The recognition of foreign qualifications is an essential procedure if you wish to practise professions such as medicine, engineering, law, architecture, psychology, teaching, pharmacy or other regulated professions. In this article, we analyse the new procedure, its regulatory basis and how it can benefit you. Let's get started!

Key points

1. Streamlining for international talent: The new resolution streamlines the process of recognising and equating foreign qualifications for people with skilled job offers in Spain.
2. Preferential procedure: A priority channel is established for those who already have a job offer that requires the recognition of a qualification, optimising their integration into the labour market.
3. Impact on key sectors: The measure seeks to reduce the shortage of qualified professionals in strategic sectors through a more efficient and talent-oriented legal channel.

Background

In order for a university degree to be recognised in Germany, or to obtain a certificate of equivalence, it is necessary to speak German. This could be one of the main reasons why Spain is a key gateway to Europe for many professionals from Spanish-speaking Latin America. This places a significant administrative burden on Spain, which finally began processing a backlog of more than 100,000 applications in early 2025.

However, for the first time since these procedures began in 2014, more applications for recognition and accreditation of foreign university degrees were processed than were received, if accumulated or pending applications are added together. But the number of applications continues to rise now that the bureaucracy has been simplified.

The recognition in Spain of university degrees obtained in foreign education systems is regulated by Royal Decree 889/2022, of 18 October. This regulation establishes three procedures for the recognition of foreign university degrees:

• Homologation: allows the holder to practise a regulated profession in Spain.
• Equivalence: certifies the academic level of the degree (bachelor's or master's).
• Validation: approves the subjects of a study programme in order to continue university studies.

However, in order to ensure the speed and efficiency of the processing of applications, the Ministerial Order of 23 October 2024 was approved, approving the instructions for the processing of procedures for the homologation and declaration of equivalence of university degrees obtained in foreign education systems.

Thus, nationals of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland who hold official university degrees giving access to a regulated profession may apply for recognition of their qualifications to practise that profession in Spain, in accordance with Directive 2005/36/EC. All these recognition procedures fall within the competence of each of the relevant ministries. For example, the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities is responsible for the recognition of university professors.

However, the Spanish Government, led by Pedro Sánchez, considers that priority should be given to people who are in a situation of temporary stay or residence, or even in the process of regularisation, and who also have a firm job offer for a highly qualified position, which requires accreditation or a declaration of equivalence for their recruitment, as these people represent a human resource already present in the territory, eager to integrate and immediately available to join the labour market.

The authorities affirm that academic and professional recognition should be facilitated with the same logic of economic interest, social inclusion and utilisation of available talent.

To this end, through the Resolution of 10 September 2025 of the General Secretariat of Universities, new instructions are issued to streamline the homologation and declaration of equivalence of foreign university degrees in cases where the applicant has a firm offer of highly qualified employment.

This resolution establishes a new preferential procedure so that all persons, whether or not they are residents of Spain, who can prove that they have a firm job offer and need recognition or a declaration of equivalence in order to be hired, can do so. The resolution also establishes the precise instructions to be followed by the Subdirectorate General for Degrees and Academic Organisation, which reports to the General Secretariat for Universities, in order to adopt the relevant measures.

The aim of this measure is to reduce administrative barriers, facilitate the recruitment of qualified personnel and respond to the needs of strategic sectors suffering from staff shortages.

Consequently, the General Secretariat for Universities, within the aforementioned regulatory framework and by virtue of the powers conferred upon it by Article 6 of Law 40/2015, issues new instructions for cases in which the granting of a firm offer of a highly qualified employment contract is conditional upon prior official recognition of the qualification through its homologation or declaration of equivalence or validation.

The data on the homologation of foreign qualifications in Spain presented by the Government demonstrate a significant commitment to streamlining processes and reducing delays in the processing of applications, especially those corresponding to 2024 and 2025.

During the first half of 2025, the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU) resolved 32,569 cases, compared to the 24,862 applications received during the same period.

Since the entry into force of Royal Decree 967/2014 in November of that year, 198,771 of the 295,987 applications received have been resolved, representing 67%. This figure was reached on 30 June 2025. Of these, 72,544 (36.5%) were resolved in the last year and a half.

In 2024, 39,975 cases were resolved, which is a record.

According to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Universities, Juan Cruz Cigudosa, in 2025, for the first time since the entry into force of RD 967/2014, the ministry has managed to ‘resolve more applications for recognition and accreditation of foreign university degrees than it receives’.

Key definitions

What is homologation?

Homologation is the official recognition that a foreign qualification is equivalent to a specific university qualification in the Spanish system. Homologation allows the holder to practise a regulated profession in Spain.

What is a declaration of equivalence?

