How are diplomas and qualifications from Bulgaria recognized in Latvia

The recognition of diplomas and qualifications is an important step for every Bulgarian citizen who plans to study, work, or settle in Latvia. Whether it concerns a student wishing to continue their higher education at a reputable Latvian university, or a professional – such as a doctor, engineer, teacher, or lawyer – seeking to practise their profession, educational and qualification documents must be officially recognised.

Latvia is a member of the European Union and, as such, applies the common rules for the mutual recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications. This considerably facilitates the process for Bulgarian citizens, but it does not entirely eliminate the administrative requirements. Depending on the purpose – academic continuation of studies or practising a regulated profession – the procedure may involve different institutions, deadlines, and additional requirements.

1. What Does Recognition of Diplomas and Qualifications Mean?

The recognition of educational documents is the process by which diplomas, certificates and professional qualifications issued in one country are accepted as valid in another. In Latvia, this process is regulated by both European and national legislation and can be divided into two main types:

Academic Recognition

This type of recognition is required when you wish to continue your education in Latvia. For example:

• admission to a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programme at a university;
• application for exchange programmes or scholarships;
• recognition of previous educational degrees in order to access the next level of study.

The procedure is usually carried out by the Latvian ENIC/NARIC Centre (the national information network for the recognition of foreign diplomas) or directly by Latvian universities.

Professional Recognition

This type of recognition is necessary when you plan to work in your field of expertise in Latvia, particularly if your profession is regulated. This means that in order to practise the profession, your qualification must be officially confirmed by the competent Latvian authorities.

Regulated professions include:

• doctors, dentists, pharmacists;
• teachers, engineers, architects;
• lawyers and legal professionals;
• nurses and other healthcare specialists.

2. Which Documents from Bulgaria Require Recognition in Latvia?

Depending on the purpose – study, employment, or practising a regulated profession – different types of documents require recognition. The most common are:

 Secondary Education Diplomas

• Diploma of completed secondary education (with transcript of grades).
• Required for admission to Latvian universities for bachelor’s degree programmes.

University Diplomas

• Diplomas for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.
• Academic transcripts (with grades and subjects).
• Required for continuing higher education in Latvia or for recognition of an academic degree.

Professional Qualifications and Certificates

• Certificates for completed professional courses or specialisations.
• Certificates of qualifications obtained through vocational training or internships.
• Particularly important when applying to practise regulated professions.

Personal Documents and Supporting Certificates

• Birth certificate (in some cases for identification purposes).
• Certificates of name change (if there are discrepancies between documents).

3. Procedure for Recognition in Latvia

 The recognition of Bulgarian diplomas and qualifications in Latvia is generally a straightforward process, but it does involve several stages and requires communication with different institutions depending on whether the purpose is further study or employment.

For academic recognition, the key institution is the Latvian Academic Information Centre (AIC/ENIC-NARIC Latvia). This body is responsible for evaluating Bulgarian diplomas, comparing them to the Latvian education system, and issuing a decision that grants access to universities or other educational institutions. When it comes to professional recognition, the process is handled by the relevant professional chambers and regulatory bodies. For example, doctors and other medical specialists apply through the Latvian Medical Association, teachers are assessed by the Ministry of Education and Science, and engineers must apply to their respective professional organisations.

The procedure itself follows a clear sequence. It begins with the submission of an application, which can usually be done either in person or through an authorised representative. Applicants must then provide a set of legalised documents – such as diplomas, supplements, certificates, and attestations – all of which must carry an apostille. These documents are then translated into Latvian or English by a sworn translator to ensure accuracy and compliance. Once submitted, the institutions carry out an assessment of the documents, which includes verifying authenticity, checking content, and ensuring equivalence with Latvian standards. Finally, a decision on recognition is issued, which serves as the official confirmation of your right to study or practise your profession in Latvia.

In terms of timing, the procedure usually takes between one and three months, although regulated professions often require additional checks or professional competence examinations, which can extend the process. As for fees, they vary depending on the institution and the type of recognition sought. Academic recognition through the AIC typically involves an administrative fee of around €40–60, while professional recognition can be more costly, especially in fields like medicine or engineering.

4. EU Policies and Regulations on Diploma Recognition

As member states of the European Union, Bulgaria and Latvia apply common rules that significantly simplify the process of recognising diplomas and qualifications.

Directive 2005/36/EC

This directive is the main legal instrument in the EU governing the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. It grants EU citizens the right to practise regulated professions in another member state once their diplomas have been recognised.

European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

The EQF helps to understand and compare educational levels across different countries. Thanks to it, Latvian institutions can easily compare a Bulgarian diploma with their own education system.

European ENIC/NARIC Network

This network ensures transparency and cooperation between countries in the recognition of diplomas. In Latvia, this role is carried out by the Academic Information Centre (AIC), which serves as the national representative.

What Does This Mean for Bulgarians?

• Procedures are standardised and predictable.
• No additional consular legalisations are required between Bulgaria and Latvia.
• Bulgarian citizens have the same rights as any EU citizen when applying for study or employment.

Thanks to these European policies, the recognition of Bulgarian diplomas in Latvia is considerably faster and easier than outside the EU.

5. Useful Tips and Common Mistakes

The recognition of diplomas and qualifications in Latvia can be made easier if you prepare well and avoid the most common mistakes.

