A declaration of value, also known in Italian as a dichiarazione di valore, is a document issued by an Italian diplomatic authority to describe and confirm the value of a foreign qualification in the education system where it was awarded.
If you studied in the UK and need to use your qualification in Italy, you may be asked to obtain a declaration of value before your degree, diploma or professional qualification can be assessed by an Italian university, employer, professional body or public authority.
For UK qualifications, the process usually involves preparing your academic documents, arranging apostille legalisation and providing translations where required. The Italian Consulate in London explains that the declaration of value is needed to complete procedures in Italy for the recognition of British qualifications for study or work.
This guide explains what a declaration of value is, when it may be required, which UK documents may need apostille and how to avoid delays when preparing your application.
What is a declaration of value?
A declaration of value is an official document issued by the relevant Italian consulate or embassy. It provides information about a foreign qualification and how it fits within the education system of the country where it was awarded.
It may include details such as:
- the name and type of qualification
- the awarding institution
- the level of study
- the length of the course
- entry requirements
- academic rights attached to the qualification
- whether the institution is officially recognised
- the grading or credit system, where relevant
The declaration of value does not automatically make your qualification equivalent to an Italian qualification. It is usually part of the wider recognition process used by Italian authorities, universities or professional bodies.
When do you need a declaration of value?
You may need a declaration of value if you want to use a UK qualification in Italy for:
- university enrolment
- postgraduate study
- professional registration
- regulated professions
- employment in certain sectors
- public competitions or administrative procedures
- recognition of academic qualifications
- recognition of professional qualifications
- scholarship or education-related applications
The exact requirement depends on the Italian authority handling your case. Some organisations may request a declaration of value, while others may ask for alternative documents such as CIMEA statements or other recognition evidence.
Before starting the process, always check the instructions from the Italian university, employer, public authority or professional body.
Who issues a declaration of value?
A declaration of value is issued by the Italian consulate or embassy responsible for the area where the qualification was obtained.
This is important because the correct consulate depends on the awarding institution, not simply where you live now.
For example, the Italian Consulate in London states that it can issue a declaration of value only for British qualifications or professional qualifications issued by officially recognised institutions or professional bodies within its competence. It also explains that qualifications obtained in Scotland or Northern Ireland fall under the jurisdiction of the Italian Consulate General in Edinburgh.
If you apply to the wrong consulate, your application may be delayed or rejected.
Does a declaration of value need an apostille?
The declaration of value itself is normally issued by the Italian consulate. However, the UK documents submitted to obtain it may need apostille legalisation before the consulate can process them.
For UK academic documents, this often means the degree certificate, diploma or qualification document must be prepared and apostilled before submission.
An apostille confirms that the recognised UK signature, stamp or seal on the document is genuine. In the UK, apostilles are issued by the FCDO Legalisation Office.
The Italian Consulate may also require documents to be translated into Italian, depending on the type of qualification and application.
Which UK documents may need apostille?
The documents required vary depending on the qualification and consulate instructions, but commonly include:
- degree certificate
- diploma
- A-level certificates
- GCSE certificates
- postgraduate certificates
- PGCE certificate
- professional qualification certificate
- QTS or induction certificates, where relevant
- academic transcript
- diploma supplement
- letter of attendance or confirmation of study
- passport copy
- application form
- supporting identity documents
Not every document needs the same treatment. Some documents may require apostille, while others may be submitted as supporting evidence. Always check the current consular checklist before preparing documents.
Do degree certificates need apostille for a declaration of value?
A UK degree certificate often needs apostille before it can be submitted for a declaration of value.
In many cases, the academic certificate must first be certified by a notary public or solicitor, depending on the consulate’s requirements and the document type. The FCDO can then attach the apostille to the recognised signature.
This step is important because the apostille does not verify your academic result itself. It verifies the signature, seal or certification attached to the document.
If the wrong certification is used, the consulate may refuse the document and ask you to start again.
Do transcripts need apostille?
