Last modified 10/08/2025

🧭 Getting Your Nursing Degree Recognized in the European Community: Complete Guide 🧑‍⚕️🌍

Getting nursing degree recognized in European community, Documents needed to work as a nurse, Time to get nursing degree recognized, Cost to get nursing degree recognized. #NursingRecognition #NurseInSpain #NurseInItaly #EmigratingAsANurseAre you looking for useful information and advice on how to get your nursing degree recognized in the European Community? The healthcare sector in Europe represents one of the most solid job opportunities with high demand for qualified professionals.

For nurses from outside the European Union, the process of getting a nursing degree recognized is the key that opens the doors to a stable, well-paid career with a high level of professional development.


#NursingRecognition #NurseInSpain #NurseInItaly #EmigratingAsANurse
#NurseInEurope #Europe #Nursing #NursingDegreeRecognition

This path, although it may seem complex, is greatly simplified when you have a clear, precise, and updated guide that breaks down each stage. This article is designed to be that compass, offering a detailed roadmap for eight of the most popular destinations: Spain, England, Italy, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

We will cover everything from the necessary documents to the time and cost of the process, answering all frequently asked questions with verified information, so you can plan your future in Europe with confidence and legal security.

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🧩 What It Is and Why Recognition is Necessary

Recognition is the official procedure by which the competent authorities of a European country acknowledge that a foreign nursing qualification has a level of training equivalent to that required in their territory.

This recognition is absolutely essential to practice the profession legally and assume the responsibilities inherent to patient care.

Without this seal of approval, it is not possible to register with the corresponding professional college or apply for the vast majority of jobs in hospitals and health centers.

The process ensures that all professionals meet the standards of knowledge, skills, and competencies that safeguard public health. It is a non-negotiable requirement that, once passed, accredits you as a fully qualified nurse to work in that country.

📄 Documents Needed to Work as a Nurse: The Perfect Dossier

Regardless of the country you are going to, preparing the documentation is the fundamental pillar. A complete and correctly legalized file avoids significant delays. Although each nation has its particularities, there is a set of common documents that you will always need to prepare.

  • 📜 Original Academic Degree: Your Nursing Degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) and, if applicable, your specialty degree.
  • 📋 Academic Transcript (Academic Record): An official document detailing all subjects taken, grades obtained, and the curriculum (thematic content and lecture hours).
  • 📝 Certificate of Work Experience: Issued by your previous employers, it must specify the dates, duties performed, and the type of institution.
  • 🆔 Identity and Nationality Document: Valid passport and, in some cases, national identity card.
  • ✅ Criminal Record Certificate: Normally should not be more than three months old.
  • 🩺 Certificate of Professional Registration/License: That certifies you are authorized to practice in your country of origin.
  • 🗣️ Language Certificates: Crucial to demonstrate your language proficiency in the language of the destination country.

Important: Almost all these documents require an official translation (by a sworn translator) and legalization or an apostille to be valid abroad.

⏳ How Long Does It Take to Get a Nursing Degree Recognized?

The recognition time is one of the biggest uncertainties. It can range from a few months to over a year, depending on the administrative efficiency of the country, the complexity of your case, and the volume of applications.

Factors such as the similarity of your curriculum to the local one, the completeness of your dossier, and the response times of the institutions directly influence it.


It is essential to start the process well in advance and be patient, as it involves a thorough evaluation. In the next section, we will detail the estimated timeframes for each of the selected countries.

💰 How Much Does It Cost to Get a Nursing Degree Recognized?

The cost of recognition is an investment in your professional future. The expenses are not limited only to the administrative fee of the assessing body.

You must budget for all associated concepts: sworn translations, legalizations (apostille), certified international shipments, official certificates in your country of origin, and, of course, the potential need for leveling courses or competency exams.

Having a realistic calculation of these costs will allow you to plan your finances without surprises during the process.

🗺️ Country-by-Country Guide: Requirements, Times, and Costs

🇪🇸 Spain

The process in Spain is centralized at the Ministry of Universities for degree recognition, and then it is necessary to register with the nursing college of the autonomous community where you will reside.

