Everything You Need to Know About Recognition, Equivalence, and Validation of Foreign Degrees in Spain
4 Julio, 2024
Whether you wish to come to Spain to study and/or continue your higher education, or because you want your foreign qualification to be recognized in order to practice in Spain, it is necessary for such a qualification to be recognized by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.
There are three procedures for this purpose, which can complement each other depending on each case's needs: homologation, equivalence, and validation.
Regulation: Royal Decree 889/2022, of October 18, establishing the conditions and procedures for the homologation, declaration of equivalence, and validation of university education from foreign educational systems, as well as the procedure for establishing correspondence with the Spanish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education of previous official university degrees.
But what do each of these consist of?
Homologation
This is the official recognition of a foreign qualification, ensuring that the education received is equivalent to that required to obtain a Spanish qualification or to practice a regulated profession. Homologation equates the foreign qualification to the corresponding Spanish qualification, granting the same effects from the date of its recognition and the issuance of the corresponding credential.
Equivalence or Declaration of Equivalence
This is the official recognition certifying that the education obtained with a foreign qualification is similar to that required to obtain a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree in Spain. This procedure has purely academic and administrative effects, determining the corresponding equivalence between the academic level obtained abroad and equivalent studies in Spain.
Validation
This is the official recognition validating higher education studies completed abroad and equating them to university studies in Spain, even if they did not result in obtaining a degree. With validation, it is as if these studies had been completed in Spain, with all the rights and benefits that entails.
And in my case, what procedure should I follow?
lthough requirements may vary depending on the university or the studies to be pursued, broadly:
- I want to practice with my foreign qualification in Spain: Homologation and Validation. (It is important to note that for professions such as lawyers, solicitors, architects, psychologists, healthcare professionals, etc., in addition to homologation and validation, it is mandatory to complete a qualifying Master's program to legally practice these professions in Spain.)
- I want to start my university studies in Spain with my foreign high school diploma: Homologation and Equivalence.
- I want to pursue postgraduate studies (Master's or Doctorate) in Spain: Equivalence.
At Aray Asociados, we specialize in International Law and Immigration Law, and we are here to assist you at every step of the process. Whether you need to homologate, declare equivalence, or validate your foreign qualification, our team of professionals will provide you with the guidance and support needed to make your transition to studying or working in Spain as smooth as possible.
Contact us today and start your journey towards an enriching educational and professional experience in Spain.
