A degree or diploma obtained abroad has no automatic effect in Italy. Depending on what the holder wants to do with it, enrol at a university, sit a public competition, practise a regulated profession, obtain an EU Blue Card or simply have the title listed on an Italian document, a different procedure applies, before a different authority, with different documents and timing. Choosing the wrong one costs months. MMW Traduzioni has advised on and handled these procedures since 1995, from the first assessment of the qualification to the final decision of the Italian authority, and translates and legalises the documents in the same office.
The procedures, by purpose
Academic recognition, called equipollenza, is granted by an Italian university and makes the foreign degree equal in all respects to a specific Italian degree. It is the fullest form of recognition and the slowest, since the university compares the curriculum course by course and may impose additional examinations. It is needed by those who want to continue their studies in Italy at a level that requires an Italian degree, or who need the Italian title for purposes that no other procedure covers. A lighter form, admission to further studies, is decided by the university for enrolment in a master’s or doctoral programme without full recognition.
Equivalence for public competitions, under article 38 of Legislative Decree 165 of 2001, is decided by the Department of the Civil Service with the Ministry of University for degrees and the Ministry of Education for school diplomas. It allows the holder of a foreign qualification to take part in a specific public competition or to be placed in the teaching rankings, and it is the procedure most requested by teachers, nurses and administrative staff trained abroad. It is valid for the purpose for which it was requested. A similar procedure governs scholarships and public employment with regional and local bodies.
Professional recognition, under Legislative Decree 206 of 2007 implementing Directive 2005/36/EC, is decided by the ministry responsible for the profession: Health for doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and pharmacists, Justice for lawyers and accountants, University for architects and engineers, Education for teachers, and so on. It allows the holder to register with the Italian professional body and practise. The procedure differs for qualifications obtained in the European Union, which benefit from the Directive, and for those obtained elsewhere, including the United Kingdom since 2021, which are assessed under national rules and may require compensatory measures such as an aptitude test or an adaptation period.
Finally, for the purposes of residence, employment in the private sector and the EU Blue Card, no recognition is required: the qualification is proved by the Dichiarazione di valore issued by the Italian consulate in the country of study, or by a statement of comparability issued by CIMEA, the Italian ENIC-NARIC centre, with a sworn translation of the degree.
The documents
Almost every procedure requires the same core set: the degree or diploma, legalised with an apostille in the country of issue; the transcript of records with grades and credits; the syllabus or programme of each course for academic recognition; the Dichiarazione di valore or the CIMEA statement of comparability and verification; a certificate of the right to practise and of good standing for regulated professions; proof of professional experience where compensatory measures may be waived; identity and residence documents. All documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a sworn translation into Italian. The firm reviews the client’s documents at the outset, lists what is missing and in which order to obtain it, prepares the translations and legalisations, completes the application and files it, and follows it until the decision, answering the requests for integration that the authorities commonly make.
How the firm works
The first step is a consultation, in person in Rome, by video call or in writing, in English, French, Spanish or Italian. The client describes the qualification and the purpose, the firm identifies the correct procedure and the competent authority, estimates the timing and the chances of success and gives a written quote covering advice, handling of the procedure, translations and legalisations. The firm is directed by a legal consultant with degrees in law and in modern languages who has worked on these procedures for thirty years and publishes regularly on changes in the rules. The client has one point of contact from the first email to the final decision. Companies and universities that recruit abroad can entrust the firm with the files of several candidates at once.
Frequently asked questions
How long does recognition take?
Academic recognition by a university takes from six months to over a year. Equivalence for public competitions is decided within the timeframe of the competition, usually a few months. Professional recognition by a ministry takes by law four months from a complete application, in practice longer, and may be followed by an aptitude test. CIMEA statements take a few weeks. The firm gives a realistic estimate for each case at the consultation.
Is a British degree still recognised in Italy after Brexit?
Yes, but under the rules for non-EU qualifications. Academic degrees follow the same procedures as before. Professional qualifications obtained in the United Kingdom after 1 January 2021 no longer benefit from the automatic or general system of the Directive and are assessed individually by the competent ministry, which may require compensatory measures. Qualifications recognised before that date remain valid.
Do I need to be in Italy to apply?
No. Most applications are filed online or by registered post and the firm can file them on the client’s behalf with a power of attorney. Some universities and the aptitude tests for regulated professions require the applicant’s presence at a later stage.
Can you tell me in advance whether my degree will be recognised?
The firm can tell you whether the degree meets the formal requirements of the procedure, which comparable cases have been decided and where the difficulties lie. The decision belongs to the authority, and no serious adviser guarantees the outcome. What the firm guarantees is that the application is correct, complete and filed with the right body.
Do you also handle the recognition of secondary school diplomas?
Yes, for enrolment at Italian universities, for public competitions that require a school diploma and for the continuation of studies in Italian schools, before the regional school offices and the universities concerned.
Do you want your qualification recognised in Italy?
Send us a scan of your degree and tell us what you need it for: you receive within one working day the procedure to follow, the documents required and a written quote.