  • Competent Authority: Ministry of Universities.
  • Key Documents: Degree and academic transcript (both translated and apostilled), passport, payment of fees.
  • Estimated Time: Between 6 months and 2 years. Deadlines can be very variable.
  • Approximate Cost: The application fee is around 170 euros, plus sworn translations (approx. €50-70 per document) and the apostille.
  • Language: A B2 level of Spanish is required, accredited through DELE or the university’s test.
  • Additional Note: After recognition, registration with the Official College of Nursing is mandatory to obtain the membership number.

🇬🇧 England (United Kingdom)

After Brexit, the process has changed and is now managed by the regulatory body Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

  • Competent Authority: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
  • Key Documents: Application form, identity verification, proof of qualification and training, proof of work experience, and English language test results.
  • Estimated Time: The complete process can take from 6 to 12 months.
  • Approximate Cost: The application costs about £140, plus £83 for the education assessment. Then there are additional costs for the competency test (CBT and OSCE) which exceed £1,000.
  • Language: A high level of English is required (IELTS, OET, or equivalents accepted by the NMC).

🇮🇹 Italy

The process is administrative but requires validation from the Italian consular representation in the country of origin.

  • Competent Authority: Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute) with the involvement of the Italian consulate.
  • Key Documents: Degree, academic transcript, detailed curriculum, syllabus for each subject, all translated into Italian by a certified translator.
  • Estimated Time: Can extend between 1 and 2 years.
  • Approximate Cost: Consular and translation fees can amount to several hundred euros.
  • Language: A B2 level of Italian is needed, certified through exams like CELI or CILS.
  • Additional Note: A “Declaration of Value” (Dichiarazione di Valore) issued by the consulate may be required.

🇵🇹 Portugal

The process is relatively more agile and well-defined by the Portuguese regulatory body.

  • Competent Authority: Ordem dos Enfermeiros (OE).
  • Key Documents: Degree, academic transcript, certificate of professional experience, certificate of professional registration from the country of origin, DIM (Documento de Identificação do Mecanismo) for EU citizens.
  • Estimated Time: Between 3 and 9 months.
  • Approximate Cost: The fees from the Ordem dos Enfermeiros are approximately 150 euros, plus translation and legalization costs.
  • Language: B2 level of Portuguese, assessed in a specific test or through recognized certificates.

🇩🇪 Germany

Germany has a high demand for nurses and has established clear processes, albeit with a strong language requirement.

  • Competent Authority: The competent authority of the federal state (Bundesland) where you wish to reside (e.g., the Landesamt für Gesundheit und Soziales in Berlin).
  • Key Documents: Degree, academic transcript, passport, curriculum vitae, proof of German language, and for some cases, a residence permit for job seeking.
  • Estimated Time: Between 6 and 12 months.
  • Approximate Cost: Recognition fees are around €200-600. The most significant costs are usually language courses.
  • Language: A B2, and in many cases C1, level of German is required to practice the profession (certified with Goethe-Zertifikat, TestDaF, etc.).

🇳🇱 Netherlands (Holland)

The process is known for its efficiency but includes a specific competency exam.

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  • Competent Authority: Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) and the Central Agency for Healthcare Professions (CIBG/BIG-register).
  • Key Documents: Degree, academic transcript, passport, and Dutch language diploma.
  • Estimated Time: 6 to 12 months, depending on preparation for the exam.
  • Approximate Cost: Registration in the BIG Register costs around 300 euros. The competency exam (Kennis- en vaardighedstoets) has an additional cost of several hundred euros.
  • Language: B2 level of Dutch, certified with exams like the Staatsexamen NT2.

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Switzerland, although not an EU member, has bilateral agreements that facilitate labor mobility for European citizens. For non-EU professionals, the process is stricter.

  • Competent Authority: Cantonal Health Office (varies by canton) and the Swiss Nursing Association (SRK/SBK/ASI).
  • Key Documents: Degree, academic transcript, passport, curriculum, and language certificates according to the region (German, French, or Italian).
  • Estimated Time: 4 to 8 months for EU/EFTA citizens. Longer and more complex for others.
  • Approximate Cost: Recognition fees can range between 200 and 800 Swiss francs.
  • Language: A B2/C1 level in the official language of the canton (German, French, or Italian) is required.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Getting Your Nursing Degree Recognized in Europe 🚫

The process of getting a nursing degree recognized in Europe is full of administrative particularities that, if not well understood, can become significant obstacles.

