Recognition of signatures and legalizations

What is the recognition of signatures carried out by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities?

This is the procedure prior to legalization or apostilation carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (exteriores.gob.es) and the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts (mjusticia.gob.es).

What is the point of this procedure?

This procedure allows Spanish academic documents to take effect abroad and have validity when, for example, initiating processes of homologation of Spanish degrees in other countries.

What documents are the subject of signature recognition in this Ministry?

The following official university academic documents can be signed at this Ministry:

• Official Spanish university degrees.
• Titles of Specialists in Spanish Health Sciences, issued by this Ministry.
• Supplementary certificates of the previous titles (taking into account that they are only valid for one year from their issuance and must contain the national registration number of the title. If the signature is by delegation of the Rector, it must contain the reference to the delegation rule of that signature).
• Official academic certificates leading to the obtaining of university degrees (only when they certify the completion of the study and contain the qualifications of the entire degree).
• European Title Supplement (SET)

The documents issued by the Spanish Universities that are not eligible for signature recognition in this Ministry must be legalized by notarial means.

What documents are not eligible for signature recognition by this Ministry?

• Certifications of enrollment of studies.

• Degrees specific to the universities and corresponding certifications.

• Programs and plans of study.

• I guarantee that I have paid the fees for obtaining the title.

• Selectivity Card or academic certifications of the University Entrance Tests.

• Certificate of Achievement of the University Joint/Aptitude Test.

• Academic certifications of partial university studies, not complete.

• Certificates of official university degrees in which it records any circumstance corresponding to the academic life of the student (scholarships, cultural exchanges, extraordinary awards, etc. ).

• Order for granting/appointment of the health specialty (the replacement certificate issued by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities is legalized).

• Homologation Credentials/Equivalence Certificates.

• Certificates Recognition/Accreditations in accordance with U.E. Directives

• Certificate of correspondence between Official University Degrees (“pre-Bologna”) and MECES levels.

• Certificates of Officiality of Universities.

How can I perform the signature recognition procedure for my documents?

The procedure can be done in person or by certified postal mail.

• On-site application

Through the Recognition of signature and withdrawal of credentials (ciencia.gob.es) service, you can go in person to the Cuzco Ministerial Complex, P.º de la Castellana 162 in Madrid, from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is recommended to request prior appointment (prior appointment.ciencia.gob.es).

The signature of the documents may also be recognized at the following offices of the High Inspectorates (Government Delegations), through the Service of Prior Appointment of Government Delegations and Subdelegations (mpt.gob.es):

• Request by certified postal mail

You must attach the documents accompanied by an Express Postcard envelope or with the prepaid postage containing a destination address in the national territory. Under no circumstances may the documents be sent abroad.

How much does it cost? Do I have to pay any fees?

There is no cost for the signature recognition service and no authorization is needed to manage the procedure for another person.