If you have a foreign university degree and want it recognized in Spain, the first thing you need to know is that there are two different processes: homologation and the declaration of equivalence . Confusing them is the most frequent and most expensive mistake in the process. In this article, we explain the differences between them, which one applies to your degree, and what happens if you start the wrong process.
Why does it matter to choose well from the beginning?
Homologation and equivalence are two words that constantly appear together when you search for information about the recognition of university degrees in Spain. The problem is that they are not the same, they don't serve the same purpose, and they are not processed in the same way. Confusing them is one of the most costly mistakes applicants make: it means starting the wrong process, paying non-refundable fees, and wasting months of processing before realizing the error. The good news is that the distinction is clear once you understand the logic behind each process. And that logic depends on a single factor.
The deciding factor: Is your career a regulated profession?
In Spain, some professions can only be practiced with an officially recognized state qualification. These are known as regulated professions. To work as a doctor, nurse, architect, or pharmacist in Spain, simply having the qualification isn't enough: you need that qualification to be officially recognized through the homologation process.
If your degree does not correspond to a regulated profession —economics, computer science, biology, journalism, for example—the process that corresponds to you is the declaration of equivalence, which recognizes the academic level of your degree, but does not grant specific professional qualifications.
That's the criterion. Everything else stems from that.
What is the validation of university degrees?
Validation is the official recognition of a foreign qualification for a regulated profession in Spain. Once granted, it certifies that your training is equivalent to the corresponding Spanish qualification and enables you to register with the relevant professional body and practice that profession in Spain.
Professions that require certification:
- Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Dentistry.
- Architecture, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering (with qualifications).
- Vet.
- Dietitian-Nutritionist.
- Non-university teaching.
Without accreditation, you cannot register with the professional association. Without registration, you cannot practice legally. There is no alternative or middle ground for these professions.
What is a university equivalency declaration?
A declaration of equivalence recognizes the academic level of a foreign degree that does not correspond to a regulated profession. It does not grant professional qualifications, but it does officially certify that your degree is equivalent to a Spanish Bachelor's or Master's degree.
Degrees that are awarded by equivalency:
- Business Administration, Economics, Law (except for the practice of law in certain cases where the process would be the validation of studies).
- Computer Science, Software Engineering, Telecommunications (without enabling powers).
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics.
- Journalism, Advertising, Communication.
- Design, Fine Arts.
- History, Philology, Academic Psychology.
Equivalency is useful for accessing the job market in Spain, although it doesn't allow you to practice in regulated professions. It also facilitates access to master's or doctoral programs in Spain, although most do not require it. Another possible path for professionals with equivalency certification is to take competitive public service examinations.
Comparative table: homologation vs. equivalence
| Professional | Declaration of equivalence | |
| What is it for | To practice a regulated profession in Spain |
Academic recognition of the degree level |
|
Which titles does it apply to? |
Regulated professions (medicine, architecture, nursing…) | Unregulated professions (Business Administration, IT, Biology…) |
| Grants professional authority | Yes |
No |
|
It allows you to register with a professional association. |
Yes (along with other requirements) | No, in most cases |
| It allows access to master's or doctoral studies. | Yes |
Yes |
|
Recognized level |
Title equivalent to the corresponding Spanish profession |
Spanish Bachelor's or Master's Degree |
Cases that frequently generate confusion regarding the homologation or equivalence of university degrees
Law School
A foreign law degree can be processed through equivalency to demonstrate academic qualifications. However, to practice law in Spain, there are additional requirements: access to the profession is regulated and requires passing the Master's Degree in Legal Practice and the corresponding examinations, regardless of whether the degree has an equivalency. Generally, full recognition of a lawyer's qualifications in Spain is not possible. Individuals must transfer their university credits to a Spanish university, complete their law degree again in Spain, and then complete the Master's Degree in Legal Practice and the corresponding examinations. This credit transfer process is known as Partial Validation of Foreign Studies.
Psychology
Academic psychology and research operate on a system of equivalency. General Health Psychology, being linked to the healthcare system, falls under the category of regulated professions and may require validation depending on the specific professional objective. However, this validation is only possible for students from Argentine universities. Generally, validation of the profession of general health psychologist is not possible in Spain. Individuals must transfer their undergraduate credits to a Spanish university, complete their psychology degree again in Spain, and then obtain a Master's degree in General Health Psychology. This credit transfer process is known as Partial Validation of Foreign Studies. Another option, in the case of Psychology, would be to complete the university equivalency process, obtain a Master's degree in General Health Psychology, and once both processes are complete, apply for validation of the profession of general health psychologist by submitting both the equivalency certificate and the Master's degree. It is a very lengthy process.
Engineering
An engineering degree without professional qualifications—software development, for example— is recognized through equivalency . An engineering degree with qualifications that authorize the signing of projects or the management of construction works requires homologation. This distinction is important and worth verifying before starting any process. It is common for homologation to be applied to the technical profession rather than the full degree (for example, industrial technical engineer instead of industrial engineer), and then the corresponding master's degree must be completed in Spain.
What happens if you start the wrong process?
The Ministry does not automatically redirect your application to the correct process. If you submit an application for equivalency when what you need is homologation, the application may be processed incorrectly for your purpose, and you will have to start the correct process from scratch: new application, new fees, new waiting period.
It's one of the most avoidable and most frequent mistakes. The root cause is usually looking for the "simplest" process without verifying which one is actually the correct one.
Frequently asked questions about the recognition or equivalence of university degrees in Spain
Are homologation and equivalence processes handled by the same Ministry?
Yes. Both processes are managed by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Ministry's online portal.
Can I have both the homologation and the equivalence of the same degree at the same time?
Yes, it's possible. They are separate processes, and you can apply for them individually. Sometimes you might be recommended, and other times it might not make sense. It depends on the person's professional situation and goals.
Is the equivalence of a foreign master's degree the same as the equivalence of a bachelor's degree?
The process is the same, but the recognized level is different. The declaration of equivalence may recognize your degree as equivalent to a Spanish Bachelor's degree or a Spanish Master's degree, depending on the level and duration of your studies abroad.
If I have the equivalent qualification, can I apply for competitive public service exams in Spain?
It depends on the specific competitive examination. Many civil service positions require a qualification officially recognized in Spain, and an equivalency fulfills this requirement for positions not linked to regulated professions. For competitive examinations for positions that require a specific regulated qualification, official recognition may be necessary.
What is the difference between university equivalence and validation?
These are separate procedures. A declaration of equivalence officially recognizes your entire degree with the Ministry. Validation is an internal process at Spanish universities whereby they recognize specific subjects from your foreign academic record so you don't have to repeat them if you study for a degree in Spain. One does not replace the other.
Not sure which one is right for you? En LegalSpain We analyze your case before starting any action. Consult with our specialists.
