Conversion of Foreign Qualifications
Conversão de Qualificações
What is it?
There are three types of recognition of foreign qualifications in Portugal:
- Automatic recognition- Reconhecimento Automático: Confirms that a foreign degree corresponds to a Portuguese Bachelor, Master or Doctorate based on a pre‑approved list.
- Level recognition - Reconhecimento de Nível: Confirms the academic level of the foreign degree (Bachelor, Master or Doctorate).
- Specific recognition – Reconhecimento Específico: Confirms the level and scientific area of the foreign degree, matching it to a specific Portuguese qualification.
All three types of recognition (Automatic, Level and Specific) hold equal legal validity, but each serves a different purpose. If you only need confirmation of your degree level (Bachelor, Master or Doctorate), Automatic or Level Recognition is usually sufficient.
If you need recognition of the course or scientific area (e.g., Degree in Biology), then Specific Recognition is the appropriate option.
Portugal uses three distinct procedures to validate foreign diplomas under Decree-Law no. 66/2018. For Level and Specific Recognition, the fee is set directly by the Portuguese higher‑education institution, and the process normally concludes within 90 days. In the case of Priority Level Recognition, the maximum period is 30 days.
For Automatic Recognition, processed by DGES, the baseline cost is 32,20€,and the procedure takes up to 30 days.
Why would I need it?
There are several reasons why someone might need to convert their foreign qualifications in Portugal:
- Employment: Many employers in Portugal require candidates to have qualifications recognized by Portuguese authorities, especially for regulated professions such as medicine, law, or engineering.
- Further Education: If you plan to pursue additional education or training in Portugal, such as enrolling in a university program or vocational training, you may need to have your foreign qualifications recognized.
- Professional Licensing: Certain professions in Portugal require specific licenses or certifications, which may only be obtained if your qualifications are recognized by relevant authorities.
- Career Advancement: Recognition of foreign qualifications can enhance your career prospects in Portugalby demonstrating your skills, knowledge, and expertise to employers and professional organizations.
- Immigration: If you are moving to Portugal for work or study purposes, having your foreign qualifications recognized may be a requirement for obtaining a visa or residence permit.
- Access to Benefits: Some benefits or entitlements in Portugal may be contingent upon having recognized qualifications, such as access to social security benefits or eligibility for certain public sector positions.
| Automatic Recognition |
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| Level Recognition |
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| Specific Recognition |
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Step-by-Step guide
- Get a copy of your Diploma translated and authenticated.
- Search if you are eligible for automatic recognition.
Alternatively, you can find out which recognition is applicable to your situation and your next steps you need in this form.
This is stated in the online recognition form but, it is important to note: if you are not eligible for automatic recognition, start searching degrees in Portuguese public universities or public polytechnic institutes, that are close to yours and go to the establishment to get further information.
| Automatic Recognition |
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| Level Recognition |
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| Specific Recognition |
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Documents Required
One of the following documents must be submitted for all types of recognition:
- A copy of the Diploma or document issued by the foreign higher education institution proving that you hold the degree or diploma for which recognition is requested, authenticated by the competent authorities OR;
- A simple copy of the document issued by the foreign higher education institution showing the registration number of the degree or diploma, in the case of foreign higher education institutions that have centralized registers that can be consulted publicly through a unique identifier OR;
- Diploma or certificate issued by the foreign higher education institution, in its original version, proving that you hold the degree or diploma for which recognition is requested.
In addition to the documentation mentioned above, specific documentation may be requested to get level and specific recognition, namely:
- A document issued by the foreign higher education institution stating the curricular units in which the applicant passed and which led to the degree or diploma for which recognition is requested, as well as the respective syllabus, the duration of the studies leading to the degree and the respective final classification.
- In the case of a degree corresponding to the master's level, a digital or scanned copy of the defended dissertation or project work, or internship report.
- In the case of a degree corresponding to a doctorate, a digital or scanned copy of the defended thesis, except when this has been replaced by other research work, works or artistic achievements, in which case the appropriate elements must be submitted in digital or scanned format in order to know the content of the research carried out and the grounds that explain the process of conception and elaboration, the research capacity, and its framework in the evolution of knowledge in the field in which it is inserted.
Applicable Law: Decreto-Lei nº. 66/2018
Community Tips and Learning
⚠️ SCAMS TO BE CAREFUL OF?
Avoid third-party intermediaries or unauthorized websites offering expedited credential recognition; applications must be submitted directly through the official government DGES portal, and any fraudulent activity should be reported immediately to the Polícia Judiciária or the Public Prosecutor's Office.
With the Skilled Visa Mandate (Law No. 61/2025), Portugal has permanently abolished generic job-seeker visas, making prior qualification conversion the mandatory first step and primary legal gateway for skilled entry [61/2025].
Frequently Asked Questions
Send a Message in the Eletronic Platform attaching a document of the Diploma from the Institution so it can be verified
Where we are
Rua Carvalho Araújo 66-B1900-140 Lisboa
Portugal
How to Get Here
- Metro: Linha Verde (Green Line) - Intendente Station
- Bus: 708, 730, 742, 794
Opening hours
- Mon, Tue, Thu
- 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30
- Wednesday (Extended)
- Until 19:30
- Friday
- Until 18:30
No appointment needed. Just walk in.