Understanding the RecON Platform
The RecON platform (Plataforma de Reconhecimento de Graus e Diplomas Estrangeiros) is Portugal's official online system for all foreign degree recognition applications. Operated by DGES (Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior), this government platform replaced the previous paper-based system in 2019 and handles automatic, level, and specific recognition types.
The platform operates 24/7 with no scheduled downtime. You can access RecON from any device with internet connection—desktop computers, laptops, tablets, or smartphones all work equally well. The interface primarily uses Portuguese, but English support is expanding for international applicants.
Every degree recognition decision issued in Portugal comes through this platform. DGES maintains a public registry of all recognized qualifications, giving your certificate verifiable authority that employers and institutions can confirm online.
System Requirements and Technical Preparation
Computer and Browser Requirements
RecON works on all major operating systems: Windows, Mac, and Linux. You don't need special software—just a standard web browser. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all support the platform fully.
Your internet connection needs standard broadband speed. The platform doesn't require high-speed internet for document uploads, though faster connections complete file transfers more quickly. Mobile data connections work if you don't have WiFi access.
Document Preparation Essentials
Before starting your application, prepare all documents as PDF files. The platform only accepts PDF format—convert Word documents, JPG images, or other formats to PDF before uploading. Many free online converters can handle this conversion quickly.
Each file must stay under 4MB in size. If your scanned documents exceed this limit, use PDF compression tools to reduce file size while maintaining readability. Check that compressed files still display text clearly at normal viewing size.
Create high-quality scans or photos of all documents. Use a scanner if available for best results. Smartphone cameras work well if you photograph documents with good lighting, straight-on angles without shadows, and ensure all text stays legible.
For multi-page documents, combine pages into single PDF files before uploading. PDF merging software lets you create organized, sequential documents from multiple scans.
Name your files clearly and logically: "Diploma_Original.pdf", "Transcript_2024.pdf", "Translation_Certified.pdf". Clear naming helps you track uploads and verify completeness before submission.
Keep backup copies of all prepared files on your computer and cloud storage. Original documents remain valuable—protect them carefully.
Email Address Setup
You need an active email address that you check regularly. RecON sends all communications to this address: application confirmation, payment receipts, information requests, and final decisions.
Use a professional email service like Gmail or Outlook. Institutional email addresses work if you maintain access after leaving your university. Avoid temporary or rarely-checked addresses.
Add the RecON email to your contacts immediately. This prevents DGES notifications from landing in spam folders. Check your spam folder regularly anyway—some email providers filter government messages unexpectedly.
Gmail works particularly well because DGES uses Gmail for backup communications. If you use other providers, verify settings allow messages from Portuguese government domains.
Portuguese Tax ID (NIF) Requirement
RecON applications require a Portuguese NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). This nine-digit tax identification number becomes essential for all official activities in Portugal—employment, banking, residency, and degree recognition.
You can obtain your NIF free from Portuguese tax offices (Finanças). The application process takes 1-2 weeks typically. Visit in person with your passport, or use online NIF services like MigRun or GetNIF Portugal that charge fees for expedited processing.
Don't delay your RecON application waiting for your NIF. Begin document preparation and translation simultaneously with your NIF application. You can start the RecON form and save progress, then add your NIF when it arrives.
Creating Your RecON Account
Registration Process
Navigate to the RecON platform. The main DGES website provides links, but you can access the platform directly.
Look for the registration or account creation option. New users must create accounts before starting applications. Returning users log in with existing credentials.
Provide your email address during registration. This email becomes your username and primary contact method. Choose a secure password that you'll remember but others can't guess easily.
Complete the basic profile information requested. Accuracy matters here—errors in contact information cause communication problems later.
Verify your email address through the confirmation link sent to your inbox. Check spam folders if the confirmation email doesn't arrive within 15 minutes. Some systems delay verification emails, so wait patiently before requesting resends.
Account Security
Your RecON account stores sensitive personal information and official documents. Protect your login credentials carefully. Never share your password with translation services, consultants, or other third parties.
Choose a unique password not used for other websites. Password managers help create and store strong passwords securely.
