If you have recently checked the documentation requirements for a Spanish visa or residency permit, you may have come across a term that sounds more scientific than bureaucratic: the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, or its Spanish equivalent, the Reglamento Sanitario Internacional (RSI) 2005.
For most applicants, this is an unfamiliar reference that raises an immediate question: what exactly does it mean, and how do you make sure your medical certificate actually complies with it?
This article explains everything you need to know, in plain language.
What Are the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005?
The International Health Regulations, commonly referred to as IHR 2005, are a legally binding international framework adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2005 and currently in force in 196 countries, including all member states of the European Union.
Their primary purpose is to prevent, protect against, and respond to the international spread of disease, while avoiding unnecessary interference with international travel and trade. In practice, they establish the standards that countries use to assess and certify the health status of individuals crossing international borders.
When a consulate or immigration office requires a medical certificate that is «compliant with IHR 2005», they are asking for a document that meets the health certification standards established under this framework — not just any medical note or general practitioner’s letter.
Why Do Spanish Consulates and Embassies Require It?
Spain, as a WHO member state and EU country, incorporates the IHR 2005 standards into its immigration health requirements. When you apply for a long-stay visa, a residency permit, or process documents such as the NIE, TIE or CUE, the Spanish administration needs to verify that you do not have any condition that could pose a risk to public health.
The IHR 2005 framework provides the internationally recognised standard for making that assessment. By requiring a certificate that complies with it, the consulate is essentially asking: has a qualified, officially recognised medical professional assessed this person according to the established international health standards?
This is why a certificate from a local doctor in your home country — who may not be registered in Spain or operating under the same regulatory framework — is often not accepted, even if it appears legitimate on the surface.
What Makes a Medical Certificate IHR 2005 Compliant for Spain?
For a medical certificate to be considered compliant with IHR 2005 standards in the context of Spanish immigration, it needs to meet the following criteria:
Issued by a doctor licensed in Spain This is the most important requirement. A doctor with an active medical licence (número de colegiado) in Spain operates under the Spanish and EU regulatory framework, which is aligned with IHR 2005. Their certification is automatically recognised as compliant by Spanish administrative bodies.
Written in Spanish The certificate must be issued in Spanish to be valid before Spanish consulates, embassies, and immigration offices. This also means it does not require a sworn translation or notarization.
No apostille required Because the certificate is issued directly by a licensed doctor in Spain, it does not need to be apostilled under the Hague Convention. It is immediately valid as issued, without additional legalisation steps.
Issued following an actual medical assessment The certificate must reflect a genuine clinical evaluation of the applicant. A document that has not been preceded by a proper medical consultation — even if it looks official — would not meet the standard.
Do I Need to Be in Spain for the Consultation?
No. The medical consultation can take place entirely online via video call with a doctor licensed in Spain. This means you can obtain an IHR 2005 compliant certificate from anywhere in the world, without travelling to Spain first.
This is particularly relevant for applicants who need the certificate as part of their visa application, which is typically submitted from their home country before travelling.
How to Get an IHR 2005 Compliant Certificate Online
Through mediQuo, you can book an online consultation with a doctor licensed in Spain and receive your official medical certificate of good health entirely by email. The process works as follows:
Step 1 — Book your consultation Choose a date and time through the mediQuo platform. The total cost is €55, with no hidden fees, covering the video consultation, the medical assessment, and the official certificate.
Step 2 — Complete the pre-consultation health questionnaire Before the appointment, you will fill in a short medical questionnaire. You can also attach any recent medical reports or health records to help the doctor conduct a thorough assessment.
Step 3 — Video consultation with a licensed doctor Connect with a doctor licensed in Spain by private, encrypted video call. The consultation can be conducted in English or Spanish — your choice. The doctor will evaluate your case and answer any questions you have about the process.
Step 4 — Receive your certificate by email Once the medical assessment is completed and approved, you will receive your IHR 2005 compliant 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.
Is the Certificate Accepted at All Spanish Consulates and Embassies?
Certificates issued through mediQuo are signed by doctors licensed in Spain, written in Spanish, and compliant with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). They are accepted across Spain and recognised by consulates, embassies, and BLS offices worldwide for visa and residency applications.
If you have specific doubts about the requirements of your consulate, we recommend verifying them directly before booking your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IHR 2005 the same as the RSI 2005? Yes. IHR 2005 is the English acronym for International Health Regulations 2005, while RSI 2005 is the Spanish acronym for Reglamento Sanitario Internacional 2005. They refer to the same WHO framework.
Why won’t my local doctor’s certificate be accepted? A certificate from a doctor in your home country may not be accepted because they are not licensed in Spain and therefore not operating under the regulatory framework that Spanish consulates recognise as IHR 2005 compliant. The requirement is specifically for a doctor licensed in Spain.
Does the certificate need to be translated? No. The certificate is issued in Spanish, which is the language required by the Spanish administration. No sworn translation or notarization is needed.
Does it need an apostille? No. Because it is issued directly by a doctor licensed in Spain, no apostille is required.
How long is the certificate valid? Medical certificates typically have a validity period of three to six months from the date of issue. We recommend requesting it with enough lead time for your application, but not so far in advance that it expires before you submit your documents.
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.
How much does it cost? The total cost is €55. This includes the online consultation, the medical assessment, and the official certificate. No hidden fees.
Ready to Get Your IHR 2005 Compliant Certificate?
If you need a medical certificate of good health that meets the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) standards for your Spain visa or residency application, 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 may vary depending on the type of application, the consulate or embassy processing it, and your country of residence. For specific queries about your case, please check directly with the relevant consulate, embassy, or immigration office.
