What medical certificate do I need for a Spanish student visa?
You need a certificate from a registered doctor, issued within the last 3 months, stating in the consulate's required wording that you do not suffer from diseases with serious public health repercussions under the International Health Regulations of 2005. It must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator, and some consulates also require an apostille. A private GP letter typically costs £30-£120; NHS GPs are often not accepted for the apostille step, so most students use a private clinic.
The exact wording to show your doctor
If issued in the UK, the certificate must say, in these words or very similar: "This health certificate states that Mr./Mrs. (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".
Take that wording to the appointment. Doctors write dozens of formats, and a certificate without this phrasing risks rejection at the consulate.
Rules that catch people out
- Under 3 months old at your visa appointment, so don't get it too early
- Only UK-issued or Spain-issued certificates are accepted
- It needs a sworn Spanish translation; whether it also needs an apostille depends on your consulate
- NHS GP letters frequently fail FCDO apostille requirements; a private GP or clinic letter is safer if your consulate wants it legalised
Streamline the whole process
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Start my free planFrequently asked
What is the exact wording for the Spain visa medical certificate?
"This health certificate states that Mr./Mrs. (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", or very similar wording.
How old can the medical certificate be?
No more than 3 months old when you submit your application.
Does the medical certificate need an apostille?
It depends on your consulate. Check before paying; the translation into Spanish is required either way.