What you need recognition for
| Goal | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Enrol at an Italian university | Dichiarazione di valore (Consulate) or CIMEA statement of comparability |
| Obtain the equivalent Italian degree | Equipollenza at an Italian university |
| Practise a regulated profession (doctor, nurse, lawyer, engineer, psychologist…) | Professional recognition by the competent Ministry |
| Public sector competitions | Equivalence by the Department of Public Administration |
| Private employment or visas (e.g. Blue Card) | CIMEA statement or dichiarazione di valore |
Regulated professions
Healthcare, legal and technical professions require ministerial recognition (Health, Justice, University, etc.), possibly with compensation measures (exams or traineeship), Italian language skills and registration with the professional body. For EU qualifications, Directive 2005/36/EC applies and is simpler.
How it works
- We define the goal and the correct procedure.
- We gather your degree, transcript, course syllabi and apostilles.
- We handle the sworn translations.
- We file the application with the university, CIMEA or the Ministry.
- We follow up and respond to requests for additional documents.
Documents usually required
- Original degree, apostilled or legalised
- Transcript with grades and hours
- Course syllabi (equivalence or professions)
- Sworn translations into Italian
- Passport and residence permit, if any
The exact list depends on your case, your home country and the office (Questura, Consulate or Comune). We give you the final list in the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does recognition take?
A CIMEA statement can take a few weeks; university equivalence or ministerial recognition can take from 4 months to over a year.
I'm a doctor/nurse — can I work in Italy?
Yes, with recognition by the Ministry of Health and registration with the professional body. In recent years there have been faster temporary routes for healthcare workers; we check those currently available.
Do I need my high-school diploma recognised?
For university, yes (dichiarazione di valore or CIMEA). For work, generally not, unless specifically required.
Last updated: 2026-10-23. This guide is general information and does not replace a lawyer's advice on your specific case. Italian immigration rules change often.