Moving to Spain becomes even easier: diploma recognition may no longer be required
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Spain simplifies employment rules: diploma recognition will no longer be required for candidates with 5+ years of experience. Learn who benefits from the reform and how to relocate legally in 2025.
Good news for professionals planning to relocate to Spain: the government is considering a reform that would eliminate the requirement to validate a university diploma for employment. The initiative is especially relevant for non-EU citizens with substantial professional experience. Below we break down what exactly the Court of Auditors proposes and how it may reshape Spain’s labor market.
What will change: experience instead of a diploma
According to the recommendations of the Court of Auditors, foreign specialists with 5 to 15 years of work experience will be able to work in Spain without undergoing diploma recognition. This means that instead of waiting months for qualification approval, applicants would only need to formally verify their work history.
Key conditions:
Key conditions:
- Citizenship of a non-EU country
- 5 to 15 years of documented professional experience
- Evidence of experience (employment certificates, contracts, etc.)
- A profession that falls under the simplified admission criteria
Why the reform is needed
The reform aims to reduce bureaucracy and improve the efficiency of Spain’s Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. As of June 2025, more than 80,000 applications for diploma recognition were pending, and processing times often exceeded the legal maximum of six months.
Main issues behind system overload:
Main issues behind system overload:
- Chronic understaffing
- Outdated IT systems
- Technical challenges with electronic identification
- An incomplete list of regulated professions
International practice
Spain is following a global trend by recognizing professional experience alongside formal education. Similar approaches already work successfully in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, where employers and immigration authorities value real work experience as much as, or more than, academic degrees.
Who will benefit most
- Foreign IT specialists, engineers, doctors, teachers and other qualified professionals
- Spanish employers struggling with severe talent shortages
- The qualifications recognition system, which will be able to focus on complex academic cases rather than routine approvals
Conclusion: a new opportunity for professionals
The removal of mandatory diploma recognition is a major step toward attracting talented professionals from around the world. Spain is striving to simplify access to its labor market and make the process faster and more efficient. If you have sufficient experience, now is an excellent moment to consider Spain for relocation and career development.
Contact Visa Dan for a personal consultation — we will guide you through obtaining a Spanish residence permit for digital nomads, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Contact Visa Dan for a personal consultation — we will guide you through obtaining a Spanish residence permit for digital nomads, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Why do customers choose Visa Dan?
Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:
- Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
- Complete transparency and support at every stage.
- A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
- Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.
The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!