Spain is one of the most attractive destinations for international professionals and students thanks to its quality of life, universities and growing job market. However, if you graduated outside Spain and want to work or study here, you will most likely need to go through two essential processes: the recognition of your degree certificate and the sworn translation of your documents.
In this article, you will find out the basic requirements for coming to Spain to legally work or study, and how properly preparing your application can make all the difference.
Working in Spain with a foreign qualification
To legally work in Spain as a non-EU citizen, you need a residence and work permit, which is usually requested from your country of origin. In many cases, you must have a job offer beforehand, and it is the Spanish company that initiates the process with the authorities.
What if you have a vocational programme certification?
If your profession is regulated in Spain, such as medicine, nursing, law, engineering or teaching, you will need to have your foreign qualification recognised. This procedure is regulated by Spanish Royal Decree 889/2022 and is managed by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación e Universidades (Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities) –for university programmes– and the Ministerio de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes (Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport) –for vocational training or secondary education programmes.
Sworn translation: an essential step
To begin the recognition process, you must submit your certificate, academic transcript, and curriculum vitae, all duly translated into Spanish. However, not just any translation will do: it must be an official sworn translation, carried out by a translator accredited by the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores (Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs). This is a legally valid translation, and without it, your application may be rejected or put on hold.
If you need a sworn translation, Lingua Int can help you with the entire process: request a quote.
What if you want to come to Spain to study?
Spain has internationally renowned universities and a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. If you are a non-EU foreigner and wish to study in Spain, you will need to apply for a student visa from your country of origin. This visa will allow you to reside legally in Spain for the duration of your studies.
In many cases, to access master’s or doctoral programmes, you will be asked to prove your previous education through an official recognition or equivalence of your university programme, which guarantees that you meet the academic requirements demanded by Spanish universities.
In addition, some universities may also require a sworn translation of your documents, even for internal admission procedures. This includes your degree certificate, grades or even your letter of motivation.
Prepare your sworn translations in advance and do not forget to check that the name, dates, and grades match exactly on all documents.
Read all about it in our article on the recognition of foreign certifications.
Conclusion
Coming to Spain to work or study with a foreign qualification is entirely possible, but it requires preparation. The recognition of qualifications and the sworn translation of your documents are essential procedures that should not be left to the last minute. At Lingua, we can help you translate your diplomas, certificates, and transcripts legally and quickly, so that your arrival in Spain is a smooth transition into your professional or academic future.
Would you like more information on how to validate your certificate or do you need an urgent sworn translation? Do not hesitate to contact us or request a quote. You can also contact us through our social media channels: LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook.
