Guides, Processes & FAQs
Everything you need to know
before you go
Guides on the Spain and Greece visa process, medical certificate requirements, apostille legalisation — and answers to the questions we hear most often.
Guides
Visa & certificate guides
Practical, step-by-step guides to help you understand what’s required and navigate the visa process with confidence.
Spain Guide
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa: Complete Guide
for UK Citizens
Documents required, application timeline, where the medical certificate fits in, and what the consulate expects at your appointment.
Greece Guide
Greece Type D Long-Stay Visa: What UK Citizens Need
Documents, process, and requirements for the Greece Type D visa — including certificate, health insurance, and financial proof.
Apostille Guide
Apostille Legalisation: How It Works & What to Expect
Step-by-step guide to getting your medical certificate apostilled through the FCDO Legalisation Office before your visa submission.
Full Process
From certificate order
to visa submission
The complete journey — start to finish.
1
Order Online
Complete the health questionnaire and place your order in under 10 minutes. No appointment or clinic visit needed.
2
GP Reviews
An FCDO-registered GP reviews your questionnaire and issues your signed IHR 2005 certificate within 24–48 hours.
3
Apostille
Print and submit to the FCDO Legalisation Office. Usually 5–10 working days, approximately £30–50.
4
Submit to Consulate
Include the apostilled certificate in your full visa application package and attend your consulate appointment.
Apostille Guide
Understanding apostille legalisation
What is an apostille and why is it required?
An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK government (via the FCDO) that authenticates a document for use in countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention — which includes both Spain and Greece.
The Spanish and Greek consulates will not accept a medical certificate that has not been apostilled. This is why the signing GP must be FCDO-registered — their signature is pre-verified on the FCDO system, which makes apostille possible. A standard NHS GP letter cannot be apostilled and will be rejected.
1
Receive your signed PDF certificate from The Healthify by email
2
Print the certificate and send it to the FCDO Legalisation Office (post or in person in London)
3
The FCDO attaches the apostille stamp — typically 5–10 working days and approximately £30–50
4
Include the apostilled document alongside your other visa documents at the consulate appointment
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is a Certificate of Good Health (IHR 2005)?
It’s an official medical document issued under International Health Regulations 2005 confirming you are free from conditions that constitute a public health risk. Spain and Greece require it as part of all long-stay visa applications from UK citizens post-Brexit.
Why does the GP need to be FCDO-registered?
The consulate requires the certificate to be apostilled before submission. Apostille legalisation is only possible when the signing doctor’s credentials are pre-verified with the FCDO. Most NHS GPs are not on this register — meaning their letters cannot be apostilled and will be rejected at the consulate.
How long is the certificate valid?
The certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Factor in apostille processing time (5–10 working days) when planning your timeline — we recommend ordering at least 3 weeks before your consulate appointment.
Do I need a physical examination?
In most cases no — the certificate is issued based on your online health questionnaire reviewed by our GP. A physical examination is rarely required and would only be requested in specific medical circumstances.
Can one certificate cover multiple family members?
No — each person applying for a visa must have their own individual certificate, including children. Each requires a separate GP review and order at the standard £79 fee.
How long does the full process take?
Your certificate is issued within 24–48 business hours. Apostille typically takes 5–10 working days. Plan for approximately 2–3 weeks from ordering to having your apostilled certificate ready.
What format is the certificate issued in?
You receive a signed PDF by email. Print this for the apostille submission — the FCDO requires a physical document. Keep a digital copy for your records.
Do I need a certified translation?
Some consulates request a certified translation into Spanish or Greek. Requirements vary by consulate office and visa type — check your specific consulate’s requirements when booking your appointment.
How do I get the certificate apostilled?
Print your certificate and send it (or deliver it in person) to the FCDO Legalisation Office in London. Their postal service takes around 5–10 working days and costs approximately £30–50. Some commercial apostille services can process faster for an additional fee.
Which Spanish consulate should I apply to?
You must apply to the consulate serving your area of residence. Spanish consular districts in the UK are covered by London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. Visit the Spanish consulate website to confirm which office serves your postcode.
Does the Non-Lucrative Visa require this certificate?
Yes. The Non-Lucrative Residence Visa requires a Certificate of Good Health issued by a doctor registered with the relevant authorities. Our certificates are issued by FCDO-registered GPs and include the precise wording this visa requires.
Does the Spain Digital Nomad Visa require it?
Yes. The Digital Nomad Visa also requires a medical certificate in addition to proof of remote income, health insurance coverage, and accommodation in Spain.
How long does a Spain consulate appointment take to get?
Appointment availability varies by consulate and time of year. London can have waits of several weeks during peak periods. We recommend ordering your certificate as soon as you have a confirmed appointment date — or ordering in advance while you wait for a slot.
What is the Greece Type D visa?
Greece’s national long-stay visa for stays exceeding 90 days. Post-Brexit, UK citizens can no longer stay in Greece indefinitely under Schengen rules and must apply for a Type D visa to live there long-term.
Where do I apply for a Greece visa in the UK?
UK residents apply at the Greek Embassy in London or the Greek Consulate in Edinburgh, depending on where you live. Some visa categories can also go through accredited visa application centres.
Is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa available to UK citizens?
Yes. Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa is open to UK citizens and requires proof of remote income from non-Greek sources, health insurance, accommodation, and a medical certificate with the correct Greek Embassy wording.
Can I apply for a Greece visa if I'm already in Greece?
Long-stay visas are generally applied for in your country of residence before travelling. Applying from within Greece while on a tourist visit is typically not permitted — you should apply from the UK at the Greek Embassy in London or Edinburgh.
Ready to get your certificate?
Order online today. FCDO-registered GP, IHR 2005 compliant,
accepted by Spanish and Greek consulates.
FCDO-Registered · IHR 2005 · GMC Doctors · 24–48 hr Turnaround