Belgium is a country with a high level of international mobility. It is home to European institutions, multinational companies, NGOs, prestigious universities, and a very dynamic labor market. For this reason, knowing how to recognize foreign diplomas in Belgium is necessary for thousands of professionals every year. This applies both to people coming from other European Union countries and to those coming from Latin America, Africa, Asia, or other regions. The different procedures can be confusing, especially because responsibility is divided among three Communities: Flanders, the Wallonia–Brussels Federation, and the German-speaking Community. Each one has its own authorities and requirements.
The goal of this article is to explain how to recognize foreign diplomas in Belgium and what the requirements are. In addition, we show you how we can support you throughout the entire process, ensuring success in the recognition of your degree.
What is the recognition of foreign diplomas in Belgium?
The recognition of foreign diplomas in Belgium is the process through which the Belgian authorities check whether a diploma obtained outside the country is equivalent to an academic level or a professional qualification in Belgium. This allows the diploma to be valid for studying, working, or practicing a regulated profession.
Homologation means that a foreign diploma is officially matched to a Belgian diploma. Equivalence, on the other hand, only determines the level of studies completed (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, secondary education, etc.). As we will see, this recognition is not handled at the federal level. Instead, it is managed by each linguistic Community. Each region applies its own procedures and criteria.
💡 Understanding the difference between homologation and equivalence, as well as the authority and requirements of each linguistic Community, makes a key difference in the success of the process.
Legal framework for the recognition of degrees in Belgium
Belgium combines European rules, national legislation, and international agreements for the recognition of diplomas in Belgium.
European legal context
At the level of the European Union, there are rules that make it easier for professionals to move between Member States. Directive 2005/36/EC, as amended by Directive 2013/55/EU, regulates the recognition of professional qualifications.
This directive establishes a general system of recognition that allows training and education to be compared between Member States. It also provides recognition for certain regulated professions, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, midwives, architects, and veterinarians. In addition, it allows for compensatory measures, such as aptitude tests, when the applicant’s studies are different from those required in the host country.
Belgian internal competences
Because this is a European Directive (and not a regulation), even though the EU sets a common framework, Belgium decides how to apply this recognition within its territory. This shows one of the special features of the Belgian system: education is the responsibility of the three linguistic Communities, not the federal State. For the professional recognition of certain qualifications, professional bodies and associations may also be involved (such as bar associations and professional orders for lawyers, architects, engineers, psychologists, etc.), as well as specific authorities. For example, the Federal Public Service for Public Health (SPF Santé publique) is involved in health professions.
International treaties and instruments
Belgium is also a party to the Lisbon recognition Convention of 1997. This is an international treaty that makes it easier to recognize higher education studies between countries of the Council of Europe and UNESCO. This agreement promotes cooperation and serves as the legal basis for applicants from almost all European countries that are members of the Council of Europe (such as Germany, Spain, France, and Italy), as well as from non-member countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It helps facilitate academic and professional mobility.
Types of recognition of foreign diplomas in Belgium
It is important to note that there is not just one single recognition procedure in Belgium. The correct path depends on the applicant’s goal: to study, to work, or simply to prove an educational level. In this section, we explain the different types of recognition and how to choose the right one.
Academic recognition to continue studies in Belgium
Academic recognition is intended for people who want to enroll in a Belgian higher education institution. This includes universities, hautes écoles, hogescholen, art schools, vocational training centers, as well as master’s and doctoral programs. This type of recognition checks whether a foreign diploma meets the entry requirements for a specific level of education. It may vary depending on the institution, because Belgian universities have autonomy and can set additional criteria.
For example, a person with a bachelor’s degree obtained in France or Mexico may need academic recognition to access a master’s program in Brussels, Leuven, or Antwerp. This recognition does not make the diploma equal to a Belgian degree; it only confirms that the level of education is sufficient to continue studies.
It is important to emphasize that academic recognition does not automatically allow a person to practice a profession in Belgium, as we will explain next.
