Homologating a degree is the process through which the Spanish state officially recognizes a foreign university degree, equating it to a Spanish degree that qualifies the holder to practice regulated professions in Spain.
This process is essential if you wish to work as a doctor, engineer, lawyer, architect, psychologist, teacher, pharmacist, among other regulated professions, since Spanish law requires an official homologation to work legally in these fields.
Homologating is not just a bureaucratic step: it’s a gateway to the Spanish job market and a stable, dignified professional life.
Have you completed a University Degree outside of Spain and want to work in Spain in your profession? The homologation of your degree is the essential first step to validate your education and gain access to the Spanish labor market under the same conditions as local professionals.
At Bea – Barcelona Immigration Lawyers, we specialize in immigration and expat legal services, and we guide you through every stage of the process, ensuring you can build your professional career in Spain within a legal and supportive framework.
Who can homologate their degree in Spain?
Anyone who has completed higher education abroad and wishes to pursue a regulated profession in Spain can apply for this official recognition. This procedure is especially targeted at:
- Migrants who have completed university degrees in Latin America.
- Foreign residents in Spain who wish to regularize their professional situation.
- Expats who arrive with prior experience and education and want to continue their careers in Spain.
The most frequently homologated degrees correspond to the following fields:
Health Professions:
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Dentistry
- Psychology
- Physiotherapy
- Pharmacy
- Veterinary
Engineering and Architecture:
- Civil, Industrial, Agricultural, Aeronautical, Telecommunications Engineering
- Architecture and Technical Architecture
Legal and Social Sciences:
- Law (Lawyers, Solicitors)
Education:
- Teaching (Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, and Vocational Education)
Does your degree not appear here? Don’t worry: not all degrees require homologation, and some may be eligible for equivalence or validation (explained below). Our team will assess your specific case to guide you towards the best option.
Steps to homologate your foreign University Degree in Spain
At BEA – Barcelona Extranjería Abogados, we guide you through every step of the homologation process in Spain. While this procedure may seem complex, with good legal planning, everything becomes easier. Here are the main steps:
Initial Study and Planning
We analyze your specific case, applicable legislation, and the specific requirements based on your country of origin and your degree.
Application on the Ministry of Universities Electronic Headquarters
Homologation applications are submitted online. We assist you in correctly processing the paperwork through the Ministry’s Electronic Headquarters, ensuring all required documents are submitted without errors.
Required Documentation
- University degree (original or notarized copy)
- Transcripts (detailing subjects and credits)
- Official Spanish translations of all documents
- In some cases, professional experience certificates or internships
We ensure that all your documentation is in order, with necessary legalizations (Apostille of the Hague, if applicable). Starting this process as part of your migration plan, before you move, will allow us to secure the necessary documents even if digital legalization is available in many countries.
Payment of Fees
This process involves an administrative cost. We’ll guide you through the correct payment procedure via Model 790.
Review of Your Application
The Ministry may request additional information or supplementary tests, such as knowledge exams or internship periods. We support you at each stage to ensure you gather everything needed before submitting.
Favorable Resolution
Once approved, you’ll receive a homologated Spanish degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, which allows you to legally work in your profession.
Why is it important to homologate your Degree tolLive and work in Spain?
- Gain full access to the Spanish job market.
- Apply for qualified and better-paying job offers.
- Register with professional associations, take exams, or sign projects.
- Open doors to other migration processes, such as residence permits or labor roots.
- Avoid overqualification and underemployment.
Homologate your Degree with BEA – Barcelona Extranjería Abogados: Professionals who care about your process
We are a law firm specializing in migration and foreign affairs, with years of experience helping migrants and expats homologate their degrees in Spain and build clear, effective migration plans.
Why Trust Us?
- We understand the challenges of migrating as a professional from Latin America.
- We assign an expert lawyer to guide you through the entire process.
- We prepare your documents, submit the application, and follow up on your case.
- We speed up the process with strategic management, avoiding common mistakes.
- You can schedule your online consultation from anywhere in the World.
What happens if I don’t need to homologate?
There are cases where equivalence or validation may suffice, depending on the profession.
We help you understand which route is correct for your case, preventing you from wasting time and money on unnecessary procedures.
Equivalence refers to the academic recognition of a foreign university degree as equivalent to a certain level of education in the Spanish system (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD), but without professional authorization.
What is it for?
Continuing studies in Spain (e.g., access to a Master’s or PhD).
Public competitions or processes that only require academic qualifications.
Key Difference: It does not allow you to practice regulated professions. It only certifies that your academic level is equivalent.
Validation applies when someone has not completed their studies and wishes to continue their degree in Spain. It allows recognition of subjects already taken abroad within the Spanish university system.
Who Can Apply?
Foreign students wishing to finish their degree in Spain.
Homologating in Spain from America: Yes, It’s possible. We can plan it.
Whether you’re from Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, or any other Latin American country, our team is ready to assist you. Homologation can be done from outside Spain or once you’re in the country.
Wherever you are, your professional experience deserves recognition—homologating your professional degree in Spain is the goal.
Schedule your consultation and start today
Don’t delay your professional future.
Take the first step toward your new life in Spain. At BEA, we listen, guide, and accompany you through the homologation process of your foreign degree. With us, your migration plan has direction.
Schedule Your Virtual Consultation and Start Building Your Professional Project in Spain.