Understanding Qualification Recognition in France
In France, there is no principle of automatic equivalence between foreign diplomas and French diplomas. Instead, the process involves obtaining an "Attestation de comparabilité" (statement of comparability). This document evaluates a foreign qualification against the French education system and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). It is primarily used by employers, educational institutions, and administrative bodies to understand the level of study an applicant has achieved abroad.
The official body responsible for this assessment is ENIC-NARIC France, which is part of France Éducation international. This center provides certificates for qualifications obtained outside of France to help foreigners integrate into the French labor market or pursue further education.
For more information on the mandate of this organization, visit the official France Éducation international website.
The Application Process and Costs
The recognition process is digitized and conducted through an online portal. Applicants must create an account and upload digital copies of their supporting documents. The assessment typically results in a formal statement that indicates the level of the degree in the French system (e.g., Licence, Master, Doctorat).
Required Documentation
- A valid piece of identification (passport or residence permit).
- The original final diploma or degree certificate.
- Official academic transcripts showing the duration and content of the course.
- A professional translation of the documents into French, performed by a sworn translator (traducteur assermenté), unless the documents are issued in a language specifically exempted by the center.
Fees and Processing Times
As of 2025/2026, the standard fee for evaluating a foreign qualification is 70 EUR ($76 USD, Jan 2026). This fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the assessment results in a comparability statement or a refusal. The average processing time is approximately 4 months, although this can vary depending on the complexity of the file and the country of origin.
Note: Refugees and asylum seekers are exempt from the application fee and may benefit from a simplified procedure if they cannot provide all the required original documentation.
Regulated Professions and Special Cases
The standard ENIC-NARIC statement is intended for "non-regulated" professions. If a foreign national intends to practice a "regulated" profession in France, the procedure is different. Regulated professions include roles that require specific legal authorization, such as doctors, lawyers, architects, and certain specialized craftsmen.
Professional Recognition Channels
For regulated sectors, the applicant must contact the specific ministry or professional body governing that field:
- Healthcare: Managed by the Ministry of Health (Ministère de la Santé).
- Law: Managed by the National Bar Council (Conseil National des Barreaux).
- Architecture: Managed by the Order of Architects (Ordre des Architectes).
European Union Exceptions
Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland who hold qualifications from a member state may benefit from "automatic recognition" for certain professions under EU Directive 2005/36/EC. This applies primarily to specific medical and veterinary professions. For other sectors, EU nationals may still be required to undergo a "proportionality test" or complete an adaptation period if there are substantial differences in training.
To determine if a profession is regulated in France, users can consult the Guichet Qualifications website, which serves as a centralized resource for professional recognition.