Professional recognition to practice a regulated profession
In Belgium, many professions are regulated. This means that, in order to practice them, a specific diploma is required, along with membership in a professional body or official authorization. Some of the most common regulated professions include:
- Doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, physiotherapist
- Lawyer, notary
- Architect, civil engineer
- Clinical psychologist, speech therapist, specialized educator
- Primary, secondary, and special education teachers
This process is usually more strict than academic recognition, because it examines the study program in detail, including course content, practical training, length of studies, and previous work experience. When applications come from European Union countries, the system is more standardized thanks to Directive 2005/36/EC.
Recognition of level for general equivalence
General equivalence recognition is used when the goal is not to study or to practice a regulated profession, but simply to prove an educational level obtained abroad. This type of recognition helps with finding a job in the private sector or taking part in public sector exams that require a specific academic level. It confirms that the diploma is equivalent, for example, to a Belgian bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or vocational education qualification.
Procedure to recognize European diplomas in Belgium (EU/EEA/Switzerland)
Principle of free movement and applicable Directives
The legal basis of the European system is Directive 2005/36/EC, as amended by Directive 2013/55/EU. This Directive establishes a common framework for the recognition of professional qualifications between Member States. Its purpose is to facilitate the free movement of people and to ensure that professionals trained in one country can practice in another without unjustified obstacles. Thanks to our team specialized in European Union law and with strong knowledge of European Directives, this procedure becomes smoother and more efficient.
European higher education area (EHEA)
Thanks to the creation of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), European countries have harmonized their university systems through the Bologna Process. This framework facilitates the mobility of students and professionals by adopting a common degree structure—bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate—and a comparable credit system (ECTS). For applicants, this means less documentation is usually required and greater acceptance by employers and educational institutions.
💡Tip: If your diploma comes from a country within the EHEA, you are more likely to obtain automatic or simplified equivalence compared to diplomas from non-European countries.
Regulated professions with automatic recognition in Belgium
Some regulated professions in Belgium benefit from an automatic recognition system when the diploma was obtained in a country of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, and when it meets the minimum training requirements set by European legislation. This simplified procedure avoids a detailed review of study programs and allows faster access to professional practice in Belgium. Professions that benefit from this system include, among others, doctors, nurses responsible for general care, dentists, midwives, pharmacists, architects, and veterinarians, all of which are covered by the relevant European Directive.
However, the Directive does not regulate how the profession is actually practiced in each country. For this reason, even after automatic recognition, professionals may still need to meet additional national requirements, such as registration with a professional body, proof of language knowledge, or compliance with professional ethical rules.
💡Tip: In practice, automatic recognition is the fastest way to practice a profession in Belgium with a European diploma, as long as all required conditions are properly met.
Non-regulated professions and regulated professions without automatic recognition
In Belgium, not all professions are regulated by law. When a profession is not regulated, it is not mandatory to obtain prior professional recognition in order to work. In these cases, the employer is free to assess the education and experience acquired abroad.
💡Tip: In practice, however, having an academic level equivalence often makes hiring easier and strengthens the credibility of the professional profile.
The situation is different for regulated professions that do not fall under the automatic recognition system provided by European rules. This applies, for example, to certain engineers, clinical psychologists, and some healthcare specialties. For these professions, access to professional practice in Belgium is subject to the so-called general system of recognition.
General system for the recognition of diplomas in Belgium
Under this procedure, the competent Belgian authority carries out an individual assessment of the applicant’s education and professional skills, comparing them with those required for the same profession in Belgium. The goal is to verify whether the content and level of the training obtained abroad meet national standards. If significant differences are found, the authority may require compensatory measures, which may include:
- an aptitude test, through a theoretical and/or practical examination, or
- a period of professional practice lasting several months.
The applicant’s professional experience may be taken into account and, in certain cases, may partially or fully compensate for these differences. As for timelines, procedures handled under the general recognition system usually take longer. In practice, the decision time is often between three and six months, depending on the profession, the documentation provided, and how well the application file is prepared.
💡In practice: With our specialized support, these timelines can be significantly reduced by avoiding unnecessary requests, correcting errors from the start, and submitting a complete and well-structured application.
Academic recognition for further studies
Academic recognition for continuing studies is different from professional recognition. Its purpose is to allow an educational institution to determine whether the applicant has the required level to enroll in a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or specialized program.