If you forget your password, use the password reset function on the login page. DGES will send reset instructions to your registered email address.
Before You Start: Complete Checklist
Gather everything you need before beginning your online application. Having all materials ready prevents frustrating interruptions during form completion.
Required Documents for All Recognition Types
Original Diploma: Front and back if both sides contain information. Include visible apostille stamp. Scan or photograph with clear visibility of all text and official seals.
Official Transcript: Complete record showing all courses, credits, grades, and grading scale. Multi-page transcripts should combine into single PDF files organized sequentially.
Valid Identification: Passport biographical page or national ID card (both sides). Name must match degree documents exactly—any discrepancies cause processing delays.
Translations: If your documents aren't in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish, you need certified Portuguese translations. Translator's official stamp and signature must appear clearly.
Additional Documents by Recognition Type
Level Recognition: Requires complete degree program description including total credits, duration, major courses, and learning outcomes. Universities often publish program handbooks online—request official versions from registrar offices.
Specific Recognition: Needs comprehensive curriculum details for every course. Course descriptions, syllabi, and credit hour breakdowns demonstrate equivalency to Portuguese programs. Accreditation documentation proves your institution's legitimacy.
Digital File Organization
Create a dedicated folder on your computer for all RecON materials. Organize files logically with clear names indicating content.
Convert all documents to PDF format. Check file sizes—compress any files exceeding 4MB while maintaining readability.
Test your first file upload in the platform before committing to the full application. This verifies your file format works correctly.
Number files sequentially if submitting multiple documents: 01_Diploma, 02_Transcript, 03_Translation. This organization helps reviewers navigate your materials efficiently.
Step-by-Step Application Tutorial
Step 1: Log In and Start New Application
Access the RecON platform and log in with your email address and password. Your account dashboard displays any existing applications plus options for starting new ones.
Click the button to create a new recognition application. The platform guides you through required sections in logical order.
Save your progress regularly using the save function. RecON automatically saves data periodically, but manual saves provide extra protection. You can log out and return anytime to continue incomplete applications.
Step 2: Select Recognition Type
Choose the recognition type you need: automatic, level, or specific. Your selection determines subsequent questions and document requirements.
Automatic Recognition: For degrees from institutions with bilateral agreements with Portugal. Fastest processing, lowest cost, but limited availability. Verify your eligibility through the Portugal degree recognition guide before selecting this option.
Level Recognition: Confirms your degree level (bachelor's, master's, doctorate) equals a Portuguese degree level. Doesn't specify field of study. Suitable for general employment or further university admission.
Specific Recognition: Confirms both degree level and field of study equivalency. Required for regulated professions like engineering, medicine, or law. Most detailed review process with longest timelines.
If you're unsure which type you need, review the complete degree recognition guide linked in the resources section below.
Step 3: Select Processing Institution (Level and Specific Only)
Automatic recognition routes directly to DGES. Level and specific recognition require selecting a Portuguese university to review your credentials.
Choose a university with programs similar to your degree field. Engineering degrees go to universities with engineering programs, medical degrees to universities with medical schools, business degrees to institutions with business programs.
Research universities before selecting. Some process applications faster than others. Geographic location doesn't matter—select based on relevant academic programs and processing reputation.
Once you select an institution, you cannot change it without withdrawing and resubmitting your application. Choose carefully.
Step 4: Complete Personal Information
Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your degree diploma. Any variations cause verification problems. Include middle names, suffixes, or particles (von, de, van) precisely as documented.
Provide your date of birth, nationality, and current residence information. Use your Portuguese address if you're already living in Portugal, or your home country address if applying from abroad.
Enter your NIF (Portuguese tax identification number). If you don't have one yet, you can save your application and add this later before final submission.
Include your phone number with international country code. Contact phone becomes important if DGES needs quick clarification.
Verify your email address displays correctly. This email receives all application communications.
Step 5: Enter University and Degree Information
Provide complete details about your educational institution:
Institution Name: Official university name in full. Use English translation if original name uses non-Latin characters.
Country: Nation where your degree was issued. This determines processing requirements and verification procedures.
