The Dichiarazione di valore

The Dichiarazione di valore in loco is a document issued by the Italian diplomatic or consular representation in the country where a qualification was obtained. It describes, in Italian and on official paper, the nature of the qualification, the institution that issued it, its official status, the duration of the course, the grading system and the academic or professional rights it confers in that country. It is not a recognition: it is the information on which Italian universities, ministries, Prefectures and employers base their decisions. For thirty years MMW Traduzioni has guided clients through the request, prepared the translations and legalisations it requires and advised on the cases in which the statement of comparability issued by CIMEA can replace it.

When it is required

Italian universities ask for it, or for the CIMEA alternative, when a student with a foreign school diploma or degree applies for enrolment or for academic recognition. Ministries ask for it in professional recognition procedures for qualifications obtained outside the European Union. The Department of the Civil Service and the Ministry of Education ask for it in equivalence procedures for public competitions and teaching rankings. Prefectures ask for it when a worker qualifies for the EU Blue Card on the basis of a degree. Employers and professional bodies may ask for it to assess a candidate. Since the statement is issued by the Italian representation in the country of study, a degree from a British university requires a request to the Italian consulate competent for the university’s location, a degree from a Nigerian university a request to the Italian embassy in Abuja, and so on, whatever the current residence of the holder.

How it is obtained

Each representation publishes its own procedure, usually an online appointment system and a list of documents: the original diploma legalised with an apostille or by the local authorities, the transcript of records, a translation into Italian of both, made or certified according to the representation’s rules, the identity document of the holder and, for professional purposes, the certificate of registration with the local professional body. Some representations require the translation to be made by a translator on their own list, others accept a sworn translation made in Italy, others translate in-house. Waiting times range from a few weeks to several months, and an application with a missing apostille or a name that does not match the passport is returned without processing. The firm checks the documents before the appointment, prepares the translations in the form the representation accepts and corresponds with the consular office when clarification is needed. Where the client is abroad, the firm coordinates the request with the client, who attends the appointment or sends the documents by post as the representation requires.

The CIMEA alternative

CIMEA, the Italian centre of the ENIC-NARIC network, issues statements of comparability and statements of verification for foreign qualifications through an online procedure that does not depend on the consulate. The statement of comparability indicates the Italian qualification to which the foreign one corresponds in level and type; the statement of verification confirms the authenticity of the document with the issuing institution. Law 148 of 2002 and the ministerial rules on university enrolment allow universities and, in many cases, ministries and Prefectures to accept the CIMEA statements in place of the Dichiarazione di valore. They are faster, usually ready within a few weeks, and can be requested from anywhere. They are not accepted by every authority for every purpose: some professional recognition procedures and some public competitions still require the consular statement. The firm advises which document the specific authority accepts and prepares the CIMEA application with the sworn translations it requires.

After the statement

The Dichiarazione di valore is written in Italian and needs no translation in Italy. The qualification it describes, if not already translated for the consulate, must be accompanied by a sworn translation for the Italian authority, together with the transcript and, for academic recognition, the syllabus. The firm prepares these translations and files the application for recognition, equivalence or the Blue Card with the complete set of documents.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Dichiarazione di valore expire?

No. It describes a qualification at the date of issue and remains valid as long as the information is accurate. Authorities sometimes ask for a recent statement when the one presented is many years old or when the legal status of the institution has changed in the meantime.

I live in Italy but studied in Australia: where do I apply?

At the Italian representation competent for the place where the university is located, in this case the Italian embassy or consulate in Australia, regardless of your current residence. Most representations accept applications by post or through a representative, and the CIMEA statement is an alternative that can be requested from Italy.

Is the Dichiarazione di valore the same as recognition of my degree?

No. It is a description of the qualification on which the Italian authority bases its decision. Recognition, equivalence or admission are separate procedures decided by universities, ministries or the Civil Service department. For residence permits and private employment the statement alone is usually sufficient.

Can CIMEA replace the Dichiarazione di valore in every case?

Not in every case. Universities accept it for enrolment and recognition, Prefectures generally accept it for the Blue Card, and many ministries accept it in professional recognition procedures. Some procedures still require the consular statement. The firm checks the rules of the specific authority before advising which document to request.