What Is the Dichiarazione di Valore (DoV)?

What is the DoV?

The Dichiarazione di Valore in Loco — the “declaration of value on site”, DoV for short — is an official document issued by the Italian diplomatic mission (the consulate) in Turkey. It declares your degree’s value, its level and its counterpart in the Italian education system. The DoV is the long-established, traditional recognition document, accepted by many Italian universities and institutions. What separates it from the CIMEA statement is the route: it runs through the consulate, and generally through a longer process. Some universities and official procedures specifically require the DoV — which is why knowing which document your target institution wants comes first.

How is it obtained?

Obtaining a DoV is a process run through the Italian consulate in Turkey. As a rule it requires your degree and transcript apostilled, their sworn translations prepared, and an application to the consulate with that file. The consulate examines the documents and issues the DoV. Between appointments, processing and review, it takes time — which is why, where needed, it must start early. Learn the consulate’s current requirements, appointment system and document list in advance; the details can vary by consulate, so getting current information from yours before starting is the surest course.

Which documents are needed?

The application generally takes: the apostilled degree and transcript, their sworn Italian translations, identity documents, and the consulate’s application forms. The apostille is the precondition of the document’s validity in Italy — our apostille section covers it — and the sworn translation is an inseparable part of the process; see the sworn translation pages. Since the list can differ by consulate, confirm the current requirements before applying. Documents complete and correct are what keep the DoV moving without delay.

When is a DoV required?

Whether you need the DoV rather than CIMEA depends on the target institution. Some universities accept both; some specifically require the DoV; and certain official procedures — particular enrolments, professional processes — can make it a condition. The first step, always, is establishing plainly which document your institution or procedure requires. Since the DoV takes longer, start it early where it’s needed. For the two documents compared, see our CIMEA vs DoV page.

Notes for Turkish students

For Turkish students the DoV is the traditional recognition document that certain universities and official procedures insist on. Because it runs through the consulate and takes time, starting early matters where it’s required. Prepare your degree’s apostille and sworn translation in advance — you can plan the translation now — and follow the current appointment and document requirements of the Istanbul Consulate General (or your own consulate). If your target university accepts the CIMEA statement, weigh that faster route too. The right document, started early, is what keeps DoV delays out of your application.

Appointment and process tips

With the process running through the consulate, appointments and processing times need proper planning. Consular appointments can take time depending on demand — book early. Arriving at the appointment, make sure every document (apostilled degree–transcript, sworn translations, ID, forms) is complete and correct; one missing paper can stretch the process. Check the consulate’s current requirements and appointment system in advance. Good preparation and an early appointment complete the DoV as fast and cleanly as it can be done — and in this administrative process, patience and order are the two things that matter most.

The consulate’s other document services

Beyond the DoV, the Italian consulate provides other document services students need: visa procedures, certain certifications and consular attestations all run through it. While making a DoV application, learning about the other consular procedures you may need later can save time. The consulate is the counterpart for many official steps on the road to Italy, including much of what follows the visa — so knowing its services and procedures pays. Following the consulate’s official pages keeps you on current, accurate information for the DoV and everything else.

Using the DoV afterwards

With the DoV in hand, you use it in your university application, your enrolment, or whichever procedures require it. As the official record of your degree’s value in the Italian system, it is a foundational document wherever recognition is demanded. Store it safely and keep it accessible; some procedures want the original, so protect it. Having the DoV prepared correctly and on time lifts the time pressure at application and enrolment both — the output of the consular process, and a key documentary foundation of your Italian journey.

A short checklist

• Confirm the target institution requires the DoV
• Book the consular appointment early
• Prepare the apostilled degree–transcript and sworn translations
• Check the consulate’s current document and form requirements
• Start early — the process can run long

Planning the DoV early

The DoV’s consular, time-consuming nature makes early planning obligatory. The moment you decide on Italy, find out whether your target institution requires it; if so, start the apostille and translation work immediately and book the consular appointment early. Starting close to the application period or enrolment date risks the DoV simply not being ready. Early, planned movement keeps the DoV from delaying the application — and following the consulate’s current procedure with documents complete is the key to obtaining this traditional but slow document without trouble.

Let us do the translation

We run the apostille follow-up and sworn translation the DoV requires, end to end. See our consular translation pages for the service, and the free quote page for a firm price.

Frequently asked questions