Degree Title: Exact degree title as written on your diploma. Include field of study: "Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering", not just "Bachelor's degree".
Completion Year: Year you graduated and received your degree. Month and day aren't required.
Degree Type: Select bachelor's (licenciatura), master's (mestrado), or doctorate (doutoramento) equivalent.
Step 6: Upload Required Documents
Navigate to the document upload section. RecON lists required documents based on your selected recognition type.
Click the upload button for each document type. Browse your computer files to select prepared PDFs.
Upload documents in this order for organizational clarity:
- Original diploma (with visible apostille)
- Official transcript (complete, all pages)
- Valid identification (passport or ID card)
- Certified translation (if required)
- Program descriptions (level/specific recognition)
- Course syllabi (specific recognition)
- Accreditation documentation (level/specific recognition)
After each upload, verify the file appears in the document list. Click to preview uploads—check that files display clearly and completely.
The platform may show document requirements with checkmarks as you complete uploads. Ensure all mandatory documents receive checkmarks before proceeding.
If upload fails, check your internet connection remains stable. Verify file size stays under 4MB. Try a different browser if problems persist.
Step 7: Review and Verify All Information
Before submission, review every section carefully. Check personal information accuracy, degree details correctness, and document completeness.
Verify your email address one final time—all future communications depend on this being correct.
Confirm you selected the appropriate recognition type for your needs. Changing this after submission requires withdrawing and restarting your application.
Check that uploaded documents are the correct files. Open previews to verify you didn't accidentally upload wrong versions.
Use the platform's checklist if provided. This shows completion status for all required sections.
Step 8: Submit Application
When you've verified everything, click the submit button. The platform processes your submission, which takes 30-60 seconds.
Upon successful submission, RecON generates your unique application reference number. This number follows the format: YYYY/RXXXXXX/NN (year/R-number/sequential).
Save this reference number immediately. Write it down, take a screenshot, or copy it to a document. You need this number for all future inquiries, status checks, and correspondence.
The confirmation screen displays your submitted information summary. Review this carefully—it's your last chance to verify accuracy before processing begins.
Step 9: Receive Confirmation Email
Within 30 minutes of submission, check your email for the confirmation message from DGES. This email contains:
- Your unique application reference number
- Summary of submitted information
- Payment instructions and Multibanco reference
- Expected timeline for processing
- Contact information for questions
If confirmation doesn't arrive within one hour, check your spam folder. Add DGES to your contacts if the message went to spam, preventing future filtering.
Save this confirmation email in a dedicated folder. You'll reference it multiple times during the processing period.
Payment Process Guide
Understanding Multibanco Payment
RecON generates your payment reference automatically upon application submission. This Multibanco reference allows you to pay the required recognition fee through Portugal's ATM network, online banking, or bank transfer.
Multibanco is Portugal's universal payment system—all Portuguese banks participate. The system connects to international banking networks, letting you pay even from outside Portugal in some cases.
Payment references include three key numbers:
- Entity: DGES's Multibanco entity code (same for all applications)
- Reference: Your unique payment reference number
- Amount: Recognition fee in euros
These three numbers appear in your confirmation email and on your RecON account dashboard.
Payment Options
ATM Payment in Portugal: Visit any Multibanco ATM in Portugal. Select "Payments" (Pagamentos), then "Services" (Serviços), then "Other Payments" (Outros Pagamentos). Enter the entity number, reference number, and verify the amount. Complete the payment and keep your receipt.
Online Banking: Log into your Portuguese bank's online or mobile banking. Navigate to the Multibanco payments section. Enter entity, reference, and amount. Confirm payment and save the confirmation screen.
Bank Transfer: Transfer the exact amount to DGES's bank account (information provided in confirmation email) with your reference number in the payment description field. International bank transfers work but may incur additional fees.
International Payments: If you're outside Portugal without Portuguese banking access, some international payment services handle Multibanco references. Contact DGES if you need alternative payment arrangements.
Payment Confirmation Timeline
After you pay, Multibanco notifies DGES automatically. This typically happens within 1-2 hours for ATM and online payments. Bank transfers may take 24-48 hours.
