Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa — formally introduced under the Startups Law (Ley de Startups) — has quickly become one of the most sought-after options for remote workers, freelancers, and location-independent professionals who want to live in Spain while continuing to work for clients or companies outside the country.
If you are in the process of gathering your application documents, you have likely already come across the medical certificate of good health as a requirement. This article explains exactly what it is, why it is required, what it must include to be accepted, and how to obtain it entirely online without travelling to Spain first.
What Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is a residency permit that allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain while working remotely for foreign companies or clients. It was introduced as part of Spain’s Startups Law, which came into force in 2023, with the goal of attracting international talent and remote workers to the country.
The visa is initially granted for one year and can be renewed for periods of up to two years, with the possibility of applying for long-term residency after five years of legal stay in Spain.
To be eligible, applicants must generally demonstrate that they work remotely, that their employer or clients are based outside Spain, and that they meet a minimum income threshold. Full eligibility requirements should be verified directly with the Spanish consulate in your country, as they may vary.
Why Is a Medical Certificate Required?
As with other Spanish long-stay visas, the Digital Nomad Visa application requires a medical certificate of good health 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.
This requirement is part of the standard documentation package for long-stay visa applications and must comply with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) — the WHO framework that sets the health certification standards recognised by Spanish consulates and immigration offices worldwide.
What Must the Medical Certificate Include to Be Accepted?
For your medical certificate to be accepted as part of your Digital Nomad Visa application, it must meet the following criteria:
Issued by a doctor licensed in Spain This is the core requirement. A doctor with an active medical licence in Spain operates under the Spanish and EU regulatory framework, which is aligned with the IHR 2005 standards that Spanish consulates require. A certificate from a doctor in your home country, even if it appears official, will typically not be accepted.
Compliant with IHR 2005 A certificate issued by a licensed doctor in Spain automatically meets this standard. You do not need to request any additional validation or stamp to confirm compliance.
Written in Spanish The certificate must be issued in Spanish to be valid before Spanish administrative bodies. This means no sworn translation or notarization is needed — the document is immediately usable as issued.
No apostille required Because the certificate comes from a doctor licensed in Spain, it does not need to be apostilled under the Hague Convention. This saves time and additional costs in the application process.
Preceded by an actual medical assessment The certificate must reflect a genuine clinical evaluation. It cannot be a self-declaration or a document issued without a proper consultation.
Do I Need to Be in Spain to Get the Certificate?
No. The medical consultation can be done 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, Southeast Asia, Latin America, or anywhere else in the world, well before you travel to Spain.
This is particularly relevant for the Digital Nomad Visa, since the application is submitted at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence — meaning you need all your documents, including the medical certificate, before you even board a plane.
How to Get Your Medical Certificate Online with mediQuo
The process is simple and can be completed from anywhere:
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, 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. If you have recent medical reports or health records, you can attach them to help the doctor conduct a thorough assessment.
Step 3 — Video consultation with a licensed doctor Connect with a doctor licensed in Spain via a private, encrypted video call. The consultation can be conducted in English or Spanish — your choice. The doctor will assess your case and answer any questions you have about the process or the certificate itself.
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.
Getting your Spain Digital Nomad Visa documents together and need the medical certificate sorted?
Book your consultation — €55 · Certificate within 24 hours subject to medical assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Digital Nomad Visa the same as the Non-Lucrative Visa? No. The Digital Nomad Visa is specifically designed for remote workers and freelancers who earn income from outside Spain. The Non-Lucrative Visa is for people who want to live in Spain without working at all, typically retirees or those with passive income. Both require a medical certificate of good health as part of the application.
Can I use a medical certificate from my doctor at home? 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, even if it is official and stamped.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ready to Check the Medical Certificate Off Your List?
If you are applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa and need a medical certificate of good health that meets all the 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 Digital Nomad 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.