Many qualified professionals see their applications delayed for months or even years, not due to a lack of academic merits, but because of avoidable oversights in preparing documentation or misunderstandings of the procedures.

This guide collects the most frequent mistakes made by nurses when starting this journey, offering practical solutions and advice based on real experiences.


From underestimating language requirements to incorrect legalization of documents, every identified and timely corrected mistake will save you valuable resources, money, and, most importantly, frustration. Knowing these potential pitfalls is the best strategy to navigate the process with greater security and efficiency.

❌ Mistake 1: Underestimating the Required Language Level

The Problem: Assuming that a basic or intermediate level of the local language is sufficient, when regulatory bodies require an advanced command (usually B2 or C1) to guarantee clear and safe communication with patients and the medical team.

✅ How to Avoid It:

  • Research the Required Level: Check directly on the website of the regulatory body (like the NMC in England or the Ordem dos Enfermeiros in Portugal) for the specific level and accepted certificates.
  • Invest in a Quality Course: Don’t prepare by yourself. Look for academies or courses specialized in preparing for these official exams.
  • Get Certified Before Sending the Application: Have your language certificate ready before starting the recognition process. It is a key document that cannot be missing.

❌ Mistake 2: Incomplete or Incorrectly Legalized Documentation

The Problem: Sending documents without the correct sworn translation or without the Apostille of The Hague (or consular legalization). This is the error that causes 90% of immediate rejections and delays.

✅ How to Avoid It:

  • Create a Master List: Based on the official requirements, make an exhaustive list of every necessary document.
  • Use Official Sworn Translators: Do not use generic or online translation services. Only translations made by sworn translators recognized by the destination country are valid.
  • Manage the Apostille in Advance: Contact the ministry of foreign affairs or the competent entity in your country to apostille your original documents. This process can take several weeks.

❌ Mistake 3: Not Verifying the Equivalence of the Curriculum

The Problem: Assuming that your curriculum is 100% equivalent to that of the European country. Differences in practical hours or content of specific subjects can lead to requests for supplementary training courses.

✅ How to Avoid It:

  • Request a Preliminary Analysis: Some bodies or educational advisors can perform an unofficial pre-analysis of your qualification to identify possible deficiencies.
  • Prepare a Detailed Syllabus: Make sure your university provides you with a detailed document of the curriculum, including the thematic content of each subject and, crucially, the total number of theoretical and clinical practice hours.

❌ Mistake 4: Planning Too Tight Timelines and Budgets

The Problem: Believing the process will only take “a few months” or cost only the application fee. The reality is that recognition times often extend and hidden costs (shipping, certificates, courses) always appear.

✅ How to Avoid It:

  • Double Your Estimated Budget: If you calculate it will cost 1,000 euros, budget for 2,000. If you think it will take 6 months, plan for 12.
  • Consider Cost of Living: If you plan to move before having the recognition, make sure you have enough savings to cover several months of living in a country with a potentially higher cost of living.

❌ Mistake 5: Not Understanding the Differences Between EU and Non-EU Countries

The Problem: Treating Switzerland or the United Kingdom (post-Brexit) as if they had the same procedures as a member country of the European Union. Visa requirements and recognition agreements are different.

✅ How to Avoid It:

  • Specific Research by Country: If your destination is Switzerland, the UK, or Norway, direct your research exclusively to the official immigration and regulation websites of those countries. Do not assume that the information for Spain or Germany applies here.

❌ Mistake 6: Sending the Application and “Forgetting” About It

The Problem: Sending the documentation and not keeping a record or following up. If there is a problem or a missing document, your application can be paused indefinitely.

✅ How to Avoid It:

  • Keep All Traces: Keep the shipping receipts, tracking numbers, and physical and digital copies of absolutely everything sent.
  • Proactive and Polite Follow-up: After a reasonable period (check the average response times), contact the regulatory body through the established channels to politely inquire about the status of your application.

