Recognition of foreign qualifications in Italy: the complete guide

A qualification obtained abroad has no automatic legal value in Italy. To use it, a formal act of recognition is needed, and the procedure changes according to the purpose. This guide explains the system as a whole, the three routes to recognition and the documents that recur in every case.

What recognising a foreign qualification in Italy means

In Italy a qualification obtained abroad has no automatic legal value. To be able to use it, a formal act of recognition is required, which establishes its level and makes it usable for the intended purpose. The principle dates back to the consolidated act of 1933 and was redrawn by Law 148 of 2002, which transposed the Lisbon Convention.

The principle of purpose-specific recognition

There is no single recognition valid for every use. Under the Lisbon Convention, purpose-specific recognition applies, whereby the same qualification receives different assessments according to the purpose, whether to continue studies, to enter public employment or to practise a profession. Recognition obtained for one purpose does not extend to the others.

The three routes to recognition of foreign qualifications

There are three main routes. The academic route, within the competence of the universities, serves for studying in Italy and for equipollenza. The administrative route, equivalence, concerns competitions and public employment. The professional route allows a regulated profession to be practised, before the Ministry of the sector. Each has its own authority and documents.

Academic recognition

This is the route to follow for entering university, continuing studies or obtaining the full legal value of the qualification. Competence lies with the universities, which under Article 2 of Law 148 of 2002 declare the foreign qualification to correspond to an Italian one. In everyday language it is equipollenza, general and permanent.

Administrative recognition: equivalence

This is needed where the qualification must count in the public sector, to enter a competition or to obtain points and career progression. It is an equivalence limited to the purpose, provided for by Article 38 of Legislative Decree 165 of 2001 and by Presidential Decree 189 of 2009. Since the 2025 reform, for competitions the candidate is admitted provisionally and recognition is applied for only by the successful candidates.

Professional recognition

This concerns those who wish to practise a regulated profession in Italy and is governed by Legislative Decree 206 of 2007, before the Ministry competent for the profession. For European Union qualifications the sectoral professions enjoy automatic recognition, while the other professions and non-EU qualifications follow the general system, with possible compensation measures.

The documents useful for starting the procedure

Cases normally require the Declaration of Value, the CIMEA comparability statements, the official translation certified as conforming or sworn and, for non-EU qualifications, legalisation by Apostille under the Hague Convention. Correct documentation and precise terminology are often what distinguishes a smooth case from one that stalls.

Timeframes, safeguards and the burden of proof

The timeframes depend on the route. For academic recognition the procedure is normally concluded within ninety days. The Lisbon Convention places the burden of proof on the authority, because in order to refuse recognition it must demonstrate substantial differences in level, duration or content against the Italian qualification. Any refusal must be reasoned and may be challenged.

Where to start

The starting point is always the purpose, because it determines the route, the competent authority and the documents. Once the purpose is clear, the file is prepared and the application submitted to the right body. Setting the case up well from the outset avoids requests for additions and dead time.

Legal references: Law 148 of 2002 and the Lisbon Convention, Presidential Decree 189 of 2009, Legislative Decree 206 of 2007, Article 38 of Legislative Decree 165 of 2001.