A declaration of equivalence is the recognition that a foreign bachelor's or master's degree has the same academic level as a Spanish qualification, even if it is not equivalent to a specific qualification. It is regulated by Royal Decree 889/2022, of 18 October, with exclusively academic and administrative effects.

What is highly qualified training?

Any higher education training lasting at least three years that is equivalent to at least level 2 of the Spanish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (MECES) is considered highly qualified. This is equivalent to a university degree and a Higher Technical Certificate in Higher Artistic Education.

Why is it important for your degree to be recognised in Spain?

An academic qualification recognised in Spain is important because it allows people with foreign academic qualifications to access the skilled labour market, as well as facilitating the legal practice of regulated professions (such as medicine or law). It also allows you to apply for positions in the civil service and continue your studies with official master's degrees or postgraduate courses.

Without this official recognition, it is very likely that your academic qualification will not be valued by Spanish companies and institutions, which would limit your professional and academic opportunities.

Main advantages of having a qualification recognised in Spain

• Access to the labour market: it allows you to work in your professional field and apply for jobs in regulated professions, both in the public and private sectors.
• Practising regulated professions: it is mandatory to legally practise professions such as medicine or law, as it certifies that your training meets the requirements in Spain, allowing you to join professional associations and participate in competitive examinations.
• Career opportunities: it allows you to apply for skilled jobs, competitive examinations and professional associations, something that would be impossible without a recognised qualification.
• Possibility of continuing your studies: it facilitates access to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorates and specialisations at Spanish universities. It is a requirement for enrolment in official master's degrees, doctorates and other postgraduate programmes at Spanish universities.
• Official recognition and better working conditions: it guarantees that your training meets Spanish standards, which prevents overqualification and unrecognised underemployment. An accredited qualification can translate into better salaries and working conditions.
• Security and planning: it gives you the confidence you need to plan your professional and personal future in Spain, as it validates your international experience.
• Facilitates mobility: the recognition of your degree opens doors not only in Spain, but also in the European Union.

Which degrees can be recognised?

The recognition of foreign degrees in Spain is a key process for those who want their studies to be officially recognised. One of the most frequently asked questions is: which university degrees can be recognised in Spain?

But what are regulated professions?

Regulated professions are those whose practice requires a specific official qualification, recognised by the State, and which is subject to legal or professional requirements. Clear examples are medicine, nursing, law and architecture.

Only these professions, listed in the regulations, allow full professional recognition of foreign qualifications.

Below is a list of regulated professions and equivalent qualifications.

Healthcare professions	Technical professions	Social science professions
Dentist Dietitian-nutritionist Nurse Pharmacist Physiotherapist Speech therapist Doctor Optician/optometrist Podiatrist General health psychologist Occupational therapist Veterinarian	Architect Technical Architect Aeronautical Engineer Agricultural Engineer Civil Engineer Mining Engineer Forestry Engineer Telecommunications Engineer Industrial Engineer Naval and Ocean Engineer Aeronautical Technical Engineer Agricultural Technical Engineer Mining Technical Engineer Public Works Technical Engineer Telecommunications Technical Engineer Surveying Technical Engineer Forestry Technical Engineer Industrial Technical Engineer Naval Technical Engineer	Early Childhood Education Teacher Primary Education Teacher Secondary Education Teacher, Vocational Training and Language Teaching Teacher Lawyer Court Solicitor

* Not eligible for accreditation.

Sometimes, the nomenclature of foreign qualifications does not correspond to the Spanish system. Check that your qualification corresponds to one of the regulated professions listed in the regulations.

NOTE: If your profession is not included in the list or does not correspond to any of the regulated professions in Spain, you will not be eligible for recognition. However, you can apply for a Declaration of Equivalence.

Regulatory framework

The main regulatory framework for the recognition of university degrees in Spain is Royal Decree 889/2022, which establishes the procedures for recognition, equivalence and validation. This royal decree replaced the previous Royal Decree 967/2014, modernising and simplifying the processes for the recognition of foreign university degrees.

Royal Decree 889/2022 distinguishes between three main procedures: recognition (for regulated professions), equivalence (for academic purposes at bachelor's or master's level) and validation (to continue studies).

