Public posts and special situations

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. After reading, you will know how nationality and recognition work together for public posts, and what to do when standard guidance does not fit you.

Start with "Public-sector jobs in Spain with a foreign qualification". It explains recognition and nationality as two separate gates, which the other pages build on. From there, choose the page that matches your situation:

• Whether a post is for a civil servant or a contracted public employee.
• What to do when you cannot get your diploma or transcripts.
• How to plan a regulated career as the accompanying partner.
• How recognition works for Spanish citizens and descendants with foreign degrees.

Permit eligibility, job searching and teacher oposiciones are covered elsewhere.

Key rules

• Appeal windows: A refused recognition can be challenged by an appeal within one month, or taken to court within two months of the decision.
• Nationality: Funcionario posts require Spanish nationality in general, with exceptions for EU nationals and certain family members, but never for posts involving public authority.
• Two gates: You must pass the nationality rule for the post type and, where the call asks, have your foreign title recognised.
• Reserved posts: Posts involving public authority are for Spanish nationals only, whatever your qualifications.
• Personal laboral: Personal laboral is the more open route for non-nationals, but it cannot include public authority functions.
• Decision: The competent ministry decides whether your alternative evidence is accepted, case by case.

Public posts and special situations: the whole process, step by step

• Check whether the post is open to you by nationality (Public-sector jobs in Spain with a foreign qualification): before you start preparing

• Decide whether you are aiming for a civil servant or a contract (personal laboral) post (Civil servant or contracted public employee (personal laboral), and what each needs): before you pick a call

• Start recognition of your foreign title, and plan around any missing diploma or transcripts (Recognition when you cannot get your diploma or transcripts): as soon as you choose a post, well before the call opens

• If you are an accompanying partner or a Spanish citizen with a foreign degree, plan your own recognition alongside this (Planning a regulated career as the accompanying partner; Spanish citizens and descendants with foreign degrees): at the same time as step 3

• Hold the recognition credential and meet every requirement: by the end of the application period in many calls; some calls allow proof before appointment

• Keep meeting the requirements until you take up the post: from the application deadline until you start

• If recognition is refused, appeal or go to court: appeal within 1 month, or go to court within 2 months of the decision

Check the bases of the specific call for the exact deadline to hold your recognised title.

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Proof of your family tie — Public-sector jobs in Spain with a foreign qualification

Income and work

• Employment records or other proof of professional work — Recognition when you cannot get your diploma or transcripts

Translations and legal papers

• A translation into Spanish of your degree and the other documents you submit — Spanish citizens and descendants with foreign degrees
• A copy of your diploma certified by a notary — Recognition when you cannot get your diploma or transcripts
• A sworn statement about your studies — Recognition when you cannot get your diploma or transcripts

Other documents

• Proof that your foreign degree is validated in Spain — Public-sector jobs in Spain with a foreign qualification
• The recognition certificate for your profession — Public-sector jobs in Spain with a foreign qualification
• Proof of your protection status — Recognition when you cannot get your diploma or transcripts
• A certificate from your home country's ministry of education — Recognition when you cannot get your diploma or transcripts

Public posts and special situations: questions that cross several articles

Does Spanish nationality exempt me from recognising my foreign degree?

No, Spanish nationality covers the nationality requirement but you still need your foreign degree homologated or recognised as equivalent. The conditions are the same for Spaniards and foreigners. Read Spanish citizens and descendants with foreign degrees, and Public-sector jobs in Spain with a foreign qualification.

Can EU citizens and their family members apply for civil servant posts?

Yes, EU nationals can apply on the same terms as Spaniards, except for posts involving public authority. Their spouses and young or dependent descendants are covered too, and you may be asked to prove the family tie. Read Public-sector jobs in Spain with a foreign qualification and Planning a regulated career as the accompanying partner.

Can non-EU residents work in the public sector?

Yes, legally resident non-EU nationals can generally take contract (personal laboral) posts, subject to work authorisation. Civil servant posts are open to them only rarely, where the law allows. Read Civil servant or contracted public employee (personal laboral), and what each needs.

When must my foreign title be recognised for a public call?

Many calls require the recognition credential by the application deadline, while some allow proof before appointment. The call's bases decide. If your papers are incomplete, read Recognition when you cannot get your diploma or transcripts.