Updated
GL-D-08
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- 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
02 / In plain words
What Diploma legalization means
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.
A case from practice
A client legalised the diploma but not the transcript, and without the list of subjects recognition of the qualification proved impossible. The procedure had to be repeated for the second document — with another trip and the loss of several weeks.
When diploma legalisation is needed
- Working in a regulated profession
- Admission to a foreign university
- A work visa and work permit
- Business immigration options
- Confirming qualifications for a bank
- Accreditation and licensing
03 / What it covers
What the procedure includes
Documents
- Diploma
- Transcript with grades
- A certificate from the university if needed
Confirmation
- Apostille or legalisation
- Confirmation of issue by the university
- Certification of copies
Translation
- Sworn translation
- Translation of the whole transcript
- Consistency of terminology
Next
- Recognition of qualifications
- Requirements of the profession
- Examinations if needed
04 / How it works
How the process works
Confirm the country’s requirements
Legalise the diploma and transcript
Sworn translation
Apply for recognition
Decision on the qualification
05 / Key facts
What you need to know
01
The transcript is legalised together with the diploma
02
Legalisation does not equal recognition of the qualification
03
Regulated professions have separate requirements
04
The university may be needed to confirm issue
05
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
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
Start with the requirements of the particular country and profession: for regulated professions — medicine, law, engineering — the procedure is more complex and includes recognition of the qualification, sometimes examinations. The diploma and transcript are prepared together, with a margin of several months. If you plan to work in your field, recognition is started in parallel with the move, not after it.
What we do for you. 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.
Darya MelnikFamily relocation, schools, residency for nomads and retirees
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
Confirmation of the authenticity of an educational document for use abroad — through an apostille or consular legalisation.
Yes. Without the transcript listing subjects and grades, recognition of the qualification is, as a rule, impossible.
Legalisation confirms the authenticity of the document. Nostrification recognises your qualification and your right to work in your profession.
For regulated professions — no. They require recognition of the qualification and sometimes examinations under local rules.
From several weeks to several months. Longer if confirmation from the university or recognition of the qualification is required.
Well in advance and in parallel with the immigration process. It is one of the longest document procedures.
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