Legal framework:

• Royal Decree 889/2022, of 18 October: this is the current Spanish legislation regulating the procedures for the homologation, declaration of equivalence and validation of foreign university degrees; It updates the previous process to make it more agile, transparent and secure, while facilitating the recognition of studies and professions obtained outside Spain, paying special attention to the simplification of procedures and the distinction between regulated and non-regulated professions.
• Repeals Royal Decree 967/2014: this royal decree updates and simplifies the procedures previously regulated by the Royal Decree of 2014.
• Law 14/2013: This is the law supporting entrepreneurs and their internationalisation, a fundamental Spanish regulation that facilitates the attraction of foreign talent and investment, creating specific residence permits, such as: the Golden Visa (now eliminated), entrepreneurs, qualified professionals, researchers, among others; with simplified procedures focused on international mobility, which allow non-residents to obtain visas to work, invest or set up a business in Spain more quickly than under the general regime.
• Directive (EU) 2021/1883: This is a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2021 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for highly qualified employment and repealing Council Directive 2009/50/EC.
• Law 11/2023: In Spain, this is known as the Digital Accessibility Law, published on 8 May 2023, which transposes European Directive 2019/882 to make digital products and services (websites, applications, e-commerce) accessible to people with disabilities by removing technological barriers. There are also other laws with the same number, such as a regional law of the Balearic Islands (taxes) or a national law of October on a private university, but the accessibility law is the most prominent at the national level due to its broad impact.
• Law 39/2015 and Law 40/2015: These laws grant legitimacy to the procedure through prioritisation and administrative hierarchy. Law 39/2015 regulates the minimum rights and guarantees that correspond to all citizens in relation to administrative activity, both in terms of the exercise of self-protection powers and regulatory and legislative initiative powers. Law 40/2015 regulates the legal regime of the public sector in Spain, establishing the basis for its organisation, functioning, responsibility and sanctioning powers, defining the relationships between administrations and citizens, and adapting administrative action to the digital age, with principles such as interoperability and transparency.

Types of procedures

• Approval: requested when it is necessary to practise a regulated profession in Spain. It allows professional practice and is based on an equivalence agreement with the profession in Spain.
• Declaration of equivalence: requested to obtain academic recognition of a bachelor's or master's degree. It has academic and administrative effects, but does not enable the holder to practise regulated professions.
• Validation: requested to recognise subjects or courses from a study programme and to be able to continue university studies in Spain.

But what is the difference between requesting validation, recognition or equivalence of higher education qualifications?

	Homologation	Declaration of equivalence	Validation	Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications
RECONOCIMIENTO OFICIAL	Spanish bachelor's or master's degree qualifying for access to a regulated profession in Spain	At the official Spanish university academic level of Bachelor's or Master's degree.	Higher education studies, whether or not they have resulted in a degree, for partial Spanish university studies.	The professional effects of your qualifications.
EFECTOS	Academics and professionals	Académicos	Academics, to continue studies.	Professionals
AUTORIDAD COMPETENTE	Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities	Ministry of Universities	Any Spanish university	Supervising ministries

Who can benefit?

The new rules mainly benefit highly skilled foreign workers who have a specific job offer in Spain. The procedure is also simplified for those who already reside legally in Spain or are citizens of the European Union.

These groups can request priority processing if they present a preliminary contract or a job offer.

Who is specifically interested?

• Highly skilled workers: individuals, regardless of whether they reside in Spain or not, who have a job offer (preliminary contract or contract) for a position that requires a highly specialised qualification. The offer must include a statement from the employer confirming that the position requires an officially recognised or equivalent qualification in order to legally carry out the activity.
• Legal residents, EU citizens and Spanish citizens: the measure gives priority to applications from people who already reside legally in Spain, as well as Spanish and European Union citizens, in order to facilitate their integration into the labour market.
• People with pending applications: both new applications and those already in progress can benefit from this fast-track procedure.

Individuals who have already started the process may submit additional documentation to improve it.

What is required to qualify for this fast track?

• A temporary or permanent contract with a Spanish company or a letter from the employer.
• An affidavit from the employer is also required, including information about the position, requirements and the need to obtain a permit.
• The application must be submitted through the electronic portal of the General Secretariat of Universities of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

Step-by-step procedure

To speed up the recognition of a university degree in Spain, it is essential to have the documentation duly legalised, apostilled and translated (if applicable), to submit the application online and to respond quickly to any request from the Ministry.

1. Preparation and submission of the application

Prepare the documentation in advance: Ensure that all documents (university degree, academic transcript, CV, etc.) are legalised, apostilled and translated by a sworn translator, if necessary.

Tip: Ensure that all documents are apostilled and scanned in PDF format before starting the process.

2. Submit your application correctly

You can submit your application online via the Ministry of Universities' Electronic Headquarters platform, which will allow you to avoid delays and follow the process more easily. You can also submit your application in person at the Ministry of Universities in Madrid or at government offices, as well as from abroad through the Spanish consulate in your country of residence or by international post.

Tip: The online method is the fastest and most secure, as it allows you to track your application in real time.

3. Pay the fee

Once you have completed form 790-107, you must pay the corresponding fee (€166.50 in 2025) and attach the receipt if necessary, although online payment avoids this step.

