diff --git a/odoo/addons/base/models/ir_module.py b/odoo/addons/base/models/ir_module.py
index 1320ed5df79..c9b69a1798a 100644
--- a/odoo/addons/base/models/ir_module.py
+++ b/odoo/addons/base/models/ir_module.py
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ import psycopg2
 import odoo
 from odoo import api, fields, models, modules, tools, _
 from odoo.addons.base.models.ir_model import MODULE_UNINSTALL_FLAG
-from odoo.exceptions import AccessDenied, UserError
+from odoo.exceptions import AccessDenied, UserError, ValidationError
 from odoo.osv import expression
 from odoo.tools.parse_version import parse_version
 from odoo.tools.misc import topological_sort, get_flag
@@ -98,6 +98,12 @@ class ModuleCategory(models.Model):
         for cat in self:
             cat.xml_id = xml_ids.get(cat.id, [''])[0]
 
+    @api.constrains('parent_id')
+    def _check_parent_not_circular(self):
+        if not self._check_recursion():
+            raise ValidationError(_("Error ! You cannot create recursive categories."))
+
+
 class MyFilterMessages(Transform):
     """
     Custom docutils transform to remove `system message` for a document and
diff --git a/odoo/addons/base/tests/__init__.py b/odoo/addons/base/tests/__init__.py
index e57be3c2c5e..314c5e4e602 100644
--- a/odoo/addons/base/tests/__init__.py
+++ b/odoo/addons/base/tests/__init__.py
@@ -64,3 +64,4 @@ from . import test_profiler
 from . import test_pdf
 from . import test_neutralize
 from . import test_config_parameter
+from . import test_ir_module_category
diff --git a/odoo/addons/base/tests/test_ir_module_category.py b/odoo/addons/base/tests/test_ir_module_category.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..76b14e87c78
--- /dev/null
+++ b/odoo/addons/base/tests/test_ir_module_category.py
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+# Part of Odoo. See LICENSE file for full copyright and licensing details.
+from odoo.exceptions import ValidationError
+from odoo.tests.common import TransactionCase
+
+class TestModuleCategory(TransactionCase):
+
+    def test_parent_circular_dependencies(self):
+        Cats = self.env['ir.module.category']
+
+        def create(name, **kw):
+            return Cats.create(dict(kw, name=name))
+
+        category_a = create('A', parent_id=False)
+        category_b = create('B', parent_id=category_a.id)
+        category_c = create('C', parent_id=category_b.id)
+
+        with self.assertRaises(ValidationError):
+            category_a.write({'parent_id': category_c.id})
+        with self.assertRaises(ValidationError):
+            category_b.write({'parent_id': category_b.id})