Tvoy Raschet

Recognition of a foreign diploma: what it is

A procedure after which a foreign diploma gives the same rights in Russia as a Russian one: to work in your profession or to continue studying. For many countries the diploma is recognised automatically.

In Russian: Признание иностранного диплома·Priznanie inostrannogo diploma

Moving to Russia Checked by the editorial team Checked: September 2026

Key rules

Russia

The decision is made by Rosobrnadzor (the Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science), applications are reviewed by Glavexpertcenter, and you can apply through Gosuslugi (Госуслуги); the term is usually up to 45 days. Diplomas from EAEU countries are recognised without the procedure, except in medicine, teaching, pharmacy and law. Doctors and other medical workers also need admission to practise.

Sources: Glavexpertcenter: recognition of foreign education, Rosobrnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science), Gosuslugi («Госуслуги»)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Prepared by our editorial team, last checked: September 2026. Found an error? Write to us.

Related terms

Apostille and legalisationAn apostille is a stamp that confirms a foreign document is genuine in countries of the 1961 Hague Convention. If a country is not a party, the longer consular legalisation is needed.Notarised translation of documentsA translation of a foreign document into Russian in which a notary certifies the translator's signature. Such a translation is needed for a patent, a VNZh, a bank, a SIM card and studies.Workers from EAEU countriesCitizens of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan work in Russia without a patent or work permit, pay 13% personal income tax from day one and get OMS health insurance, under the 2014 EAEU Treaty.Highly qualified specialist (HQS)A foreigner hired for a high salary. For them there is a simplified work permit, personal income tax (НДФЛ, NDFL) of 13% from day one, and an easier route to a VNZh for the whole family.

More in “Moving to Russia”

Work patentTemporary residence permit (RVP)Residence permit (VNZh)Admission to Russian citizenshipMigration registrationRegistration of residence (place of stay and place of residence)Migration cardSNILS (pension insurance number)Gosuslugi (government services portal)Compulsory health insurance policy (OMS)Medical examination and fingerprinting for foreignersExam in Russian language, history and lawVisaNotice of a foreigner's employmentRegister of controlled personsWork for foreign students

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