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Processing time and status of an application for recognition of equivalence at NARIC-Vlaanderen

Delays possible in the processing of applications

Due to the large number of applications, the processing of your application may be delayed. Tip: make sure your application is complete when you submit it to minimise delays.

Our small team processes an average of 450 applications for diploma equivalence every month, issuing decisions that grant holders of foreign diplomas the same legal rights and access to the Flemish labour market as Flemish diplomas do. Given the impact our decisions have, we handle each application with care. In recent years, the number of applications has risen significantly and continues to rise, due in part to the war in Ukraine and in part to the sharp increase in the number of applications from other (non-European) countries.

Behind the scenes, we are working hard on a new processing system to handle the increasing number of applications more rapidly. This also requires additional effort from our small team.

As a result, delays in the processing of applications are possible. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause during your application process.

Haven't submitted an application yet?

The time it will take for you to receive a decision depends on your diploma and the recognition you are eligible for. There is a difference between level recognition and specific recognition:

  • : level recognition is usually faster (and also cheaper). Examples: recognition of the level of bachelor, master, secondary education, etc.
  • usually takes longer and is more expensive than level recognition.

If you fill in the NARIC-Vlaanderen application wizard, you will find out when you will receive a decision, and how much the procedure costs (if anything).

Have you already submitted your application?

You will find your application number in every email or letter from with NARIC-Vlaanderen. The structure is as follows (example): 2017/0001/SPG1 or N230100001.

  • Does your file number start with an N?

    You can track the status of your application in the e-portal.

  • Does your file number not start with an N? Or is your application in step 3 (Examination of equivalence)?

    You can track the status of your application in the status tool.

    No guaranteed processing time

    The processing time starts after you submit your application with all the required documents. In other words, the processing period only starts once a file handler has checked your application and ensured that your application is complete.

    Due to the high number of applications, the current processing time is currently:

    • at least 4 months for , although this can vary by type of application (see: order of processing applications). So the processing time may also be longer.
    • at least 9 months for , although this can vary by type of application (see: order of processing applications). So the processing time may also be longer.

The processing period only begins once all documents have been uploaded

Make sure your application is complete before you submit it.
The processing time only starts when you have submitted all the required documents. There is an exception for refugees.

If you submit an incomplete application, NARIC-Vlaanderen will contact you about the missing documents, which you will have 6 months to provide.

  • If you fail to do so, your application will be closed.
  • If you provide missing documents after 6 months have passed, you will have to pay again or provide valid proof of exemption.
  • You will not receive an acknowledgement of receipt if you upload missing documents in the e-portal.

If extra checks are required to authenticate a foreign diploma, NARIC-Vlaanderen may exceptionally extend this deadline.

No accelerated procedure

There is no accelerated procedure to process an equivalence decision faster.

Order of processing applications

NARIC-Vlaanderen cannot process all applications at the same time. Therefore, applications are divided into a number of categories, each with its own priority.

The higher your application category appears in the list below, the faster your application will be processed. A concrete processing time will follow later in the e-portal.

  1. You currently reside in Flanders or Brussels.
    • ​​​​You want to pursue a regulated profession or hold a that appears on the list of bottleneck professions (in Dutch)(opens in new window) ( of your diploma).
    • ​​​​You want to pursue a non-regulated profession ( of your diploma).
    • You want to pursue a regulated profession or hold a that does not appear on the list of bottleneck professions (in Dutch)(opens in new window) ( of your diploma).
    • You want to obtain a diploma at CVO and as part of this, you need level recognition of your diploma.
    • You applied for recognition of equivalence for a different reason.
  2. You currently reside outside Belgium.
    • You want to pursue a regulated profession or hold a protected title in Flanders or Brussels that appears on the list of bottleneck professions ( of your diploma).
    • You want to pursue a regulated profession or hold a protected title in Flanders or Brussels that does not appear on the list of bottleneck professions ( of your diploma).
  3. You currently reside in the Walloon Region and want to work in Brussels. First check whether you can go to the NARIC centre of the French Community (in Dutch)(opens in new window).

Your application will be processed faster if

  • you quickly answer the extra questions NARIC-Vlaanderen asks you about your application
  • you immediately upload all necessary documents while submitting your application
Are you staying outside Belgium or in the Walloon Region?

Then you can only apply if you can prove that you have solid prospects of working in Flanders or Brussels.

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