Diploma legalization
Diploma legalisation
- What it is
- Confirmation of the authenticity of a diploma for use abroad
- What it includes
- The diploma itself and the transcript with grades — they are legalised together
- How it differs from nostrification
- Legalisation confirms authenticity, nostrification recognises the qualification
- Where it is needed
- Working in your profession, university admission, work visas, business immigration
- How long it takes
- From weeks to months, especially if the university has to confirm issue
In plain words
Diploma legalisation is confirmation of the authenticity of an educational document for use abroad. As with other documents, there are two routes: an apostille between Hague Convention countries, or consular legalisation where the convention does not apply.
An important detail: not only the diploma itself is legalised, but also the transcript listing subjects and grades. It is the transcript that shows the content of the programme, and without it recognition of the qualification is usually impossible. Some countries additionally require confirmation from the educational institution that the document was actually issued.
Do not confuse the two procedures. Legalisation answers the question “is this document genuine”. Nostrification answers the question “does your qualification meet local requirements, and can you work in your profession”. Legalisation is usually the first step; recognition of the qualification is a separate, longer process with its own requirements.
When diploma legalisation is needed
What the procedure includes
- Diploma
- Transcript with grades
- A certificate from the university if needed
- Apostille or legalisation
- Confirmation of issue by the university
- Certification of copies
- Sworn translation
- Translation of the whole transcript
- Consistency of terminology
- Recognition of qualifications
- Requirements of the profession
- Examinations if needed
How the process works
- 01Confirm the country’s requirements
- 02Legalise the diploma and transcript
- 03Sworn translation
- 04Apply for recognition
- 05Decision on the qualification
What you need to know
- The transcript is legalised together with the diploma
- Legalisation does not equal recognition of the qualification
- Regulated professions have separate requirements
- The university may be needed to confirm issue
- The procedure takes months, not days
Common mistakes
- Legalising the diploma without the transcript
- Assuming legalisation is enough to work in your profession
- Starting the procedure a month before moving
- Not checking the requirements for your particular profession
- Translating documents before legalisation
What this means for a BRIDGES client
If you plan to work in your field after moving, we raise the question of recognising your qualification at the outset. It is the longest of the document procedures, and it is better started in parallel with the immigration process rather than after it.
Frequently asked questions
01 /What is diploma legalisation?
Confirmation of the authenticity of an educational document for use abroad — through an apostille or consular legalisation.
02 /Does the transcript need to be legalised?
Yes. Without the transcript listing subjects and grades, recognition of the qualification is, as a rule, impossible.
03 /How does it differ from nostrification?
Legalisation confirms the authenticity of the document. Nostrification recognises your qualification and your right to work in your profession.
04 /Is legalisation enough to work?
For regulated professions — no. They require recognition of the qualification and sometimes examinations under local rules.
05 /How long does it take?
From several weeks to several months. Longer if confirmation from the university or recognition of the qualification is required.
06 /When should I start?
Well in advance and in parallel with the immigration process. It is one of the longest document procedures.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
Planning to work in your profession abroad?
We will work through the requirements for your field and draw up a timeline for recognition of your diploma.