The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa — known in Spanish as the visado de residencia no lucrativa — is one of the most popular pathways for non-EU nationals who want to live in Spain without working. It is particularly sought after by retirees, people with passive income, and those who simply want to enjoy life in Spain without being employed there.
If you are putting together your application, you will already know that the document list is extensive. One of the requirements that often catches applicants off guard is the medical certificate of good health. This article explains exactly what it is, why the Spanish consulate requires it, what it must include to be accepted, and how you can obtain it entirely online — from the United States, Latin America, Southeast Asia, or wherever you are in the world.
What Is the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?
The Non-Lucrative Visa is a long-stay residency visa that allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain without engaging in any professional or employment activity in the country. Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means to support themselves and any dependants during their stay, without needing to work.
The visa is initially granted for one year and can be renewed for two-year periods. After five years of legal residence, holders may apply for long-term residency.
It is a popular choice among American retirees, British expats post-Brexit, and increasingly among people from Latin America, Canada, and other non-EU countries who want to make Spain their home.
Full eligibility requirements — including the minimum income thresholds — should be verified directly with the Spanish consulate in your country, as they are updated periodically and may vary slightly by location.
Why Does the Non-Lucrative Visa Require a Medical Certificate?
The medical certificate of good health is a standard requirement for all Spanish long-stay visa applications, including the Non-Lucrative Visa. Its purpose is to confirm that the applicant does not have any condition that could pose a risk to public health or be incompatible with residing in Spain.
The certificate must comply with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) — the WHO framework that governs health certification standards in the context of international mobility. Spanish consulates worldwide require compliance with this standard as part of the visa documentation package.
What Must the Certificate Include to Be Accepted?
For your medical certificate to be accepted by the Spanish consulate processing your Non-Lucrative Visa application, it must meet the following requirements:
Issued by a doctor licensed in Spain This is the fundamental requirement. A doctor with an active medical licence in Spain operates under the Spanish and EU regulatory framework, which is aligned with IHR 2005. A certificate from a doctor in your home country — even if it looks official — will typically not be accepted by Spanish consulates.
Compliant with IHR 2005 A certificate issued by a licensed doctor in Spain automatically meets this standard. No additional validation or stamp is needed to confirm compliance.
Written in Spanish The certificate must be issued in Spanish to be valid before the Spanish administration. This means you do not need a sworn translation or notarization — the document is ready to submit as issued.
No apostille required Because the certificate is issued directly by a doctor licensed in Spain, it does not need to be apostilled under the Hague Convention. This removes one more step from what is already a demanding application process.
Based on an actual medical assessment The certificate must reflect a genuine clinical evaluation carried out by the issuing doctor. It cannot be a self-declaration or a document issued without a proper consultation.
Do I Need to Travel to Spain to Get the Certificate?
No. The medical consultation can be conducted entirely online via video call with a doctor licensed in Spain. This means you can obtain your IHR 2005 compliant certificate from the United States, the United Kingdom, Latin America, Southeast Asia, or any other country, without travelling to Spain first.
For Non-Lucrative Visa applicants, this is especially practical since the entire application is submitted at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence, meaning you need all your documents — including the medical certificate — before you travel.
How to Get Your Medical Certificate Online with mediQuo
The process is straightforward and can be completed from anywhere in the world:
Step 1 — Book your consultation Choose a date and time through the mediQuo platform. The total cost is €55, with no hidden fees. This covers the video consultation with the doctor, the medical assessment, and the official certificate.
Step 2 — Complete the pre-consultation health questionnaire Before the appointment, you will receive a short health questionnaire to fill in. If you have recent medical reports or health records, you can attach them so the doctor can review your case in advance.
Step 3 — Video consultation with a licensed doctor Connect with a doctor licensed in Spain via a private, encrypted video call. You can choose to have the consultation in English or Spanish — whichever you prefer. The doctor will assess your case and answer any questions you have about the certificate or the process.
Step 4 — Receive your certificate by email Once the medical assessment is completed and approved, you will receive your official medical certificate directly in your inbox. In most cases, delivery takes place within 24 hours of the consultation.
Please note: The issuance of the certificate is subject to individual medical assessment. The doctor will evaluate each case before proceeding with the certificate.
Putting your Non-Lucrative Visa application together and need to sort the medical certificate?
Book your consultation — €55 · Certificate within 24 hours subject to medical assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a certificate from my doctor in the United States, UK, or my home country? In most cases, no. Spanish consulates require a certificate issued by a doctor licensed in Spain, compliant with IHR 2005. A certificate from a local doctor in your home country does not meet this requirement, regardless of how official it appears.
How long is the certificate valid? Medical certificates typically have a validity period of three to six months from the date of issue. Since the Non-Lucrative Visa application involves gathering multiple documents over a period of time, we recommend timing your certificate request carefully so it does not expire before you submit the full application.
Does the certificate need to be translated into English? No. The certificate is issued in Spanish, which is the language required by the Spanish administration. No translation or notarization is needed to submit it to the consulate.
Does it need an apostille? No. Because it is issued directly by a doctor licensed in Spain, no apostille is required.
Can I have the consultation in English? Yes. mediQuo’s medical team includes both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking doctors. You can choose your preferred language for the consultation. The certificate will always be issued in Spanish, as required by Spanish law.
Is the Non-Lucrative Visa the same as the Digital Nomad Visa? No. The Non-Lucrative Visa is for people who want to live in Spain without working at all — typically retirees or those with passive income. The Digital Nomad Visa is specifically designed for remote workers who earn income from clients or employers outside Spain. Both require a medical certificate of good health as part of the application.
How much does it cost? The total cost is €55, with no hidden fees. This includes the online consultation, the medical assessment, and the official certificate.
What if my application gets delayed and the certificate expires? If your Non-Lucrative Visa application takes longer than expected and your certificate expires before you can submit it, you will need to obtain a new one. This is not uncommon given how document-heavy the process can be. If you are concerned about timing, it is worth checking the expected processing times at your specific consulate before requesting the certificate.
Ready to Get Your Medical Certificate?
If you are applying for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa and need a medical certificate of good health that meets all consulate requirements, book your online consultation with mediQuo now. Licensed doctors in Spain, available in English and Spanish, with delivery within 24 hours subject to medical assessment.
Book your consultation — €55 · Certificate within 24 hours subject to medical assessment
This article is for informational purposes only. Requirements for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa may vary depending on the consulate processing your application and your country of residence. For specific queries about your application, please check directly with the relevant Spanish consulate or embassy.
