Recognition of Latvian educational documents in other countries

Who makes the decision regarding the recognition of Latvian educational documents in other countries?

The decision on the recognition of Latvian educational documents is made by the competent authorities of the countries where the documents are to be used.

Where to obtain information about the academic recognition procedure in other countries?

You can obtain information about the academic recognition of foreign (including Latvian) educational documents in other countries from the national diploma recognition information centers ENIC/NARIC of the respective country.

In countries without ENIC/NARIC, information is usually available at the Ministry of Education.

Where to obtain information about the recognition of a professionally acquired qualification in another European Union member state?

Recognition of a professionally acquired qualification in Latvia is required if the specific profession is regulated in the receiving country (even if it is not regulated in Latvia). A list of regulated professions in European Union member states and their competent authorities is available in the European Commission’s regulated professions database. Information in this database may be incomplete, so it is recommended to also contact the information center of the specific country. Information centers also provide details on the recognition procedure and the institutions responsible for making decisions in the respective country.

Who issues documents for the recognition of a professional qualification abroad in Latvia?

In addition to educational and professional qualification certificates, foreign responsible authorities may also require documents such as proof of work experience or confirmation of no professional misconduct.

The Cabinet of Ministers’ Regulations No. 520, dated 12 September 2023, „Procedure for issuing documents for the recognition of professional qualifications acquired in Latvia abroad” outlines the Latvian institutions that issue documents regarding a person’s right to work in a specific profession, work experience, disciplinary violations, administrative and criminal penalties, and the absence of bankruptcy.

According to these regulations

• Certificates on professional experience and the right to practice in a non-regulated profession in Latvia, as well as the status of educational documents issued in Latvia, are issued by the Academic Information Centre (fee EUR 37.59);
• Certificates on professional experience and the right to practice in a regulated profession in Latvia, as well as proof that the person has no restricted or prohibited rights to practice this profession due to professional misconduct or criminal offenses, are issued by the institutions that issue professional qualification recognition certificates (or by the Health Inspectorate in specific cases);
• Certificates confirming that the person has no administrative offenses or criminal convictions are issued by the Ministry of the Interior’s Information Center.

Before requesting any of the aforementioned certificates, it is important to verify with the competent authority of the receiving country whether such a certificate is actually required, as practices can vary between countries and institutions.