DGES sends payment confirmation to your email once they receive notification. Check your RecON account—your application status updates to "Payment Confirmed".
Your application doesn't enter the processing queue until DGES confirms payment. Delays in payment mean delays in processing, so pay promptly after submission.
Payment Deadline and Consequences
You must pay within 30 days of application submission. After 30 days, unpaid applications expire automatically. Expired applications disappear from the system—you must start over with a new application.
Set a reminder to pay within 3-5 days of submission. Don't risk forgetting as the deadline approaches.
If technical problems prevent payment within 30 days, contact DGES immediately. They can extend deadlines for legitimate technical issues or reissue payment references.
Payment Troubleshooting
Problem: Reference number won't work in ATM
Solution: Verify you entered entity, reference, and amount exactly as shown. Check you're using the Multibanco system (not MB Way or other services). Try a different ATM—some older machines have quirks.
Problem: Payment made but not confirmed after 48 hours
Solution: Contact your bank to verify payment processed successfully. Email DGES with your payment receipt showing transaction date, amount, and reference number. They can manually confirm payment.
Problem: Paid wrong amount
Solution: Contact DGES immediately. Overpayments can be refunded or applied to other fees. Underpayments require additional payment to complete the correct amount.
Problem: Lost payment reference
Solution: Log into your RecON account—the reference displays on your application dashboard. Check your confirmation email. If you can't find either, contact DGES with your application reference number.
Tracking Your Application Status
Accessing Status Information
Log into the RecON platform anytime to check your application status. Your dashboard displays all submitted applications with current status for each.
Click on an application to see detailed status information. The platform shows:
- Current processing stage
- Date of last status update
- Estimated completion timeline
- Any pending information requests
- Messages from DGES or processing university
Status updates occur automatically as your application progresses. You don't need to contact DGES for routine status questions—the platform provides real-time information.
Understanding Status Stages
Application Received: Initial status after submission. Means DGES has your application but payment isn't confirmed yet.
Payment Confirmed: DGES received your payment. Application enters the processing queue. Processing officially begins.
Document Review: For automatic recognition, DGES reviews eligibility criteria. For level/specific recognition, your application routes to the selected university, which verifies receipt.
Institution Review: University conducts detailed curriculum evaluation for level/specific recognition. This stage often lasts longest—weeks or months depending on complexity.
Information Request: DGES or the processing university needs additional documentation. You must respond within the stated deadline (typically 10-15 days).
Decision Issued: Final determination made. Certificate generates automatically in the platform.
Certificate Available: PDF certificate ready for download. Email notification sent with instructions.
Email Notifications
RecON sends automatic notifications at critical stages:
Submission Confirmation: Immediately after you submit your application. Confirms receipt and provides payment information.
Payment Receipt: After DGES confirms your payment. Activates processing timeline.
Information Request: If additional documents or clarification needed. Includes specific requirements and response deadline.
Routing Notification: When level/specific recognition applications transfer to processing universities. Confirms which institution received your application.
Decision Notice: When final determination issued. Explains approval or denial reasoning and next steps.
Certificate Availability: Links directly to your downloadable PDF certificate.
Check email regularly during processing. Missing an information request notification causes timeline delays or potential application abandonment.
Response Deadlines for Information Requests
If DGES or your processing university requests additional information, you receive a specific deadline—typically 10-15 days from the request date.
Respond promptly. Late responses restart processing timelines from zero in some cases. Extremely late responses may result in application closure, requiring complete resubmission.
Upload requested materials through the RecON platform messaging system. Don't email documents separately unless specifically instructed—portal uploads ensure proper documentation.
After uploading requested materials, the platform confirms receipt. Email confirmation may follow. Verify your response appears in the application history before considering it complete.
Timeline Expectations
Automatic Recognition: Official maximum 30 days. Reality typically 1-3 months depending on DGES workload and document completeness.
Level Recognition: Official maximum 90 days. Reality typically 2-4 months from payment confirmation to decision.
Specific Recognition: Official maximum 90 days. Reality typically 3-6 months, sometimes longer for complex cases or unusual degree programs.
