Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa Medical Certificate – UK Guide to Requirements, Apostille & Translation

Libbie Stevens, Spanish Visa Advisor @ Wilmer Health | 11th February 2025 | hello@wilmerhealth.com

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If you’re applying for a Spanish non-lucrative visa (NLV) from the UK, one of the essential documents you’ll need is a medical certificate of good health. But figuring out what it needs to say, where to get it, and whether it meets the Spanish consulate’s requirements can feel overwhelming.

This easy-to-follow guide explains everything you need to know about getting a visa medical certificate for your Spanish non-lucrative visa, including how to avoid common pitfalls and how Wilmer Health can help you get one quickly and hassle-free.

What Is a Medical Certificate for a Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa?

A Spanish visa medical certificate is a formal document issued by a UK-licensed doctor that confirms you do not suffer from any diseases that may pose a risk to public health in Spain. This is a standard requirement for all applicants of the non-lucrative Spanish visa, a long-stay visa popular with retirees, remote workers, and individuals relocating to Spain without engaging in paid employment.

To be accepted by the Spanish consulate, your certificate must be:

  • Issued by a GMC-registered doctor

  • Signed in wet ink

  • Compliant with the International Health Regulations of 2005

  • Accompanied by a sworn Spanish translation

  • Legalised with an apostille stamp from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)

Is a Medical Certificate Mandatory for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa?

Yes — without it, your visa application will be automatically rejected.

The Spanish consulate in the UK requires this document to ensure applicants are free from serious diseases. It must be the original certificate, signed by the doctor in wet ink, and submitted alongside your other visa documents.

A Spanish flag flying in the air, symbolising the Medical Certificate for Spanish visa service provided by Wilmer Health for those applying for a Spanish Student Visa

What Does the Medical Certificate Need to Say?

The certificate must include this exact wording:

“[YOUR NAME] does not suffer from any of the diseases that may have serious public health repercussions in accordance with what is stipulated by the International Health Regulations of 2005.”

Anything other than this exact sentence may result in your application being rejected. Be especially careful to check your certificate includes the reference to the International Health Regulations (2005).

An image of a Spanish translation in the context of the Spanish Visa Medical Certificate service provided by Wilmer Health for people applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa in the UK.

Do I Need to Translate My Medical Certificate into Spanish?

Yes. The Spanish consulate requires the medical certificate to be either:

💡 At Wilmer Health, we’re one of the only places that issue a bilingual certificate in both English and Spanish, so you don’t need to pay for a separate sworn Spanish translation — saving you time and money.

Does the Certificate Need an Apostille?

Yes. Your medical certificate must be legalised with an apostille stamp issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

This confirms the certificate is genuine and that the doctor who signed it is officially registered in the UK. Without the apostille, your certificate will not be accepted by the Spanish consulate.

If you need an apostille for your Spanish visa medical certificate, you’ve got a couple of options. You can apply through a solicitor or use a legalisation service. Alternatively, we can take care of the entire process for you — providing a fully completed medical certificate, translated into Spanish and stamped with the official apostille.

An image of a Spanish Visa Medical Certificate with an official apostille stamp as issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office arranged by Wilmer Health
This is what an apostille looks like — it's an official certificate with a UK government stamp that you attach to your medical certificate when submitting it to the Spanish consulate.
An image of a GP in the UK discussing whether they can sign a Medical Certificate for a Spanish Visa.

Can I get a Spanish Visa Medical Certificate for the NLV from my GP in the UK?

Possibly. Any doctor registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK — including your own GP — can issue your Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa Medical Certificate. However, there are three important things to consider if you’re thinking about getting it through your GP:

💡 At Wilmer Health, we take the hassle out of getting your Spanish Visa Medical Certificate. No need to chase your GP or wait weeks for an appointment — our fully online service lets you apply from the comfort of your home. Once complete, we’ll send you a certificate that meets all Spanish consulate requirements, delivered straight to your doorstep.

​​Top Tips for a Smooth Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa Medical Certificate Application

If you want your Spanish non-lucrative visa application to go smoothly, having a compliant medical certificate is essential. Here are our top tips to help you get it right when applying for your Spanish visa medical certificate in the UK:

How Wilmer Health Can Help You

At Wilmer Health, we specialise in supporting UK applicants applying for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa. We provide fully compliant medical certificates issued by doctors who are registered with both the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Everything is handled online — so you can apply from the comfort of your home, and we’ll post your documents anywhere in the UK. We’re also one of the very few providers offering certificates that are already translated into Spanish, saving you the hassle and cost of using a separate translation service.

How It Works

1

Complete Our Online Application

Start by filling in a short online form with your personal details and basic medical history — it only takes a few minutes.

2

Doctor Review & Certificate Issued

One of our GMC- and FCDO-registered doctors will review your application and prepare your certificate, ensuring it meets all Spanish visa requirements.

3

Receive Your Certificate

You’ll receive both a digital and physical copy of your certificate, translated into Spanish. We deliver using Royal Mail priority services. Each certificate includes a wet-ink signature and official stamp — just as required by the Spanish authorities.

4

Apostille Service (Optional)

Need an apostille? We can handle that too. Many of our customers choose to add this service for a fully compliant, ready-to-submit certificate. We’ll arrange the apostille stamp and send everything directly to you — no extra hassle.

Wrapping Up

If you’re applying for a Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa, getting your medical certificate right is a key part of the process — and there are a few important details to be aware of. However you choose to obtain your certificate of good health, make sure to do your research and choose a trusted provider with experience in meeting all the requirements set by the Spanish consulate.

If you’re ready to get started, why not get your Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa Medical Certificate with Wilmer Health today?