarded.
5. A duly completed application form.

It is essential to carefully check each requirement and make sure all your documents are in order before submitting your application. This not only speeds up the process but also minimises the risk of unnecessary delays.

Frequently asked questions about the recognition of qualifications in Spain

What do I need to have my qualifications recognised in Spain?

To have your qualifications recognised in Spain, you need to submit several documents, including the original qualification and academic transcript and, if they are not in Spanish, a sworn translation. The qualification must also be valid in the country where it was awarded, and you must complete the relevant application form. The Ministry of Universities is responsible for regulating this process and provides guidance on the specific requirements.

How long does it take to have a qualification recognised in Spain?

The waiting time to have a qualification recognised in Spain can vary. In general, the process can take between 6 months and 1 year, depending on the offices’ workload and the complexity of the documents submitted. Staying in touch with the relevant authority and checking forums where other applicants share their experiences can give you a clearer idea of the waiting time.

How much does it cost to have a qualification recognised in Spain?

The cost of having a qualification recognised in Spain may vary depending on the type of qualification and the autonomous community, but a fee generally applies and may range from 100 to 200 euros. We recommend checking the Ministry of Universities website for up-to-date information on fees and accepted payment methods.

What is the status of my qualification recognition application?

To check the status of a recognition application, contact the office where you submitted it directly. The Ministry of Universities often provides online platforms where applicants can check the progress of their case. Keeping all your documents and payment receipts organised will make it easier to follow up on any queries.