4. Tracking and communication

Once you have submitted your application, you can check its status on the Ministry of Universities website using your file number. We recommend that you:

• Track your file: check the status of your application through the Electronic Office to detect any possible delays.
• Respond quickly: respond immediately to any requests or requests for additional information sent to you by the ministry, respecting the established deadlines.

The most common statuses for your application are:

• Pending: the Ministry is reviewing the documentation.
• Request for information: additional documentation is required.
• Favourable decision: your accreditation has been approved.
• Unfavourable decision: rejection (you can appeal).
• Conditional decision: approved with conditions.

Tip: Checking the status of your file regularly will allow you to respond quickly to any requests and avoid unnecessary delays.

Ways to speed up the process

If the process takes longer than 6 months, you can file an administrative appeal with the Supreme Court, which usually forces the administration to resolve the case quickly. To do this, you will need a solicitor.

On the other hand, if you have a highly qualified job offer conditional on the recognition of your degree, you can submit it to the Ministry of Universities (along with a preliminary contract or a letter from the employer) to request priority processing.

Common mistakes when recognising a degree in Spain and how to avoid them

1. Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents:

Solution: Check several times that all documents are correctly legalised, apostilled and translated before sending them. You can also hire a professional to help you with the process.

2. Not following up on the file

Solution: Check the status of your application periodically on the Ministry of Universities website.

3. Excessive delays in the resolution

Solution: If more than 6 months have passed without a response, you can file an administrative appeal to speed up the process.

4. Denial of recognition. Tips for the recognition of a university degree in Spain

Solution: If your application is denied, you can file an appeal. Consulting with a legal advisor before filing an appeal increases your chances of success.

How long does it take to obtain recognition of a degree in Spain?

Due to the large number of applications, the Spanish Ministry of Universities has a considerable backlog in processing them. For this reason, we cannot commit to a specific date.

Tip: A well-organised file can significantly reduce waiting times.

Recommendations

• Apply for recognition as soon as possible, as deadlines may be extended.
• Choose the online route to submit your application and speed up the process.
• Check that the contract expressly states the need for recognition of the qualification.
• Check that all your documents are legalised, apostilled and scanned correctly.
• Follow up your file regularly to avoid delays.
• Respond to any requests from the Ministry as soon as possible, within the established deadlines.
• Consult an expert if you have any questions about the process.

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the process of recognition and declaration of equivalence of foreign higher education qualifications and academic levels, in accordance with Royal Decree 889/2022 of 18 October.

Q: Does this procedure apply to any foreign qualification?

No. It applies to higher education qualifications that meet high qualification criteria and are related to a job offer.

Q: Can I work while I wait for approval?

Legally, no, if the position requires approval for professional practice.

Q: How long does the procedure take?

There are no guaranteed deadlines, but with this preferential procedure, a faster resolution is expected than with the standard procedure.

Q: Can I use this process if I am already in Spain on a student visa?

Yes, if you have a job offer and meet the requirements.

Q: What should you do if your qualification is not recognised? Possible alternatives

If, in the end, your qualification is not recognised, that does not mean you are left without options. There are several alternatives:

• Declaration of equivalence: if your degree does not give you access to a regulated profession, you can apply to have it recognised for academic purposes. This allows you, for example, to access a master's degree in Spain.
• Continue your studies here: many universities offer you the possibility of validating subjects and completing your degree in Spain to obtain a Spanish degree directly.
• Complementary training: in some cases, you can take additional subjects or pass specific tests to bring your curriculum closer to that required in Spain.
• Take your career in other directions: even if you do not obtain recognition, your experience and training may be highly valued in the private sector, in research or in sectors where recognition is not mandatory.

The important thing is not to get discouraged. Recognition is one way, but not the only way. Depending on your profession and your plans for the future, there are always alternative paths to continue growing in Spain.

Conclusion

The new resolution is an important step towards making Spain more attractive to international talent. By facilitating the recognition of qualifications when there is a firm job offer, one of the main barriers to the incorporation of qualified foreign professionals into the labour market is removed. In addition to boosting competitiveness, it promotes faster, more efficient and fairer labour integration.

Some final considerations:

• Seek professional advice: if you have any questions about the process or your documentation, consulting an expert can help you avoid mistakes and further streamline the process.
• Have your qualifications recognised in your country of origin: you can start the recognition process without having to be in Spain, as long as you take care of the correct legalisation and translation of all the necessary documents.
• If the process is delayed for more than six months, you can file an administrative appeal and, if you have a highly skilled job offer, you can request priority processing.

The aim is to streamline procedures, improve transparency and ensure the integration of foreign graduates into the Spanish system, in order to respond to the growing demand for academic and professional recognition in the country. ‘Since this Ministry took over responsibility for universities a year and a half ago, we have worked tirelessly to remove the bureaucratic obstacles that exist in the management of foreign degree equivalencies,’ explained Cigudosa.