Recognition of Diplomas

Overview of the Recognition of Foreign Degrees/Diplomas Process In Portugal 

Since 2019 the Recognition of Foreign Degrees/Diplomas in Portugal is a fully digital process that anyone, in any part of the world, can apply for, remotely.

The application is submitted through a nationally centralized online Form that you can access here.

Legislation

The recognition in Portugal of higher education degrees and diplomas awarded by foreign higher education institutions is regulated, since January 1st 2019, by Decree-Law no. 66/2018. This Decree-Law repeals the previous two regarding these issues, Decree-Law no. 283/83 and Decree-Law no. 341/2007.

The new Decree-Law standardizes the procedures for the recognition of foreign qualifications, making them more transparent, equitable and simple, introducing changes to the previous legal regimes by clarifying concepts, and widening the recognition to short cycle higher-education diplomas that have identical level, objectives and nature to Portuguese professional higher education technical courses. Simplified procedures are introduced, namely by establishing a system of precedence for the Level Recognition process, which guarantees a more automatic process for the decision, avoiding repetition, reducing costs and response times for recognition decisions.

How to apply for the Diploma/Degree Recognition

Simply click here, and you'll be directed to the nationally centralized online form exclusive for applying. The form itself will help you and give instructions on how to proceed depending on the country you studied in and the Diploma/Degree you obtained.

Additionally on that webpage you will find the "Practical Guide to Support the Recognition Request" which is a manual to help you to better understand the whole process and support you filling out the Form step by step. Or you can click here to read those documents right now. (EN_version) (PT_version)

Further Assistance

• If you need any help or to clarify any doubts, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can write us via our online messaging platform (Balcão Eletrónico), or you can phone us at +351 213 126 000 (Monday,Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 9:30 - 12:30h, Lisbon time)