Medical Certificate for Spain Visa: Doctors, Format, and What It Must Say

What the Medical Certificate Must State

The medical certificate must confirm that you don't have any illness or condition that, according to the International Health Regulations (IHR), could have serious public health consequences, or diseases that are infectious, contagious, or parasitic that could affect public health in Spain.

The certificate should include:

• Your full name and date of birth
• Date of the examination
• A statement confirming you're free from diseases of public health concern under IHR 2005
• Doctor's name, signature, and official stamp/registration number

Who Can Issue It?

In the UK, the certificate must be issued by a registered medical doctor (GP or private doctor). Many GPs are familiar with Spain visa requirements; if yours isn't, you can provide them with the specific wording required.

Private GP services (such as those offered by Doctorline, Livi, or private GP practices) typically have faster turnaround times than NHS GPs for this type of administrative certificate. Costs range from approximately £50–£150.

For US applicants, a licensed physician or MD can issue the certificate. Some consulates accept certificates from accredited civil surgeons.

Does It Need Apostilling?

This depends on the consulate. Some Spanish consulates require the medical certificate to be apostilled; others accept it without. Check your specific consulate's requirements. If apostilling is needed, the doctor's signature may first need to be notarised, then apostilled — this adds time and cost to the process.

Does It Need to Be Translated?

Yes, typically. If the certificate is in English, it should be accompanied by a sworn Spanish translation for submission to the consulate. Some consulates have relaxed this requirement for English-language documents in practice, but the requirement technically applies and not having it risks delay.

Timing

Medical certificates should be obtained close to your visa appointment — consulates typically want them to be no more than three months old. Don't get your medical certificate months in advance, or you may need to repeat the process if your appointment is delayed.