Guide to recognition of degrees obtained in EU universities to work in Spain (under Directive 2005/36/CE)

As an expat, have you obtained a diploma or other titles from educational centers in European Union and want to work in Spain? Are you finishing your studies in the EU but are not sure where your future would be? Here in this article, we will talk about how to get your titles recognized to be eligible to work in Spain.

1. Who can apply for this recognition?

2. When and how can you apply?

3. What documents do I need to complete the application?

4. Before getting the results, you can still come to Spain in the following ways

You need to be a university graduate whose degrees have been issued in the Member States of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland.

2. When and how can you apply?

• When: This application is open permanently online.
• How:
  • You can apply through the electronic center.
  • You can also apply in any of the capable offices. 

3. What documents do I need to complete the application?

• Original document and certified copy of the passport or NIE to provide the identity and nationality of the applicant
• Copy of the academic and/or professional title (or titles) obtained
• Copy of the official academic certification of the studies carried out to obtain the degree, which includes:
  • the duration of the studies in academic years
  • the subjects were taken to get the degree
• Official translation into Spanish of:
  • the title obtained
  • the official academic certification.
• If the working eligibility is regulated by a certified authority in the country where the title was obtained following Directive 2005/36 / EC:
  • The official translation to Spanish of the certification showing that the title was obtained following the Directive 2005/36 / EC needs to be submitted.
• If the working eligibility is not regulated by the country where the title was obtained, and you have carried out the professional practice for at least a year in another nation where the Directive 2005/36/CE is applied (except in Spain):
  • The official translation to Spanish of the official document that certifies the professional practice.
• Additional requirements for teaching professionals at the non-university level:
  • You need to request a criminal record for sex-related crimes from the authorities of your country of origin

4. Before getting the results, you can still come to Spain in the following ways

• If you want to invest in Spain and later start your professional job using your foreign degrees, you can apply for a golden visa (investor visa) and come to Spain before your validation is ready.
• If you want to reside in Spain and start to work later, you can also think about applying for a non-lucrative visa. Don’t be deceived by the name of the visa type. After holding this visa for 1 year, you can apply for a working visa and start to work in Spain.
• One of the requirements to complement these two visa application processes is that you need to have qualified visa insurance (Spanish health insurance). We want to present to you our expat insurance, the best-rated medical insurance in Spain.

Check out another one of our blogs to learn more about this topic:

• How to apply for a spanish student visa
• Guide to the Spanish education system
• Spanish higher education: why choose Spain as the destination?
• How to apply for the student NIE/TIE in Spain for the first time?
• How to choose a school in Spain: Spanish vs international schools
• How to get a foreign degree accredited to work/study in Spain?

Reference:

[1] Títulos extranjeros no universitarios (2023). Retrieved 21 June 2023, from https://www.educacionyfp.gob.es/servicios-al-ciudadano/catalogo/gestion-titulos/estudios-no-universitarios/titulos-extranjeros.html 

Our content will be updated according to the most recent legislation. Last update: 21/06/2023