Processing speeds vary by season. September through May generally sees faster processing during the academic year. Summer months and December holidays often slow timelines as university reviewers take vacation.
Receiving Your Recognition Certificate
Certificate Notification
When DGES or your processing university makes a final decision, you receive email notification. This typically arrives the same day the decision posts to your RecON account.
The notification email explains whether your application was approved or denied. Approved applications include certificate download instructions. Denied applications explain rejection reasoning and appeal information.
Downloading Your Certificate
Log into your RecON account after receiving approval notification. Navigate to your application details.
Look for the certificate download section or link. Click to download your official recognition certificate as a PDF file.
The certificate downloads to your computer's default download folder. Save it immediately to a secure location. Create backup copies on cloud storage or external drives.
Certificate Format and Contents
Your recognition certificate is a formal PDF document bearing official DGES letterhead, stamps, and digital signatures.
The certificate includes:
- Your full name as it appears in application
- Date of birth and NIF
- Foreign university name and degree title
- Recognition type (automatic, level, or specific)
- Portuguese degree equivalent level
- For specific recognition: Field of study equivalency
- Recognition date and unique certificate number
- DGES director's signature (or university rector for level/specific)
- Official government stamp or seal
Certificates generate in Portuguese. If you need English translations for international use, certified translators can translate your Portuguese certificate. The Portuguese version remains the official document.
Certificate Validity and Usage
Recognition certificates don't expire—they remain valid indefinitely. Once DGES or a Portuguese university recognizes your degree, that recognition stands permanently.
You can use your certificate for:
Employment: Present to Portuguese employers as proof of qualification. Many employers verify certificates through the public registry.
University Admission: Submit when applying to Portuguese graduate programs. Universities may request verification through the registry.
Professional Licensing: Automatic and level recognition alone don't qualify for regulated professions—you need specific recognition plus professional order registration. But the certificate proves your academic credential equivalency.
Immigration Purposes: Include in visa applications requiring education credentials, such as D3 Highly Qualified Professional visas.
Personal Records: Maintain in your official document collection for any future needs.
Public Registry Verification
DGES maintains a searchable public registry of all recognized qualifications at https://www.dges.gov.pt/pt/pesquisa_reconhecimentos.
Your approved recognition appears in this registry automatically. Employers and institutions can verify your certificate authenticity by searching your name or certificate number.
This public verification adds credibility to your recognition. It prevents fraud and gives Portuguese organizations confidence in foreign credentials.
You can search the registry yourself to confirm your entry appears correctly. If you notice errors in public registry information, contact DGES to request corrections.
What If Your Application Is Denied
Not all recognition applications succeed. Universities may determine insufficient equivalency between your program and Portuguese standards. DGES may find your institution doesn't meet eligibility criteria.
Denial notifications explain specific reasons for rejection. Common issues include:
- Missing or incomplete documentation
- Degree from unaccredited institution
- Insufficient program curriculum alignment
- Translation quality problems
- Authentication deficiencies
You have the right to appeal negative decisions. Appeal deadlines appear in your denial notification—typically 30 days. Appeals require additional documentation addressing rejection reasons.
Alternatively, you might apply for a different recognition type. If specific recognition was denied, level recognition might succeed. If automatic recognition failed, level recognition provides an alternative path.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Login and Access Problems
Problem: Can't remember password
Solution: Use the password reset function on the RecON login page. Enter your registered email address. DGES sends reset instructions within minutes. Check spam folders if the email doesn't arrive promptly.
Problem: Account locked after multiple failed login attempts
Solution: Wait 30 minutes then try again. If still locked, contact DGES support with your email address and explanation of the problem.
Problem: Website displays incorrectly or won't load
Solution: Clear your browser cache and cookies (Ctrl+Shift+Del in most browsers). Try a different browser—Chrome and Firefox work most reliably. Disable browser extensions or ad blockers that might interfere. Check your internet connection stability.
Problem: "Session expired" message appears repeatedly
Solution: RecON times out inactive sessions for security. Save your work frequently. Log out properly when finished rather than just closing your browser. If problems persist, try a different browser or device.
