Recognising qualifications in Italie

Obtain the dichiarazione di valore from the Italian diplomatic post

Contact the Italian embassy or consulate in the country where the degree was issued and request a dichiarazione di valore (declaration of value). This document attests the authenticity of the certificate and the status of the issuing institution in its home country. It is not itself a recognition decision, but CIMEA and MUR typically require it as the first step. Allow 2–8 weeks depending on the diplomatic post.

Prepare certified Italian translations of all documents

All documents submitted to CIMEA, MUR, or an Ordine must be translated into Italian by a sworn translator (traduttore giurato). Uncertified or unofficial translations are not accepted. Standard documents include: the degree certificate, transcripts, the dichiarazione di valore, proof of identity, and any professional experience evidence.

Academic / employer-facing route: apply to CIMEA for an Attestato di comparabilità

If you need recognition for study, employment, or non-regulated purposes, submit your application to CIMEA with the degree certificate, certified translation, dichiarazione di valore, apostille or legalisation, and application form. CIMEA evaluates the degree and issues an Attestato di comparabilità e verifica dei titoli mapping it to the Italian level (laurea triennale, laurea magistrale, or dottorato di ricerca). Processing takes approximately 2–4 weeks.

Professional route: apply to MUR for an equivalence decree

If you need to practise a regulated profession and are either a third-country national or practising a non-sectoral profession as an EEA national, apply to the MUR (riconoscimento professionale). Submit the degree certificate, transcript, dichiarazione di valore, certified Italian translations, apostille or legalisation, and any proof of professional experience or supervised practice. MUR assesses whether the foreign qualification meets Italian requirements.

Complete supplementary examinations or supervised practice if required by MUR

MUR may condition its recognition decree on the applicant passing esami integrativi (supplementary examinations covering subjects not adequately covered by the foreign curriculum) or completing a period of supervised professional practice. The requirement is assessed case by case. If esami integrativi are required, allow an additional 1–2 semesters.

Receive the MUR equivalence decree (decreto di riconoscimento)

Once MUR is satisfied, it issues the formal equivalence decree. This decree is the legal basis for registration with the competent Ordine and for asserting professional status in Italy. MUR processing for professional recognition typically takes 6–12 months and is known to run longer — begin this step well before your planned start date.