Documents a recognition file needs, including language proof

Key rules

• Language certificate: A Spanish language certificate is not normally required for academic recognition, but some regulated professions ask for one.
• Translation: Every document not in Spanish needs an official translation by a sworn translator or an official body.
• Order of steps: Get the apostille or legalisation first, then the sworn translation.
• Regulated professions: Expect extra professional documents, and ask the authority for your profession for its exact list.

What a complete package contains

A complete file has the same core every time: proof of who you are, proof of your qualification, and proof of what you studied. Syllabus, language and professional documents are added only for some types of recognition. Gather everything once, before you start, so you don't have to resubmit.

The core documents are:

• Your ID or passport.
• Your degree title or certificate from the foreign institution.
• Your academic transcript, listing subjects and years studied.
• Proof that you paid the fee.

The document list below and the checklist show each item in detail. This page explains how the package changes by situation.

How the package changes by type of recognition

• Homologación and equivalencia of degrees: the core documents. Equivalencia may also ask for a syllabus.
• Convalidación of non-university studies: the transcript of subjects and years studied is the key document.
• University partial convalidación: you request it from the university itself. Send transcripts and syllabi.
• Regulated professions: the core documents plus professional ones (see below).

Lists differ by procedure and country of origin. Check the exact list for your case on the page of the procedure you are using.

Syllabus

The syllabus is the programme contents of each subject you studied. Ask your original university for it early. It can take weeks, and it must be stamped or certified by the institution. Only include it if your type of recognition asks for it.

Do you need a Spanish language certificate?

Normally, no. Homologación, equivalencia and convalidación applications do not usually require a Spanish language certificate.

Some regulated professions, such as health professions, may require proof of language knowledge. The authority that regulates your profession sets this. Ask it before you apply.

What you always need is Spanish translation. Every document not in Spanish needs an official translation by a sworn translator or an official body.

Extra documents for regulated professions

If you want to practise a regulated profession (health, law, teaching, engineering), expect to add:

• A certificate of professional qualifications, showing the competence or training content of the profession.
• A certificate of good standing, or of no disciplinary sanctions, from your professional body at home.
• Proof of professional registration or licence.
• Proof of professional experience, if required.
• Criminal record certificates, for certain professions.

If you are an EU national, the authority may accept an attestation from the competent authority in your EU country. Requirements differ by profession and by authority, so ask the one that handles your profession.

Legalisation, apostille and translation

Foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled, where that applies to your country. Do this first. Then get the sworn translation, so the translation covers the apostille too.

Format: scans or originals

You normally upload scanned copies, usually PDF. Each online office sets limits on file size and number of files. Originals are generally not needed when you submit, but the administration may later ask to see originals or authenticated copies. Keep them safe and within reach.

Documents you need

• Your ID or passport.

• Your degree title or certificate from the foreign institution, legalised or apostilled where applicable.

• Your academic transcript listing subjects and years studied, legalised or apostilled where applicable.

• Official Spanish translation of every document not in Spanish, by a sworn translator or an official body.

• Proof that you paid the fee.

• Syllabus of your subjects, for equivalencia and university partial convalidación.

• For regulated professions: certificate of professional qualifications, and a certificate of good standing or of no disciplinary sanctions from your professional body.

• For regulated professions where required: proof of professional registration or licence, proof of professional experience, and a criminal record certificate.

• Proof of Spanish language knowledge, only for some regulated professions such as health professions.

Recognition file checklist before you submit

Before you submit your recognition file

• Include your ID or passport, and your degree title or certificate.

• Add the academic transcript showing subjects, years studied, and hours or credits.

• Add the syllabus (programme contents) if your instrument asks for it. Equivalencia and university partial convalidación often do, and regulated professions may be asked for hours and contents.

• Get the apostille or legalisation on each foreign document first.

• Order a sworn translation of the apostilled documents, after the apostille, for anything not in Spanish.

• Check that every copy is readable and certified where required.

• For professional recognition, add your certificate of professional qualifications, proof of good standing and, if asked, proof of experience.

• Generate Modelo 790 (code 107) online, pay it by card, account debit or at a collaborating bank, and attach the stamped or electronic receipt.

• Fill in the application form completely and check that every field is correct.

• Keep the time limit for corrections in mind: if the office asks you to fix or complete your file, you normally have 10 working days or the application is treated as withdrawn.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Spanish language certificate for my recognition application?

No, a Spanish language certificate is normally not required for homologación, equivalencia or convalidación. Some regulated professions, such as health professions, may ask for proof of language knowledge, set by the competent authority. Documents not in Spanish still need an official translation.

Do I have to send original documents or are scans enough?

Scanned copies, usually PDF, are enough when you file online, and originals are generally not required at submission.

What extra documents do regulated professions usually need?

Regulated professions usually add a certificate of good standing or of no disciplinary sanctions from your professional body at home. You may also need proof of registration or licence, a certificate of your training content, proof of experience and, for some professions, a criminal record certificate. EU nationals may be able to use an attestation from their competent authority.