Recognition

Academic and Professional Qualification Recognition in Portugal

For foreign nationals planning to study or work in Portugal, the recognition of academic degrees and diplomas obtained abroad is a fundamental administrative step. Since January 2019, Portugal has operated under a unified legal framework (Decree-Law No. 66/2018) designed to simplify the process of validating foreign higher education qualifications. This system is managed by the Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior (DGES) and the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC).

The recognition process ensures that a foreign degree has the same value, rights, and effects as a corresponding Portuguese degree. This is essential for individuals seeking to enroll in further education, apply for public sector jobs, or register with professional orders (Ordens Profissionais).

Main Categories of Recognition

The Portuguese system categorizes qualification recognition into three distinct types, depending on the country of origin and the intended use of the degree.

Automatic Recognition (Reconhecimento Automático)

This is the simplest form of recognition. It applies to degrees issued by foreign higher education institutions that are part of a specific list of countries or degrees defined by the Portuguese Recognition Committee. This generally applies to degrees from the European Union and several other countries with bilateral agreements.

• Applicability: Degrees that are identical in level to Portuguese Licenciatura (Bachelor), Mestrado (Master), or Doutoramento (PhD).
• Estimated Cost: Approximately 30 EUR ($32 USD, Jan 2026) to 550 EUR ($581 USD, Jan 2026), depending on the specific institution processing the request.

Level Recognition (Reconhecimento de Nível)

This type of recognition compares the level of the foreign degree to a corresponding level in the Portuguese education system. It does not look at the specific curriculum, but rather the academic standing of the degree in its country of origin.

• Applicability: When the foreign degree is not covered by the automatic list but corresponds to a specific academic level (e.g., a Master's degree from a non-EU country).
• Requirement: The institution must be recognized by the competent authorities in its home country.

Specific Recognition (Reconhecimento Específico)

Specific recognition involves a detailed case-by-case analysis of the curriculum, subjects, and duration of the study program. It determines whether the foreign degree is equivalent to a specific Portuguese degree in a particular field of study.

• Applicability: Necessary for regulated professions (e.g., Architecture, Medicine, Engineering) where the content of the training must align strictly with Portuguese standards.
• Timeline: This is the longest process and may take up to 90 days or more.

Practical Steps for Application

The application for recognition must be submitted electronically through the DGES Portal. Applicants can choose the higher education institution (University or Polytechnic) they wish to review their request.

Required Documentation

While requirements may vary slightly depending on the institution, the following documents are standard:

• Identification: Copy of a valid Passport or Citizen Card.
• Diploma/Certificate: A copy of the original degree or diploma issued by the foreign institution.
• Transcript of Records: Detailed list of subjects passed, grades, and ECTS credits (if applicable).
• Syllabus: For specific recognition, detailed descriptions of the course contents are required.
• Translation: Documents not issued in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish must usually be accompanied by a certified translation.

Note: Many documents must be legalized via the Hague Apostille or by the local Portuguese Consulate in the country where the degree was obtained.

Fees and Timelines

Fees are set by the individual universities and polytechnics. On average, fees for 2025/2026 range from:

• Automatic Recognition: 30 EUR ($32 USD, Jan 2026) to 100 EUR ($106 USD, Jan 2026).
• Specific/Level Recognition: 150 EUR ($158 USD, Jan 2026) to 500 EUR ($528 USD, Jan 2026).

The legal deadline for a decision is 30 days for automatic recognition and 90 days for level or specific recognition, though these times may increase during peak admission periods.

Exceptions and Special Cases

There are specific provisions for different categories of applicants that may alter the standard procedure:

• Regulated Professions: Even after academic recognition, professionals such as doctors, lawyers, or nurses must register with their respective Ordem. Academic recognition is a prerequisite, not a replacement for professional licensing.
• Refugees and Beneficiaries of International Protection: Individuals who cannot provide original documentation due to their status may be eligible for a simplified process involving examinations or interviews to verify their qualifications.
• Non-Higher Education: Recognition of secondary school diplomas (high school) is handled by the Direção-Geral da Educação (DGE) and regional school clusters, not the DGES.

For more information on secondary education equivalence, users should visit the DGE Website.