A transcript may be requested as part of the declaration of value application, but whether it needs apostille depends on the consulate’s instructions and the purpose of the application.
Some authorities may require only the final qualification certificate to be apostilled. Others may ask for the transcript, diploma supplement or confirmation letter as supporting evidence.
The Italian Consulate in London states that translations of transcripts, diploma supplements, letters of attendance or documents other than the final qualification are not necessary for its declaration of value process, although Italian authorities may ask for separate sworn translations for other purposes.
Because requirements can vary, it is best to check before legalising extra documents.
Do you need a translation?
For many declaration of value applications, an Italian translation of the qualification is required.
The Italian Consulate in London explains that a translation from English to Italian is required for academic qualifications such as Bachelor, Master, MPhil, PhD, PGCE, Bachelor of Education, QTS and induction certificates. It also states that translation of secondary school qualifications such as GCSE, AS and A-level certificates is not required.
The consulate also notes that a “certified” translation is not necessary for obtaining a declaration of value, as a simple translation may be submitted and certified by the Qualifications Office.
However, the requirements can differ depending on the consulate, qualification and final use in Italy. Always check the current instructions before ordering translations.
Declaration of value vs CIMEA statement
A declaration of value is not the only way to support recognition of a foreign qualification in Italy.
Some universities, employers or authorities may request a CIMEA statement instead of, or in addition to, a declaration of value. The correct option depends on the purpose of the application and the organisation requesting the document.
You should not assume that a declaration of value is always required. Check the specific instructions from the Italian institution before paying for apostille, translation or consular services.
How to prepare UK documents for a declaration of value
The process usually works as follows.
1. confirm the Italian authority’s requirements
Ask the university, employer, public authority or professional body whether they require a declaration of value, CIMEA statement or another recognition document.
2. identify the correct Italian consulate
Check which Italian consulate has jurisdiction over the institution that issued your qualification.
3. collect your academic documents
Prepare the final qualification certificate and any supporting documents requested, such as transcripts, diploma supplements or letters of attendance.
4. check whether certification is required
Some academic documents must be certified before they can receive an apostille. This may involve a notary public or solicitor, depending on the document and consular requirements.
5. arrange FCDO apostille
Submit the certified or eligible document for apostille legalisation through the FCDO.
6. prepare translations
Arrange translations only after checking the consulate’s instructions. The order of apostille and translation matters.
7. submit the application to the consulate
Send the completed application form, apostilled documents, translations and supporting evidence to the correct Italian consulate.
8. wait for the consulate’s review
The consulate may contact you if documents are missing, fees need to be paid or additional evidence is required.
How long does the process take?
The timescale depends on several stages:
- collecting replacement academic documents
- notary or solicitor certification
- FCDO apostille
- translation preparation
- consular review
- payment request from the consulate
- return postage
The Italian Consulate in London states that payment is made only after the office has reviewed the application and supporting documentation, and that the exact amount is communicated by email.
Because several organisations may be involved, it is best to start early, especially if you have a university enrolment deadline, job offer or professional registration deadline in Italy.
Common mistakes to avoid
Common mistakes include:
- applying to the wrong Italian consulate
- assuming the declaration of value itself needs a UK apostille
- forgetting to apostille the UK qualification certificate
- using the wrong certification route before apostille
- submitting provisional results instead of final certificates
- translating documents before checking the consulate’s rules
- assuming all transcripts need translation
- forgetting that Scotland and Northern Ireland may fall under a different consular jurisdiction
- sending documents without tracked postage
- leaving the process too late before an enrolment or work deadline
These mistakes can delay your application or cause the consulate to request new documents.
How we can help
We can help prepare UK academic documents for a declaration of value application.
Our service can include checking your document list, advising whether your qualification needs certification before apostille, arranging solicitor or notary certification, submitting documents for FCDO apostille, helping with translations and advising on the correct order of preparation.
If you are unsure where to start, send us the instructions from the Italian university, employer, professional body or consulate. We can help identify which UK documents need apostille and which documents should be prepared as supporting evidence.