Procedure to recognize diplomas obtained outside the European Union
The recognition of diplomas obtained outside the European Union is not subject to a harmonized framework like the one that exists for European qualifications. In these cases, Belgian authorities carry out a thorough and individualized assessment of the diploma submitted. In this procedure, knowledge of International law and Belgian national law plays an important role.
Assessment criteria used by Belgian authorities
First, the level of the diploma is analyzed to determine whether it corresponds, within the Belgian education system, to secondary education, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a doctorate. Next, the authorities examine the duration of the studies and the total academic workload. As a reference point, in Belgium bachelor’s studies usually equal 180 ECTS credits, while master’s programs generally include between 60 and 120 credits. For non-EU degrees, it is important to prove comparable training in order to qualify for an equivalence or matching decision.
In addition to the level and duration, the authorities assess the content of the training program, including the subjects taken, the balance between theoretical and practical learning, whether mandatory professional placements exist, the completion of research work, and the skills acquired. They also consider the reputation and recognition of the institution where the diploma was issued. The applicant’s professional experience may also be taken into account—especially for certain professions—to strengthen the assessment of academic training. Likewise, all documents must be properly translated by a sworn translator into French, Dutch, or German, depending on the competent Community where the application is filed.
Professional recognition of non-EU diplomas
When a person with a diploma obtained outside the European Union wants to practice a regulated profession in Belgium, they must go through a stricter recognition procedure. In these situations, the competent authority does not only verify the diploma, but also examines in depth whether the training meets the requirements set by Belgian rules. The assessment focuses mainly on the level and content of the education, reviewing the subjects studied, the length of the program, mandatory practical training, and the skills acquired.
Because there is no common reference framework, each non-EU diploma is examined individually. When significant differences are found, compensatory measures may be imposed. In addition, the authorities may request extra documentation, such as certificates or official confirmations issued by the authorities in the country of origin.
Common reasons for refusal
Applications for the recognition of foreign diplomas in Belgium may be refused or delayed for reasons that, in many cases, could be avoided with proper knowledge of the process. Belgian authorities apply strict criteria when assessing both the academic content and the documentation submitted. Below is a summary of the most common reasons for refusal, with an explanation of each one.
| Reason for refusal | Description |
|---|---|
| Insufficient duration or workload | The study program does not reach a duration or number of hours comparable to what is required in Belgium, which prevents the diploma from being matched to the same level. |
| Non-equivalent academic content | Essential subjects or core courses required for the profession are missing, creating significant differences in training. |
| Quality or recognition of the institution of origin | The university or training institution does not meet recognized academic standards, making it difficult to validate the quality of the program. |
| Lack of mandatory practical training | Particularly relevant in the healthcare sector, when the diploma does not include a sufficient amount of required clinical practice. |
| Incomplete or incorrect documentation | Missing official certificates, legalizations, apostilles, or sworn translations into French, Dutch, or German. |
| Insufficient information about education or professional experience | The application file does not clearly explain the content of the program or does not properly prove complementary professional experience. |
What happens if the diploma recognition decision is negative?
Belgian law provides appeal options to challenge a refusal to recognize a foreign diploma. First, it is usually possible to correct the application with the same authority that rejected it, in order to fix or complete the file. This option allows you to submit missing documents and respond to the reasons for the refusal. If the administration maintains the refusal, it is possible to file an application for annulment before the Conseil d’État, the Belgian administrative court.
The Conseil d’État checks whether the administration applied the law correctly, followed the recognition procedure properly, and gave valid reasons for rejecting the application. If the appeal is accepted, the court annuls the decision. This forces the administration to re-examine the case and recognize the diploma in Belgium. This appeal must be filed within 60 days from the notification.
⚠️ Important: If you receive a refusal of recognition for your diploma, contact us as soon as possible so we can review the decision, file the appeal, and act within the deadline.
How can we help you with foreign diplomas, and what sets us apart?
At Arthur & Marin, we support you throughout the process to recognize foreign diplomas in Belgium. We analyze your education, your professional experience, and your objectives—whether you want to work, practice a regulated profession, or continue your studies—in order to define the most appropriate pathway. Also, we handle the entire application file from start to finish. Furthermore, we review all documentation, coordinate sworn translations, prepare files adapted to the criteria used by the Belgian administration, and actively follow up with the competent authorities. This approach allows us to anticipate issues, avoid unnecessary requests, and speed up the processing timelines. What sets us apart is our experience and our strategic approach. We know how Belgian authorities assess applications, which mistakes cause delays or refusals, and how to present a well-prepared file that maximizes the chances of success.
