Recognition of Foreign Qualifications in France
For foreign nationals moving to France, the recognition of academic and professional qualifications is often a prerequisite for employment or further education. In France, there is no automatic legal "equivalence" between foreign degrees and French degrees. Instead, the process typically involves obtaining an Attestation de comparabilité (Certificate of Comparability).
This document assesses a foreign qualification against the French education system and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). While it is not a diploma in itself, it is a formal document that employers, educational institutions, and administrative bodies use to understand the level of a candidate's education.
The ENIC-NARIC France Center
The primary authority responsible for the recognition of foreign degrees is ENIC-NARIC France, managed by France Éducation International. This center provides certificates for degrees obtained outside of France to help individuals pursue professional or academic goals.
Costs and Fees
The evaluation of a foreign degree involves an administrative fee. As of early 2025/2026, the standard rates are as follows:
- Standard request: 70 EUR ($74 USD, Jan 2026).
- Request for refugees, asylum seekers, or persons with subsidiary protection: Free of charge.
- Case where no certificate can be issued (after file review): 20 EUR ($21 USD, Jan 2026).
Processing Times
The processing time for an application varies depending on the complexity of the file and the country of origin. On average, it takes between 1 to 4 months. Applicants can track their status via the official ENIC-NARIC France portal.
Regulated vs. Non-Regulated Professions
The path to recognition depends heavily on whether the profession is "regulated" in France. A regulated profession is one that requires specific legal qualifications or registration with a professional body to practice.
Non-Regulated Professions
For most jobs in the private sector (e.g., marketing, IT, administration), the employer decides if the candidate’s foreign degree and experience are sufficient. An Attestation de comparabilité from ENIC-NARIC is highly recommended but not always legally mandatory.
Regulated Professions
If your profession is regulated (e.g., doctor, lawyer, architect, nurse, accountant), the ENIC-NARIC certificate is generally not sufficient. You must apply for a specific "Authorization to Practice" from the relevant ministry or professional association (Ordre).
- Healthcare: Managed by the Direction régionale de l'économie, de l'emploi, du travail et des solidarités (DREETS).
- Law: Managed by the Conseil National des Barreaux.
- Architecture: Managed by the Ordre des Architectes.
For a complete list of regulated professions, you may consult the Guichet Qualifications website.
Required Documents and Translation
To apply for recognition, applicants must provide high-quality digital scans of specific documents. Submitting incomplete files is a common cause of delay.
Checklist of Documents
- A valid piece of identification (Passport or Residence Permit).
- The original final diploma or degree certificate.
- Official transcripts showing the duration and content of the courses.
- A certified translation of the documents into French.
Translation Rules
Translations must be performed by a "sworn translator" (traducteur assermenté) recognized by French courts. Translations done in the country of origin may not always be accepted unless they are legalized or bear an apostille, depending on bilateral agreements. It is generally safer to use a translator based in France.
Note: For degrees issued in certain languages (often English, Spanish, Italian, or German), ENIC-NARIC may sometimes waive the translation requirement, but this is subject to change and should be verified at the time of application.