Is your university degree worth the same in another country? Every year, thousands of people move to Spain with one dream in common: to carry on developing their career or their studies in a new setting. But did you know that holding a university degree does not always mean you can use it directly in another country? In Spain, and specifically in the Region of Valencia, there is a process called homologación (homologation) or recognition of qualifications that determines whether your studies are valid for practising a profession or continuing to study.

According to figures from the Spanish Ministry of Universities, more than 25,000 applications for homologation or equivalence of foreign qualifications are received each year, and Valencia is among the regions with the most international students and professionals. That reflects both the region’s openness and the growing interest of global talent in joining its academic and employment system.

And why Valencia? With renowned public universities such as the University of Valencia and the Polytechnic University of Valencia, plus a lively job market, especially in technology, health and tourism, this city has become a magnet for anyone wanting to turn their degree into a key to new opportunities.

How does the process work? Understanding homologation and equivalence

When someone with a foreign university degree wants to practise a profession or continue studying in Spain, it is essential to understand the two main routes available for academic recognition: homologation and equivalence. Although the two are often used interchangeably in everyday speech, each has a different purpose and different requirements.

Homologation: for regulated professions

Homologation (homologación) is the process by which the Ministry of Universities officially recognises that a foreign qualification has the same value and effects as a specific Spanish qualification. This route is essential if you wish to practise a regulated profession in Spain, that is, one that is protected by law and requires specific training and formal authorisation in order to be practised.

These professions include:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Nursing
• Law
• Architecture
• Engineering
• Teaching (education)

In this process the Ministry will assess the equivalence of content, duration and academic level of your training compared with the corresponding Spanish qualification. If there are significant shortfalls, you may be asked to take additional training or pass specific tests.

Equivalence: for academic purposes or non-regulated professions

Equivalence (equivalencia), by contrast, recognises the academic level you have reached (Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate) without tying it to a specific qualification in the Spanish system. This procedure is ideal if you do not need to practise a regulated profession but do want to continue studying, apply for grants, sit non-specific public sector examinations or apply for jobs where the level of education is valued but no professional registration or authorisation is required.

For example:

• You have a degree in Media Studies and want to take a Master’s in Digital Marketing.
• You are an economist and are looking for work in the private sector without needing to register with a professional body.

This process is usually quicker and less restrictive than homologation, but it still requires legalised and translated documents.

What if your qualification does not fit either route?

In some cases you can opt for partial recognition of studies if your aim is to return to a Spanish university in order to finish or continue a degree. This is handled directly by the universities, which examine your record subject by subject.

The documents you need: your file, step by step

Putting your paperwork together correctly is the first filter that keeps your homologation or equivalence application from being delayed. Each document serves a specific purpose and has to meet certain formal requirements. Below is a table with the essential items, together with key points to note:

Document	Description and practical tips
Official application	A form available on the electronic office of the Ministry of Universities. You must fill it in clearly and sign it.
Identity document	Passport, NIE or DNI. It must be valid. If you do not have an NIE, you can use your passport, but make sure you include a complete copy (not just the cover page).
Original degree certificate	The university degree certificate must be legalised or apostilled, depending on the issuing country. Only the final certificate is accepted, not provisional diplomas.
Academic transcript	A document issued by the university setting out the subjects taken, credits and length of the programme. It is essential for assessing the equivalence of your training.
Sworn translation	All documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ordinary translations are not accepted.
Proof of payment of fees	The fee is usually between 160 and 200 euros. Payment is made using form 790, generated from the Ministry’s own electronic office.
Other documents (where applicable)	Some cases require additional documents, such as syllabuses, placements completed or professional certificates. It is always better to include more rather than less.

Important: If you submit the application in person, the documents must be provided in original and copy. If you do it online, make sure you scan them at good quality and in PDF format. It is always advisable to keep printed and digital copies organised in folders.

Where and how to submit the application? Getting through the paperwork

Once you have all the documents ready, it is time to submit the application. This step may look bureaucratic, but with the right information it is far more manageable. In Spain you can choose between two routes: in person or online. Below we explain how to do it in each case.

In person

If you prefer to hand in your documents physically, you have several options:

• Ministry of Universities (Madrid): You can submit the application directly at the general registry.
• Government delegations and sub-delegations: In Valencia you can go to the Government Sub-delegation, located at Calle Joaquín Ballester, 39.
• Public administration registry offices: You can also submit the documents at the general registries of town councils, public universities or other official institutions.

Useful tip: Take the originals and certified copies. In many cases the registry itself can certify the copies if you bring the original.