⏩ If you want to move forward with your professional project in Belgium without wasting time or taking unnecessary risks, contact us.
Success stories in the recognition of foreign diplomas in Belgium
Below are real examples of situations in which our advice and support were decisive in achieving a positive outcome in the recognition of foreign diplomas:
Case 1 | Engineering education within the EU
A civil engineer trained in Italy whose application had been delayed due to differences in the academic workload of certain subjects. After analyzing the case and submitting documentation aligned with the criteria used by the Belgian administration, we obtained recognition of the diploma, allowing the client to access the labor market.
Case 2 | Education training from Colombia
A Colombian professional with a master’s degree in education who received an initial refusal due to doubts about the program content and the recognition of the institution of origin. We reorganized her application file, added supporting certificates, and arranged sworn translations. In the end, the administration accepted the file and granted academic recognition, allowing her to continue her studies and apply for qualified positions.
Case 3 | Healthcare professional trained in Asia
A nurse from Singapore whose application was initially rejected due to an alleged lack of equivalence in clinical training. We filed a well-founded administrative appeal, demonstrating the real equivalence of her education and professional experience. The authority reviewed the case and granted professional recognition, allowing her to practice legally in Belgium.
Case 4 | Architect trained in Africa
An architect trained in Africa faced a refusal that lacked sufficient reasoning. We prepared an annulment appeal before the Conseil d’État, pointing out procedural errors and a lack of legal justification. The court annulled the decision and ordered a new examination of the file, which ended with a favorable recognition decision.
Start your foreign diploma recognition process in Belgium today
Recognize your foreign diploma in Belgium can make a real difference to your academic or professional future. Having specialized advice helps you avoid mistakes, reduce delays, and secure a successful outcome—even in cases where there has already been a previous refusal. At Arthur & Marin, we assess your situation on a personalized basis, design the right strategy, and support you throughout the entire procedure, from preparing the application file to submitting administrative appeals before the court, if necessary.
Contact us today by email at info@arthurmarin.com or by phone at +32 465 345 345 for a personalized assessment and to obtain the official recognition of your diploma in Belgium.
💡 Don’t leave your professional future to chance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about to recognize foreign diplomas in Belgium
1. Is it mandatory to recognize my foreign diploma to work in Belgium?
If you want to practice a regulated profession, recognition is mandatory. For other professions, it is not always required, but having your diploma recognized can greatly increase your chances of finding a job.
2. What is the difference between academic recognition and professional recognition?
Academic recognition allows you to continue your studies in Belgium, while professional recognition is required to practice a profession in Belgium. They are different procedures, and one does not replace the other.
3. How long does the recognition of a foreign diploma take in Belgium?
Timelines vary depending on the type of diploma and the competent authority. As a general reference, European diplomas are usually processed within 2 to 4 months, while non-EU diplomas may take between 3 and 6 months.
4. Can I work in Belgium while waiting for the decision?
For regulated professions, it is not possible to work without prior recognition. For non-regulated professions, an employer may hire you without an official equivalence.
5. Is it mandatory to submit sworn translations?
Yes. All documents must be in French, Dutch, or German. If they are not, sworn translations carried out by officially recognized translators are required.
6. Does professional experience count in the process?
Yes, it does. In many cases, relevant professional experience can help compensate for differences between your education and what is required in Belgium.
7. What happens if my diploma does not include enough practical training?
In certain fields, such as healthcare or technical professions, the authorities may require a period of practical training, additional tests, or, in some cases, may reject the application.
8. Can a negative decision be appealed?
Yes. Decisions by Belgian authorities can be challenged through an administrative appeal. This depends on the type of recognition and the reason for the refusal.
9. Should I apply for recognition in the region where I plan to live?
It is recommended to submit the application in the Community where you plan to study or work, since each one has its own recognition body.
10. When is it better to request only a level recognition?
Level recognition is useful when you are looking for a job in the private sector and only need to prove your level of education (bachelor’s, master’s, etc.), without matching it to a specific Belgian diploma.