❌ Mistake 7: Not Anticipating the Need for a Residence Permit or Visa

The Problem: For non-EU citizens, starting the recognition process without having managed the corresponding work or residence visa. Both procedures are usually linked.

✅ How to Avoid It:


  • Consult the Embassy or Consulate: Contact the embassy of the destination country in your country of origin to inquire about the types of visas available for healthcare professionals seeking recognition.
  • Parallel Processes: Whenever possible, start the visa and recognition procedures simultaneously, finding out how they interrelate.

🎯 Conclusion

Avoiding these mistakes does not require luck, but meticulous preparation, exhaustive research, and a healthy dose of patience. By addressing the recognition process with a strategic mindset and anticipating these common problems, you will transform a potentially frustrating path into a well-directed journey towards your new career in Europe.

💡 10 Useful Tips for a Successful Recognition

  1. 🕒 Start Early: Begin gathering your documents at least one year before your planned move.
  2. 🔍 Research Thoroughly: Each country has very specific requirements. Always check the official website of the regulatory body.
  3. 🗣️ Prioritize Language: It is the most important filter. Invest in a quality course and certify your level as soon as possible.
  4. 📑 Translations and Apostille: Don’t underestimate this step. Always use recognized sworn translators and get the Apostille of The Hague on your documents.
  5. 📂 Create a Digital and Physical Dossier: Have scanned and organized copies of everything, and prepare several physical copies for shipments.
  6. 💰 Budget Correctly: Include all “hidden” costs like international postal shipments and possible trips to consulates.
  7. 📞 Maintain Communication: Keep shipping receipts and follow up politely on your application if the deadline extends too much.
  8. 🤝 Consider Placement Agencies: Many companies specialized in hiring healthcare staff offer advice and can streamline parts of the process.
  9. 📚 Prepare for Exams: In countries like the Netherlands and England, competency exams are demanding. Dedicate time to preparing for them.
  10. 🧘 Be Patient and Persistent: Recognition is a marathon, not a sprint. Persistence is key to reaching your goal.

🔍 Official Verification Sources

Below are the official sources and regulatory bodies for each country mentioned in the article, where you can find updated and verified information on the recognition processes:

🇪🇸 Spain

  • Ministry of Universities – Procedure for recognition of foreign degrees
  • General Council of Nursing of Spain – Requirements for professional practice
  • Official State Gazette (BOE) – Current legislation on recognitions

🇬🇧 United Kingdom (England)

  • Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) – Registration and regulation of nurses
  • UK Government – Official guide for health professionals
  • UK Visas and Immigration – Post-Brexit visa requirements

🇮🇹 Italy

  • Ministero della Salute (Ministry of Health) – Recognition of foreign qualifications
  • Federazione Nazionale degli Ordini delle Professioni Infermieristiche (FNOPI) – National professional body
  • Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale – Legalizations and apostille

🇵🇹 Portugal

  • Ordem dos Enfermeiros – Regulation and professional registration
  • Direção-Geral da Saúde – Health requirements
  • Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional – Information for foreign workers

🇩🇪 Germany

  • Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (Federal Ministry of Health) – Recognition of qualifications
  • Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung (ZAV) – Federal employment agency
  • Ministerien der Bundesländer – Health ministries of each federal state

🇳🇱 Netherlands (Holland)

  • Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport (Ministry of Health)
  • BIG-register – Central register of healthcare professions
  • Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) – Immigration service

🇨🇭 Switzerland

  • Bundesamt für Gesundheit (BAG) – Federal Office of Public Health
  • Schweizerischer Rotkreuz (SRK) – Swiss Red Cross (nursing registration)
  • Staatssekretariat für Migration (SEM) – State Secretariat for Migration

🌐 International Sources

  • Council of the European Union – Directives on recognition of professional qualifications
  • Hague Conference – Information on document apostille
  • European Commission – Mobility of health professionals in the EU

Important note: Information on fees, deadlines, and specific requirements must be verified directly on the official websites of these bodies, as they are subject to periodic changes. It is always recommended to consult primary sources for the most up-to-date information.

#️⃣ Recommended Hashtags for Social Media

#NursingRecognition #NurseInSpain #NurseInItaly #EmigratingAsANurse
#NurseInEurope #Europe #Nursing #NursingDegreeRecognition

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