Recognition of Colombian degrees in Spain

Published on: June 4, 2021

Reading time: 4 min

Recognition of Colombian degrees in Spain

Homologation of Colombian Degrees in Spain: A Complete Guide

When you want to homologate Colombian degrees in Spain to practice professionally or continue higher education in Spain, there are three procedures: homologation, convalidation, and equivalence. While all aim for recognition in Spain of foreign studies, each has its own process. Homologation, specifically, facilitates access to regulated professions, offering the same opportunities as Spanish graduates.

Definitions

The following details the three procedures for recognizing Colombian degrees in Spain:

Homologation

Homologation grants the degree the same academic and professional effects as an equivalent Spanish degree or title, generally for higher-level professions or master's degrees. Professions subject to homologation are regulated in Annex 1 of Royal Decree 967/2014 of November 21, totaling 32.

The homologable professions are:

Doctor
Veterinarian
Nurse
Physiotherapist
Dentist
Pharmacist
Speech Therapist
Optometrist
Podiatrist
Occupational Therapist
General Health Psychologist*
Engineer: Civil, Mining, Industrial, Aeronautical, Agricultural, Forestry, Naval and Oceanographic, Telecommunications
Architect*
Technical Engineer: Mining, Public Works, Aeronautical, Agricultural, Forestry, Naval, Industrial, Surveying
Technical Architect
Early Childhood Education Teacher
Primary Education Teacher
Secondary Education, Baccalaureate, Vocational Training, and Language Teaching Professor
Lawyer*
Court Attorney*

For Engineering degrees (Civil, Mining, Industrial, Aeronautical, Agricultural, Forestry, Naval and Oceanographic, and Telecommunications), an additional step is required: requesting equivalence of the undergraduate degree and homologation of the master's degree. With the original degree, both qualifications can be requested, provided the engineering degree has at least five years of study.

Imagen asociada a Recognition of Colombian degrees in Spain

Convalidation

Convalidation recognizes certain subjects to continue studies at a higher education center in Spain. It applies to incomplete higher education studies and professions marked with an asterisk (*) in Annex 1 of Royal Decree 967/2014 of November 21:

Lawyer
Court Attorney
Architect
General Health Psychologist

These professions, although regulated, are not suitable for homologation as they require an enabling master's degree and professional registration. Convalidation allows practicing these professions in Spain. For Baccalaureate, Vocational Training, and Language Teaching professors, a Master's degree in Pedagogy is necessary.

Equivalence

For unregulated professions (not listed in Annex 1 of Royal Decree 967/2014 of November 21), equivalence is the option. Examples:

Journalism
Business Administration and Management
Art
Humanities
Biological Sciences
Physical, Chemical, and Geological Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics
Information Technology
Unlisted Engineering degrees
Agriculture
Forestry
Fishing
Philosophy
Literature

Unlike homologation, equivalence may require additional courses to practice in Spain.

Who Needs to Homologate Their University Degree?

Homologation is necessary for:

Healthcare professionals (mandatory).
Architects, engineers, lawyers.
Pursuing official higher education (master's degrees, doctorates).
Working in public organizations.

Homologation Process: Step-by-Step

For homologation and equivalence, the following documentation is required:

General Documentation

All documentation must be official, issued by the competent authorities, legalized, with a certified copy and official Spanish translation (if applicable).

Certified copy of the identity and nationality document.
Certified photocopy of the degree or certificate of issuance.
Certified copy of the academic transcript (duration, subjects, workload in hours or ECTS credits).
Proof of payment of the model 790 fee.
Accreditation of the necessary language proficiency.

Specific Documentation

If the Degree is in Medicine:

If the degree was obtained more than 6 years prior to the application, documentation of autonomous professional practice or continued training (3 years of the last 5) is needed.
If the graduate resides outside the issuing country and cannot prove professional experience, certification from the educational institution and a copy of the homologation enabling practice in their country of residence are required.

Additional Steps for Lawyers:

To homologate a law degree and practice law, an enabling master's degree and convalidation are needed:

Request exemption from nationality requirements (Ministry of Justice, maximum deadline of 3 months).
Take the access exam (Ministry of Justice, after the master's degree).
Register with the corresponding Spanish Bar Association.
Meet additional requirements (Tax Agency, Social Security, criminal record certificate, professional liability insurance).

Submission of the Application and Document Authentication

The competent authorities for authentication and submission of the application are:

Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
Sub-delegations of the Government.
Spanish Embassies and Consulates.
Notary Public.

Homologation Process

Online application (Ministry of Education) or in-person (downloadable form).
Wait for the resolution (several months).
Notification: homologation, conditional homologation, or denial.

For conditional homologations:

Royal Decree 285/2004: deadline of 4 years from notification.
Royal Decree 967/2014: deadline of 6 years from notification.

Processing Time

The average processing time is 9 to 18 months.

Costs

The main cost is the payment of the model 790 fee (164.85 euros).

Conclusion

Homologating Colombian degrees in Spain is essential for working in Spain, recognizing prior studies. While possible independently, expert legal counsel is recommended.

At Servicio Legal, we have immigration law lawyers and lawyers specializing in immigration law to guide you through the process.