Document Upload Failures
Problem: Upload button doesn't work or nothing happens when clicking
Solution: Verify JavaScript is enabled in your browser settings. Try a different browser. Check your internet connection remains stable. Some corporate or public WiFi networks block file uploads—try a different network.
Problem: File upload fails with error message
Solution: Check file size stays under 4MB—compress large PDFs using online tools. Verify file format is PDF, not Word, JPG, or other formats. Try uploading from a computer rather than mobile device. Test with a different file to isolate whether the problem affects all uploads or just one specific document.
Problem: Uploaded file appears corrupted or won't preview
Solution: Verify the original file opens correctly on your computer before uploading. Try creating a fresh PDF scan or export rather than uploading an edited version. Some PDF editing software creates compatibility issues—use Adobe Acrobat Reader or other standard PDF tools.
Problem: Wrong file uploaded accidentally
Solution: Delete the incorrect upload if the platform allows. If deletion isn't available before submission, contact DGES technical support immediately explaining the error. After submission, you may need to submit corrected documents through the information request system.
Payment Problems
Problem: Multibanco reference won't work at ATM
Solution: Triple-check you entered entity, reference, and amount exactly as shown in your confirmation email. Verify you're using Multibanco payment services, not MB Way or other systems. Try a different ATM machine. Contact your bank to verify your account allows Multibanco payments.
Problem: Payment completed but not showing as confirmed after 48 hours
Solution: Verify your payment processed successfully by checking your bank statement. Email with your application reference number, payment receipt showing transaction details, and date of payment. DGES can manually confirm receipt.
Problem: Payment reference expired or showing invalid
Solution: Check your application hasn't exceeded the 30-day payment deadline. If you're still within deadline, contact DGES to regenerate a new reference. If you missed the deadline, you must submit a new application.
Problem: Bank transfer made but DGES shows no record
Solution: Bank transfers take longer to process than ATM or online banking payments. Wait 3-4 business days for international transfers. Email DGES with your transfer confirmation showing transaction details, your application reference number, and request manual verification.
Application Status Concerns
Problem: Status hasn't updated in several weeks
Solution: Processing times vary significantly by recognition type and season. Automatic recognition should update within 4-6 weeks. Level and specific recognition may show minimal status changes for 2-3 months during university review. If your timeline significantly exceeds expected processing time, contact DGES or your processing university with your reference number.
Problem: Information request notification went to spam or was deleted
Solution: Log into RecON account—information requests appear in your application details and messaging section. If deadline has passed, contact DGES immediately explaining you missed the notification. They may grant deadline extensions for legitimate technical problems.
Problem: Can't find application reference number
Solution: Log into RecON account—all submitted applications display with reference numbers. Check your confirmation email from submission date. Search email for messages from DGES containing your reference. If you still can't locate it, email DGES with your name, email address used for application, and approximate submission date.
Problem: RecON shows decision issued but no certificate available
Solution: PDF generation sometimes delays several hours after decision posts. Wait 24 hours then check again. If certificate still isn't available, contact DGES with your application reference number requesting technical assistance.
After Your Recognition Is Approved
Understanding Your Recognition Certificate's Authority
Your DGES-issued recognition certificate is an official government document with legal standing throughout Portugal. Employers and institutions must accept it as proof that your foreign degree equals a Portuguese qualification at the recognized level.
The certificate doesn't automatically grant professional licenses for regulated careers. Engineers, doctors, lawyers, and other licensed professionals need additional professional order registration after degree recognition. But the recognition certificate is the essential first step.
Universities accept recognition certificates for admission purposes. If you're applying to Portuguese graduate programs, your foreign bachelor's or master's degree recognition proves you meet academic prerequisites.
Immigration authorities recognize DGES certificates for visa purposes. Highly qualified professional visas and certain residence permit applications require demonstrated education credentials—your certificate provides official proof.
