Libbie Stevens, Spanish Visa Advisor @ Wilmer Health | 8th May 2025 | hello@wilmerhealth.com
Applying for a Spanish visa? One key step is getting a medical certificate that meets the official requirements. But with so many providers — both online and in-person — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start.
That’s why we’ve created this straightforward guide to help you understand your options, avoid common pitfalls, and make the right choice the first time.
A mistake on your certificate could delay your entire visa application, so it’s worth getting it right. Below, we’ll break down the pros and cons of online vs. in-person appointments, and what to look out for when choosing a provider for your Spanish visa medical certificate.
A Spanish visa medical certificate is a key requirement for many of Spain’s long-stay visa applications. It’s a certificate of good health confirming that you are free from any infectious diseases listed in the International Health Regulations (2005). The purpose is to protect public health in Spain and avoid placing an unnecessary burden on the country’s healthcare system.
You’ll typically need this certificate if you are applying for:
A Non-Lucrative Visa (for retirement or long stays)
Work Visas (in some cases e.g. Digital Nomad Visa)
A Spanish Family Reunification Visa, including for spouses and dependants joining family in Spain
Simply having a medical certificate isn’t enough — it must meet the specific and strict requirements set by the Spanish consulate. To be accepted, your certificate must:
The Spanish consulate also requires the certificate to be sworn translated into Spanish and legalised with an apostille by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Traditionally, most people would visit their GP, family physician or a private clinic to get their medical certificate. While this option is still available — and some may prefer it — it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons before deciding.
Why some prefer an in-person appointment:
Why an in-person approach may not be best:
With the rise of digital healthcare, more and more people are choosing to get their Spanish visa medical certificate online. It’s a fast and convenient option that works well for many visa applicants — but like any option, it has its pros and cons.
Why most prefer online services:
Why an online approach may be unsuitable:
Yes — absolutely. Online medical certificates are accepted by the Spanish consulate, provided they meet the official requirements. These are the same standards required for in-person certificates. As long as they’re followed, it doesn’t matter whether the consultation was done face-to-face or remotely.
At Wilmer Health, we’ve issued hundreds of fully compliant medical certificates for Spanish visa applicants. Our certificates have been successfully used at the London, Manchester, and Edinburgh Spanish consulates in the UK — giving you peace of mind that your documentation is accurate, accepted, and ready for submission.
If you’ve decided to use an online provider, choose one you can trust. At Wilmer Health, we have extensive experience issuing medical certificates for long-stay Spanish visas, including non-lucrative, student, and family reunification visas.
Our service is 100% online, fast, and fully compliant with Spanish consulate requirements. Every certificate is issued by doctors who are registered with both the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
We’re also one of the few providers that include a FREE Spanish translation with every certificate — saving you time, money, and the hassle of arranging it separately.
Start off with completing a short online form with your personal details and basic medical history — it only takes a few minutes.
One of our doctors will review your application and prepare your certificate in the correct format.
We’ll send you your certificate as a digital and a physical copy to your address, PLUS it will already be translated into Spanish, ready to use.
Want to legalise your certificate? We’ll handle the entire process on your behalf. No paperwork, no stress — just a certificate that’s ready to submit as soon as it arrives.
Choosing between an in-person or online medical certificate comes down to your health, schedule, and preferences. In a nutshell:
✅ Go with an online certificate if you want a fast, affordable, and fully remote option
✅ Choose an in-person appointment if you have complex medical issues or prefer a face-to-face consultation
✅ Online works best if your visa application is urgent and you need a quick turnaround
Regardless of which option you choose, the most important thing is that your certificate is correctly worded, signed by a licensed doctor, and meets Spanish consulate requirements.
For most people applying for an online certificate is the easiest, fastest, and most cost-effective option. If you’d like to get started online today – click ‘order now’ and let us taking care of your medical certificate!
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.
