If you have a degree obtained outside Spain and want to work in the country, it is essential to understand the processes of homologation, equivalence and validation. These procedures ensure that your studies are officially recognized, opening doors to job opportunities in Spain. In this blog, we offer you a clear and updated explanation on how to carry out these procedures, so that your academic credentials are valued and accepted in the Spanish context.
Types of Recognition of University Degrees
ApprovalHomologation is essential for regulated professions that require an official Spanish title to be practiced in Spain. Thanks to Royal Decree 889/2022, in force since November 2022, this procedure has been streamlined, with the aim of resolving applications within a maximum period of six months.
EquivalenceEquivalency is intended for professions not regulated by the State, such as administration or journalism. It is essential for your educational level to be recognized, especially if you are looking to work in the public sector or in certain private companies.
ValidationValidation: Validation is perfect for those who want to complete their studies in Spain. This procedure allows Spanish universities to review and accept subjects taken abroad, making it easier for you to complete your education in the country.
| Approval | Equivalence | Validation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORMAL RECOGNITION | A Spanish qualifying degree or Master's degree that gives access to a regulated profession in Spain. | An official Spanish university degree or Master's degree | From official higher education studies, whether or not they have been completed with the award of a degree, for partial Spanish university studies. |
| EFFECTS | Academics and professionals | Academics | Academics, for further studies |
| COMPETENT AUTHORITY | Ministry of Universities | Ministry of Universities | A Spanish university |
Homologation of studies
Homologation is the official recognition of a foreign degree as equivalent to a specific Spanish degree from the Spanish educational system. It is used to validate complete studies (primary, secondary, high school or university) and is essential for regulated professions or to continue official studies.
What degrees can be recognized?
- Compulsory education or baccalaureate → Equivalent to ESO or Spanish Bachillerato.
- University degrees → Equivalent to Spanish Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate degrees.
Main requirements
- Official degree, completed and recognized in the country of origin.
- Legalization or Hague Apostille (depending on the country).
- Official translation into Spanish (by sworn translator, if not in Spanish).
- Copy of passport or NIE, academic certification (grades) and, for university students, study plan.
- Payment of fees (50-160 euros approx., depending on the level).
Professions Requiring Approval
Royal Decree 889/2022 establishes the professions that require homologation, since the declaration of equivalence to degree and academic level does NOT have professional effects. Some of these professions are:
- Physician
- Veterinarian
- Nurse
- Physiotherapist
- Dentist
- Pharmacist
- Speech therapist
- Optician-optometrist
- Podiatrist
- Occupational Therapist
- Dietitian-nutritionist
- General Health Psychologist
- Civil engineer
- Mining Engineer
- Industrial Engineer
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Agricultural Engineer
- Forestry Engineer
- Naval and Ocean Engineer
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Architect
- Technical Engineer of Public Works
- Technical Mining Engineer
- Aeronautical Technical Engineer
- Technical Agricultural Engineer
- Forestry Technical Engineer
- Naval Technical Engineer
- Industrial Technical Engineer
- Telecommunications Technical Engineer
- Technical Engineer in Topography
- Technical Architect
- Teacher in Early Childhood Education
- Teacher in Primary Education
- Teacher of Compulsory Secondary Education and Bachillerato
- Vocational Training and Language Training
- Lawyer
- Attorney at Law
Equivalence of studies
The equivalence recognizes a foreign degree at a general academic level (e.g., "Grado level"), without linking it to a specific Spanish degree. It is useful for non-regulated jobs, competitive examinations or access to non-official studies.
Which titles can be equated?
- Mainly university degrees (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD).
Main requirements
- Official degree, legalization/apostille, translation, academic certification and fees.
- No detailed study plan is required.
How can I help you with your case?
Tell me what studies you have (level, country, if they are complete or partial) and what you want to do in Spain (work, study, etc.). For example:
- Do you have a completed university degree and want to homologate it to work as a physician?
- Did you study some years abroad and you are looking to validate subjects to continue in Spain? With these details, I give you a personalized guide. What do you need to validate?
Validation
Validation is the partial recognition of subjects or credits from foreign studies to continue an education in Spain, without validating the entire degree. It is applied when you have not completed a degree or you want specific subjects within a Spanish educational program to be recognized. Partial recognition of foreign subjects/credits to continue studies in Spain.
What can be validated?
- Subjects or credits from university studies or vocational training taken abroad.
- Incomplete studies (for example, 2 years of a foreign degree to continue it in Spain).
Main requirements
- Official academic certification with the courses taken, grades, hours and contents.
- Legalization or apostille of documents.
- Official translation into Spanish (if applicable).
- Be enrolled or have applied for a place in a Spanish educational institution (university, vocational training center, etc.).
- Payment of fees (varies according to the institution, usually less than in homologation).
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