Next Steps for Professional Licensing
If you're pursuing a regulated profession in Portugal, degree recognition is just the beginning. After DGES or a university issues your recognition certificate, contact the relevant professional order (Ordem):
Engineers: Ordem dos Engenheiros (www.ordemengenheiros.pt)
Doctors: Ordem dos Médicos (www.ordemdosmedicos.pt)
Lawyers: Ordem dos Advogados (www.oa.pt)
Architects: Ordem dos Arquitectos (www.arquitectos.pt)
Each professional order has distinct registration requirements beyond degree recognition. You may need additional exams, Portuguese language certification, internship periods, or supervised practice hours.
Research professional order requirements early. Some requirements take months or years to complete. Understanding the full pathway from degree recognition through professional licensing helps you plan realistic timelines.
Maintaining Your Documentation
Keep your recognition certificate in multiple secure locations. Save digital copies to cloud storage services. Print physical copies for important meetings or applications.
Store your certificate with other critical documents: passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and educational credentials. You'll reference it repeatedly during your life in Portugal.
If you lose your certificate, DGES can provide replacement copies. Log into your RecON account—the PDF remains downloadable indefinitely. You can also request official duplicate certificates by contacting DGES with your recognition reference number.
Recognition Certificate Updates
Recognition certificates don't require renewal or periodic updates. Your degree remains recognized as long as you hold the certificate.
However, if your personal information changes—legal name change after marriage, nationality change, or NIF update—contact DGES to request certificate amendments with updated details.
If Portuguese education regulations change significantly, existing recognition certificates remain valid under the rules that governed your original approval. You don't need to reapply under new regulations unless you choose to.
Verifying Recognition for Employers or Institutions
Unique recognition number
Once the process is complete, the DGES issues a Certificate of Recognition. The certificate contains the Unique Recognition Number, which may be required for other administrative processes or for employer verification.
Some employers or institutions may contact DGES directly for verification. This is normal and expected. DGES confirms certificate authenticity and recognition details upon request.
Additional Resources and Support
Official DGES Resources
The DGES website provides comprehensive information about degree recognition, though primarily in Portuguese. Key resources include:
Recognition general information pages explaining different recognition types, eligibility criteria, and process overviews. Frequently asked questions addressing common concerns. Legal framework documents detailing the laws governing recognition procedures.
DGES also maintains email and phone support for recognition questions. Response times vary by volume but typically run 3-5 business days for emails and immediate for phone calls during business hours.
Professional Assistance
If you struggle with the Portuguese language or find the process overwhelming, several types of professional help are available:
Translation Services: Certified translators can translate your documents to Portuguese and help navigate Portuguese-language sections of RecON. This ensures accuracy when language barriers create challenges.
Education Consultants: Some firms specialize in Portuguese degree recognition applications. They can guide you through the process, review documents for completeness, and communicate with DGES on your behalf. Costs vary widely—research thoroughly before engaging consultants.
Legal Support: Immigration lawyers or education law specialists can assist with complex cases, appeals, or regulatory questions. This level of support suits unusual situations or previous application failures.
Professional assistance isn't necessary for most applicants. The RecON platform is reasonably straightforward if you follow instructions carefully and prepare documents thoroughly. But if your situation involves unusual complications, professional guidance can improve success rates.
Related Expatra Guides
For comprehensive understanding of Portuguese degree recognition beyond just the RecON platform mechanics, review these related resources:
The complete Portugal degree recognition guide explains the three recognition types in detail, helping you determine which type suits your needs. It covers eligibility criteria, timeline expectations, and cost breakdowns.
The DGES processing times reality check article provides assessments of actual processing speeds versus official timelines, helping you plan realistically.
If you're pursuing a regulated profession, the following guides will be useful:
- Lawyer Recognition in Portugal: Bar Exam, 18-Month Internship & Ordem dos Advogados Process
- Doctor/ Physician Recognition in Portugal: Medical License Process & Ordem dos Médicos Requirements
- Engineer Recognition in Portugal: Complete Guide for Foreign Engineers (Ordem dos Engenheiros)
- Architect Recognition in Portugal: Ordem dos Arquitectos Process & EU Automatic Recognition
- Pharmacist, Nurse, and Healthcare Professional Recognition in Portugal
- Psychologist Recognition in Portugal: 12-Month Mandatory Internship & Ordem dos Psicólogos