Useful Tips

1. Start preparations early – some documents have limited validity (e.g. certificates of current status or tax attestations), while translations and legalisations may take time.
2. Check the requirements in advance – universities and professional chambers in Latvia have specific conditions, which may differ.
3. Use sworn translators – translations into Latvian or English must be accurate and professional, especially for medical and technical specialities.
4. Prepare several certified copies – you may need them for more than one institution.
5. Maintain contact with the Latvian institution – in many cases, they can provide the clearest guidance on the exact documents required.

Common Mistakes

1. Submitting documents without an apostille – these will not be recognised in Latvia.
2. Incorrect or inaccurate translations – literal translations can cause confusion and lead to refusal of recognition.
3. Using outdated documents – academic transcripts and certificates must be current.
4. Underestimating timeframes – the process can take several months, especially for regulated professions.
5. Attempting the process alone without experience – often results in delays or incomplete submissions, which can block the entire procedure.

6. When Is Assistance from an Intermediary or Specialised Agency Needed?

While it is certainly possible to go through the process of recognising diplomas and qualifications in Latvia on your own, there are situations where relying on professional assistance is the smarter and more efficient choice. For example, if you are working with tight deadlines and need to start work or begin your studies quickly, specialised agencies can help accelerate the process thanks to their established contacts and experience. Similarly, if you are dealing with a large volume of documents – multiple diplomas, certificates, and supplements that all require legalisation and translation – the workload can quickly become overwhelming. More complex cases, such as those involving regulated professions where additional exams or official confirmations are required, are also better handled by experts who are familiar with the specific requirements. And of course, if you have no prior experience with the procedure, attempting it alone can lead to costly delays or even rejection of your documents.

Specialised agencies provide comprehensive support designed to take the administrative burden off your shoulders. They can manage the entire process from start to finish – from obtaining the apostille in Bulgaria to submitting the final documents in Latvia. Their services usually include sworn translations into Latvian or English, carefully adapted to academic and professional terminology, as well as expert consultation on which documents are strictly mandatory and which are only supplementary. In addition, they prepare multiple certified copies, so you are ready to submit your file to several institutions at once without wasting time. For those facing particularly urgent or complex situations, agencies can also offer targeted support to ensure that every requirement is met.

For applicants, the benefits of professional assistance are clear. You save both time and effort, while greatly reducing the risk of errors or refusals. You gain the reassurance that your documents will be accepted without issues, and you are free to focus on the things that truly matter – preparing for your new job or studies – instead of being caught up in administrative formalities.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do all documents need an apostille?
Yes. In Latvia, an apostille is required on official diplomas, certificates, and attestations. Exceptions apply only to informal documents or copies without legal value.

In which language should documents be translated?
The official language in Latvia is Latvian. In some cases, English translations are accepted, especially for academic recognition, but for professional qualifications Latvian is most often required.

How long does the recognition process take?
The procedure usually lasts between 1 and 3 months. For regulated professions, it can take longer – up to 6 months or more if additional exams or checks are needed.

Can a diploma be used multiple times once recognised?
Yes. Once recognised, a diploma remains valid permanently. However, if accompanying certificates have an expiry date (e.g. a certificate of current status), they will need to be renewed.

Is personal presence in Latvia required?
Not always. In many cases, the procedure can be carried out via an authorised representative or with the assistance of an agency. Universities and institutions often also accept online applications.

What happens if a document is incomplete or contains an error?
Latvian institutions may refuse recognition. In such cases, a new document must be issued and the entire process repeated.

Can I start work or studies while waiting for diploma recognition?
In some cases, universities allow conditional admission, and employers may offer temporary employment. However, for regulated professions (doctor, teacher, lawyer) recognition must be granted before starting practice.

Do Latvian institutions accept electronic documents?
Typically, originals and certified paper copies are required. Increasingly, however, universities and agencies allow online submission of scanned versions as a first step.

Are diplomas from private universities in Bulgaria recognised?
Yes, provided the university is accredited by Bulgaria’s National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA). Otherwise, Latvian authorities may refuse recognition.

Conclusion

The recognition of diplomas and qualifications from Bulgaria in Latvia is an essential step for anyone planning to study or work in their field there. Although Latvia is an EU member state and the process is simplified, administrative requirements remain and must be carefully followed.

As we have seen, the procedure involves:

• securing an apostille on diplomas and certificates;
• arranging sworn translation into Latvian or English;
• submitting documents to the correct institution – ENIC/NARIC Latvia for academic recognition or the relevant professional chamber for regulated professions;
• complying with timeframes, which may vary from several weeks to several months.

Recognition is most commonly required for university diplomas, professional certificates, and qualifications in fields such as medicine, engineering, education, and law. Preparation and accuracy are key – any mistake in translation or missing document can delay the process.

This is precisely where Oltrans plays a role – a company with long-standing experience in translations and the legalisation of documents for international purposes. Our team offers:

• sworn translations into Latvian and English, adapted to specific academic and professional terminology;
• complete organisation of the process – from apostille to submission of documents;
• a personalised approach and assistance with urgent or complex cases.

If you are planning to study or work in Latvia and want your diplomas to be recognised without unnecessary complications, trust Oltrans. With our help, you will complete the process quickly, securely, and without stress – allowing you to focus on the most important thing: the next step in your education or professional career.