How to file a recognition application in Spain

Terms used

• DNI — The DNI is the national identity card of Spanish citizens.
• Tasa — The tasa is the official fee you pay to the administration for processing your application.
• Modelo 790 — The Modelo 790 is the official fee form; code 107 is used for Ministry of Education procedures.
• Cl@ve — Cl@ve is the government's digital identification system, used to sign in to official electronic offices without a certificate.
• Certificado digital — The certificado digital is an electronic ID file, such as an FNMT certificate, used to identify and sign online.
• Justificante — The justificante is the receipt you download after submitting, showing your registry number, date and time.

Key rules

• Order: Pay the fee before you submit, because the proof of payment is attached to the application.
• ID method: Some procedures accept only a digital certificate, not Cl@ve, so check the procedure page first.
• Proof of filing: Download and keep the justificante; without it you cannot show when or whether you filed.
• Paper filing: Individuals may still file on paper, unless the procedure requires online filing.

Which office to file with

Most foreign degrees and non-university studies (baccalaureate, secondary) go to the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports, through its electronic office. University degrees can fall under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. If you only did part of a university degree, the Spanish university where you want to continue handles it. Regulated professions go to the ministry for that profession, and some go to regional bodies with their own electronic offices. Competences have moved between ministries, so start on the procedure page for your case and confirm the office there.

Filing online, step by step

Do it in this order. The checklist below repeats the steps in short form.

1. Find your procedure on the electronic office and read its requirements. The fee, the form and the accepted ID method are set per procedure.
2. Pay the fee (tasa) first. Pay the fee with the official payment form before you file, and attach the proof of payment to the application. For Ministry of Education procedures this is Modelo 790, code 107. You generate it online and pay by card or account debit, or at a participating bank. Fees vary by procedure and are updated yearly.
3. Identify yourself. Use a digital certificate (certificado digital), such as an FNMT certificate or the electronic DNI, or Cl@ve. Some procedures accept only the certificate, so check the procedure page before you choose.
4. Complete the online form.
5. Attach your documents as digital files, including the proof of payment.
6. Sign and submit.
7. Download the receipt (justificante). It is a PDF with your registry number, date and time.

What to keep

Keep the justificante, the proof of payment, a copy of the application and attachments, and the file reference. You need them to check the status of your file and for any later contact. Notifications normally arrive electronically, so keep your access method working.

If you would rather file on paper

Individuals can still file on paper at any administration registry, at a post office, or at a Spanish embassy or consulate abroad. Some procedures push online filing or need an appointment, so check yours first. The choice box below helps you decide.

Choosing between options

Should you file online or on paper?

• File online: Choose this if you have a digital certificate or Cl@ve, or if you are a company or a professional who must deal with the administration electronically.

• File on paper: Choose this as an individual if you prefer it: you can hand the application in at any administration registry, a post office, or a Spanish embassy or consulate abroad.

Individuals may choose either route. Legal entities and professionals required to deal electronically must file online. Either way, attach the proof of fee payment.

Documents you need

• Electronic certificate (certificado digital), such as an FNMT certificate or the electronic DNI, or Cl@ve at the assurance level the procedure asks for, to identify yourself online

• Proof of fee payment: the electronic or stamped receipt for the Modelo 790 (code 107) fee form, which you attach to the application

• The supporting documents the procedure lists, scanned as digital files to attach to the online form

• The receipt (justificante) with your registry number, date and time, which you download after submitting and keep

Checklist

• Find your procedure on the competent electronic office and read its requirements.

• Identify yourself with your digital certificate or Cl@ve, using a method the procedure page accepts.

• Complete the online form.

• Attach your documents as digital files, including the proof of fee payment.

• Sign and submit the application.

• Download the receipt (justificante) with the registry number and keep it with your payment proof and a copy of the application.

Frequently asked questions

Which office do I file with for a foreign university degree?

Foreign higher education degrees go to the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports through its electronic office, while university-level degree recognition can fall to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. Partial university studies are handled by the Spanish university where you want to continue. Regulated professions go to the ministry for that profession, such as Health for doctors and nurses.

Can I sign in with Cl@ve instead of a digital certificate?

Yes, many procedures accept Cl@ve (Cl@ve PIN or permanent Cl@ve) as well as a digital certificate, but some accept only the certificate. The procedure page lists which methods that application takes. If it asks for a certificate, an FNMT certificate or the electronic DNI works.

What should I keep after I submit my application online?

Keep the receipt (justificante), a PDF showing your registry number plus the date and time of submission. Store it with your proof of fee payment, a copy of the application and attachments, and the file reference.