Online (faster and more flexible)

For those with digital means, the most efficient way is through the electronic office of the Ministry of Universities:

• Go to: https://universidades.sede.gob.es
• You will need a valid digital identification system, such as:
  • A digital certificate (FNMT or DNIe)
  • The Cl@ve system
• Attach the scanned documents in PDF format, making sure they are legible and correctly named.
• Complete the electronic form, sign it digitally and pay the applicable fee (form 790)).

Key advantage: You can track the status of your application on the same platform and receive electronic notifications about progress or requests.

One final recommendation: Whichever route you choose, make sure you keep a copy of the submission receipt and a record of the file reference. These documents are your proof in case of later queries or complaints.

Common mistakes and key tips for success: avoid unnecessary setbacks

The process of homologation or equivalence of qualifications in Spain is not complicated in itself, but it is very exacting. Many applicants make mistakes through lack of knowledge or carelessness, which can delay their file by months. Below is a quick guide to the most frequent mistakes and the best tips for getting past them:

❌ The most common mistakes

• Sending documents that have not been legalised or apostilled: Without this prior step, the Ministry will not process the file.
• Unofficial translations: Translations must be done by an authorised sworn translator. Any other translation will be rejected.
• Confusing homologation with equivalence: Many people apply for one procedure when they actually need the other. That holds up the whole process.
• Not paying the fee correctly: An error on form 790 or a missing receipt can invalidate your application.
• Sending original documents by post with no backup: This risks them being lost. Always submit certified copies..
• Failing to follow up: Some applicants do not check their electronic notifications and miss key requests and deadlines.

✔️ Key tips for a successful application

• Organise your file in a logical order (form, degree certificate, syllabus, translations, and so on).
• Check in advance whether your profession is regulated in Spain. You can find the up-to-date list on the Ministry of Universities website.
• Ask for free information or advice at guidance centres for foreign nationals or at public universities (many offer this service).
• Keep a copy of everything you send, both on paper and digitally.
• Be patient, but proactive: The procedure can take between 6 months and 2 years, but you can formally request updates if a long time passes without an answer.

Remember: This is not a process to improvise. The clearer, more complete and better organised your file is, the smoother the path to having your qualification validated in Valencia.

What to do if your homologation or equivalence is refused

Receiving a negative decision can be disheartening, but it does not mean all is lost. The Spanish system provides for review and appealroutes, both administrative and judicial, which let you defend your application if you believe it has been assessed unfairly or incompletely.

Appeal for reconsideration (administrative route)

This is the first and quickest option. You can lodge an appeal for reconsideration directly with the same body that issued the decision (usually the Ministry of Universities), within one month of being notified.

This appeal must include:

• A formal letter setting out reasoned arguments.
• Evidence or additional documents supporting your application.
• References to legislation or international agreements where applicable.

Practical tip: If the refusal was on formal grounds (missing documents, incorrect translations, incomplete legalisation), correcting those points and lodging the appeal can produce very good results.

Contentious-administrative appeal (judicial route)

If the appeal for reconsideration is also rejected, or you prefer to go straight to the courts, you can lodge a contentious-administrative appeal with the relevant court. This appeal requires:

• Legal representation (a solicitor and a court agent).
• Time and money, as it is a more complex and lengthy process.

This option can be useful where there has been a clear injustice, such as arbitrary assessments or a failure to take bilateral education agreements into account.

What if I simply want to try again?

You can also submit a fresh application, especially if the refusal was on grounds that can be put right (such as missing documents). You must, however, make sure you correct the earlier mistakes and update the documents if a long time has passed.

One final recommendation: Before appealing, consider seeking advice from:

• Public universities (guidance services for foreign students)
• Professional bodies
• Migrant associations or specialist legal advisers

Turn your qualification into your professional passport

Validating your academic qualification in Valencia is no small matter, but it is not an impossible mission either. It takes patience, precision with paperwork and, above all, a clear understanding of which type of recognition you need. If your aim is to practise a regulated profession, make sure you follow every step rigorously.

What is more, having a validated qualification opens doors not only in employment but also in academia. You will be able to access official Master’s programmes, public sector examinations or even registration with a professional body in your field. Many migrants who have been through this process say that, complex though it is, it is an investment that pays off in the long run.

So if you are coming from abroad and have plans in Valencia, do not underestimate the value of your education. Start the path towards official recognition today and turn your academic experience into a key tool for your future in Spain.

To explore related subjects, we invite you to read our articles:

• Step-by-step guide: how to have your university degree recognised abroad
• Dual nationality: in which countries can you obtain it as a Spaniard?
• Police clearance certificate: when and why you need it to live outside Spain

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)