Free guide for España
Homologación (professional recognition) of a university degree
Ask for your foreign university degree to be recognised so you can work in a regulated profession, that is, a profession that requires a specific degree in Spain.
Before paying, choose the profession and the Spanish degree you are aiming for. That way you will not apply for an academic equivalence that does not let you practise that profession.
The essentials
- What it costs
- Check the fee and how to pay it on the homologación page before paying. Translation, legalisation and any other requirements they ask for are paid separately.
- How long it takes
- Check the deadline on the e-office and in the rules linked to your procedure. We cannot tell you how long the wait is in practice. Watch for notices and the deadline they give you to reply.
- To prepare it
- 20–40 min to organise your preparation
Is it for you?
People with a foreign university degree who want to work in Spain in a regulated profession.
- Which regulated profession do you want to work in?
- Do your degree and nationality allow European professional recognition?
- Have you already applied for a convalidación?
What to bring
Tick each document when you have it ready. Ticks are not saved.
Step by step
- Look up your profession in Valida-TE, the Ministry website, and open its requirements.
- Check whether European professional recognition applies to you, based on your nationality and your degree.
- Prepare the certificates and check which translation or legalisation they ask for.
- Submit it on the official e-office (sede electrónica) and keep the application and receipt.
- Check any notices you receive and the conditions if you get a favourable answer.
Afterwards
- If the answer asks for extra requirements, complete them.
- Check what else you need to practise your profession.
Common mistakes
- Applying for homologación without knowing which regulated profession you want to practise.
- Confusing recognition of the degree with recognition of a specialisation.
- Not replying to a notice asking you to correct or complete the application.
What this guide does not decide
Homologación does not replace everything else you need to practise: joining a professional association or having a specialisation recognised are separate procedures. Do not apply for homologación and convalidación of the same studies at the same time.
Official links
- Homologación of foreign higher education degreesSee the requirements for each profession and the application.
- Homologación de títulos extranjeros de educación superiorMinisterio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades
- Cómo reconocer un título universitario extranjeroMinisterio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades
- Convalidación de estudios universitarios extranjerosMinisterio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades