Homologación in Spain: recognition of a foreign degree

Homologación, equivalencia and convalidación

Homologación matches a foreign degree to a SPECIFIC Spanish title; it is needed for regulated professions (doctor, nurse, teacher, lawyer, engineer, architect).

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Equivalencia recognises the LEVEL and field of a degree (no specific title) — for access to a master’s, a public-service level, etc.

Convalidación is for non-university studies (ESO, Bachillerato, vocational FP) via the Ministry of Education.

What decides the route is where the qualification was obtained and whether the profession is regulated in Spain — not your citizenship. A qualification obtained in the EU/EEA for a regulated profession goes through recognition of professional qualifications (RD 581/2017, Directive 2005/36), usually faster than homologación.

Who needs it

• Anyone who wants to work in a regulated profession in Spain (medicine, education, law, engineering, psychology).
• Anyone needing access to a master’s, a doctorate, or a public-service level (oposiciones).
• Holders of school/vocational degrees (FP, Bachillerato) — to study or work.
• Non-EU and EU nationals — the EU route for regulated professions is usually faster.

What to file where

• University degrees (homologación/equivalencia) — the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades.
• Non-university (ESO, Bachillerato, FP) — the Ministerio de Educación, FP y Deportes.
• A regulated EU profession — recognition of qualifications through the relevant ministry.
• The right to conditional homologación with complementary training requirements (aptitude test, practice, project/work or courses) where training differs substantially.
• The right to appeal a refusal and re-apply once the grounds are fixed.

Timing

• Legalise and sworn-translate the documents first, then file — the order matters.
• It is slow: in practice from 6 months to 2+ years depending on the profession and backlog.
• The administration has a set maximum period; silence is usually treated as a refusal you can appeal.
• Complementary training requirements add time — plan ahead.

Documents

• The degree (título), legalised (apostille or consular legalisation) and with a sworn translation (traducción jurada).
• The academic transcript (certificación académica) with subjects and hours — legalised and translated.
• Passport/NIE and payment of the tasa (modelo 790).
• For some professions, the study programme and proof of course content.

How to apply

• Work out what you need: homologación (a title), equivalencia (a level) or convalidación (school/FP).
• Legalise (apostille/consulate) and sworn-translate the degree and the transcript.
• Pay the tasa (modelo 790) and file online at the sede of the right ministry.
• Wait for the decision; if there are complementary training requirements, complete the test, practice, project/work or courses required.
• Once granted, get the credencial de homologación/equivalencia — that is the proof of recognition.

Common mistakes

• Confusing homologación (a specific title, regulated profession) with equivalencia (a level).
• Filing without the apostille/legalisation or without a sworn translation.
• Filing at the wrong ministry (university vs school/FP).
• Assuming recognition is automatic — many professions have requirements and tests.
• Starting to work in a regulated profession without the credencial — that is an irregularity.

Refusal and complementary requirements

• Instead of a refusal, homologación may be made conditional on complementary training requirements: an aptitude test, practice, project/work or courses for training differences.
• A refusal can be appealed: recurso de reposición or contencioso-administrativo within the window.
• If there is no decision within the set period, it can be treated as a refusal and appealed.
• Keep your filing, payment and translation justificantes — you need them to appeal.

Related guides

Key terms in this guide

Frequently asked questions

Official sources