Libbie Stevens, Spanish Visa Advisor @ Wilmer Health | 23rd April 2025 | hello@wilmerhealth.com
If you’re planning to move or study in Spain, you’ll likely need a long-stay visa — which usually includes providing a Spanish visa medical certificate of good health.
This isn’t just a formality. The certificate must be signed by a UK-registered doctor whose credentials can be verified by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
But what does that actually involve — and why is it so important? Let’s break it down.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is part of the UK government. One of its main roles is to legalise UK documents for use abroad — proving they’re genuine and signed by an authorised professional.
Legalisation of your visa medial certificate is required by the Spanish Consulate in the UK and worldwide. The process involves obtaining an Apostille certificate from the FCDO as proof of verification.
For the FCDO to legalise your medical certificate, the signature on the document must belong to a doctor whose credentials they can verify. That’s where being “FCDO-registered” comes in
Being ‘FCDO-registered’ means the doctor’s signature is officially recognised and stored within the FCDO’s database. This helps the FCDO confirm that the certificate was signed by a real, licensed UK doctor.
If they can’t verify the signature, they won’t add the Apostille certificate — and without that, the Spanish consulate will reject your medical certificate.
This step matters because Spain, like the UK, uses the Apostille system to confirm that foreign documents are real.
For your visa to be approved, the Spanish consulate needs to know that:
This process helps stop fake or unreliable documents from being used. That’s why the UK government must confirm who the doctor is before the certificate can be accepted by the Spanish authorities.
Many people try to save time or money by getting a medical certificate from a walk-in clinic or even their own GP. But here’s the problem: not all doctors in the UK are FCDO-registered, and many clinics don’t provide certificates that meet the strict requirements of the Spanish consulate. So make sure you clarify FCDO registration before choosing a provider.
To avoid delays or rejections, it’s important to choose a doctor who meets all the right criteria. Here’s what to look for:
When you choose Wilmer Health to arrange your medical certificate for a Spanish visa, you’re choosing peace of mind. We make sure every certificate is completed according to the official requirements of the Spanish Consulate — so you won’t face any delays or rejections.
All our doctors are UK-based, fully GMC-registered, and recognised by the FCDO, which means your certificate can be legally verified and apostilled without hassle. With years of experience supporting Spanish visa applicants, our team knows exactly what’s needed.
Best of all, our online service is quick and easy. You can apply from anywhere in the world, without the need to visit a clinic. Once approved, your signed and stamped certificate is sent straight to your door by post — saving you time, effort, and unnecessary stress.
Begin by completing a quick and easy application form – it usually takes less than five minutes.
One of our FCDO-registered doctors will review your information and issue your medical certificate. Every certificate is prepared to meet the official guidelines required by Spanish visa authorities.
You’ll receive both a digital version and a printed hard copy of your certificate, with a consulate-accepted Spanish translation. We post your documents using reliable tracked postal services.
If your visa requires legalisation, we’ve got you covered. Our optional apostille service ensures your certificate is fully validated and ready for submission. We take care of the legalisation process and send you the completed documents — no extra steps needed on your end.
Being FCDO-registered isn’t optional — it’s a key part of making sure your Spanish visa medical certificate is accepted. If the doctor isn’t recognised by the FCDO, your certificate can’t be legalised, which could delay your visa or even lead to it being rejected.
When you’ve already spent time, money, and energy planning your move to Spain, the last thing you want is paperwork problems. That’s why it’s so important to choose a provider who knows the process and gets it right from the start.
Ready to get started? Get your medical certificate for a Spanish Visa with Wilmer Health today!
Same-day medical certificates and doctor’s letters, all from the comfort of your home — quick, easy, and hassle-free.
hello@wilmerhealth.com
All certificate requests submitted before 9pm (BST) are issued the same day.
