Understanding Degree Recognition in Portugal
For foreign professionals and students moving to Portugal, the recognition of academic degrees and diplomas is a standard administrative procedure required to exercise certain professions or continue higher education. This process ensures that a foreign qualification is evaluated against the Portuguese higher education system, establishing equivalence in terms of level, duration, and scientific content.
The current framework is governed by Decree-Law no. 66/2018, which standardized the procedures across all Portuguese higher education institutions. The primary authority overseeing these processes is the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES), along with public universities and polytechnic institutes.
Types of Degree Recognition
The Portuguese system categorizes recognition into three distinct types, depending on the origin of the degree and the intended purpose of the applicant:
Automatic Recognition
This is the simplest and fastest form of recognition. It applies to degrees that are part of a pre-approved list or originate from countries with specific bilateral agreements. It identifies the level of the foreign degree (Licenciatura, Mestrado, or Doutoramento) as being identical to a Portuguese degree level. This is generally used for non-regulated professions and general employment.
Level Recognition
Level recognition compares a foreign qualification to a Portuguese higher education level. It is used when the degree does not qualify for automatic recognition but is still recognized as being at the same academic level (e.g., a Master's degree from a non-EU country being recognized as equivalent to a Portuguese Mestrado).
Specific Recognition
Specific recognition is the most detailed evaluation. It involves a case-by-case analysis of the study plan, duration, and credits (ECTS). This type is mandatory for those who wish to practice a "regulated profession" (such as Medicine, Engineering, or Law) or for those seeking to continue specific academic research in Portugal. It determines if the foreign degree is identical to a specific Portuguese degree in a particular field of study.
Application Process and Costs
Applications for recognition are submitted digitally through the RecON platform managed by the DGES. Applicants must provide several legalized documents, which typically include:
- A copy of the identification document (Passport or Residence Permit).
- The original Diploma or a certified copy, legalized with an Apostille (Hague Convention) or by a Portuguese Consulate.
- Academic transcripts showing the list of subjects, grades, and duration of the course.
- Official translations into Portuguese if the original documents are not in English, French, or Spanish (though requirements vary by institution).
The fees for these services are updated annually and vary depending on the type of recognition and the institution handling the request. As of the 2025/2026 cycle, the estimated costs are as follows:
- Automatic Recognition: Approximately 30 EUR ($32 USD, Jan 2026).
- Level or Specific Recognition: Fees are set by the individual university or polytechnic. Prices typically range from 150 EUR ($161 USD, Jan 2026) to 550 EUR ($589 USD, Jan 2026).
The processing time for automatic recognition is approximately 30 days, while level or specific recognition can take between 90 to 180 days, depending on the complexity of the curriculum analysis.
Regulated Professions and Professional Orders
Obtaining academic recognition is often only the first step for those working in regulated sectors. In Portugal, many professions require mandatory registration with a professional association known as an Ordem. Even after the DGES or a university recognizes your degree, you must meet the specific criteria of the relevant professional body.
Key regulated sectors include:
- Healthcare: Doctors (Ordem dos Médicos) and Nurses (Ordem dos Enfermeiros) require rigorous validation and often a language proficiency exam.
- Engineering: Engineers must register with the Ordem dos Engenheiros.
- Law: Lawyers must undergo a period of internship and an exam governed by the Ordem dos Advogados.
Exceptions and Special Cases
For individuals with degrees obtained within the European Union, the process is streamlined due to the Bologna Process and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). However, professional registration still applies for regulated roles. For those with qualifications from outside the EU/EEA, the requirement for an Apostille or consular legalization is strictly enforced and cannot be waived.