Key Takeaways
• The Spain National (Type D) Medical Treatment Visa covers non-EU citizens seeking medical care for over 90 days.
• Applicants must prove sufficient funds, valid health insurance, and submit documents like hospital letters and police certificates.
• Processing typically takes 15 days, with emergency cases possible in 1–3 days; visa validity matches medical treatment length.
If you are considering traveling to Spain 🇪🇸 for important medical care that takes longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for the Spain National (Type D) Medical Treatment Visa. This guide will give you a clear explanation of who can apply, what papers you need, how much it costs, and what to expect at each step. You will also find easy tips and notes that make the process smoother for you and your family.
What Is the Spain National (Type D) Medical Treatment Visa?
Spain 🇪🇸 offers the National (Type D) Medical Treatment Visa to people from outside the European Union who need to get medical treatment in the country for a stay longer than three months. The main reason for this visa is to let you live in Spain 🇪🇸 for as long as your treatment takes. Sometimes, if your health requires it, a family member or helper can also join you under similar rules. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this visa is important for people who want safe and legal entry, extended care, and a stress-free time while they focus on their health in Spain 🇪🇸.
Who Can Apply? Understanding the Eligibility Criteria
You can apply for the Spain National (Type D) Medical Treatment Visa if you meet all these requirements:
- You are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland. The visa is for people from countries outside these areas.
- You need specific medical treatment in Spain 🇪🇸 that cannot wait. For example, you need care for a long-term disease, planned surgery, or a special treatment only available in Spain 🇪🇸.
- You can show that you have enough money to live in Spain 🇪🇸 during your treatment. Usually, you are asked to prove at least €8,000 for a year, or at least €1,330 for each month (based on the monthly official rate, IPREM).
- You have full health insurance that covers everything in Spain 🇪🇸. This is more than just travel insurance. Your health plan must come from a company approved in Spain 🇪🇸 or the European Union. It must cover emergencies and all other health needs during your stay.
- You can show where you will live during your stay. This means booking a hotel, renting a home or room, or having a formal letter from a host.
- You are able to get a medical certificate. A doctor must state that you do not have any sickness that would be dangerous to public health.
- You have not broken any laws recently. Most people must show a police check or a no-criminal record certificate.
If you match these points, you can start your application. If you do not have all the right proof, your request may be refused.
Checklist of Required Documents
The consulate may ask for a few more or fewer things, depending on where you apply. However, almost everyone will need the following:
- Visa Application Form: The Spanish Type D National Visa form, filled in and signed. You can find this form on the official Spanish government website here.
- Passport: Valid for at least three months after your planned stay ends and with at least two blank pages left.
- Photos: Two passport-sized color photos taken recently, showing your face clearly.
- Clinic or Hospital Letter: An official invitation or acceptance letter from the Spanish hospital or clinic, including:
- Details of the treatment you’ll get
- When your treatment will start and finish
- The cost of treatment and proof of payment or ability to pay
- Proof of Money: Recent bank statements showing enough funds. For a full year, you need at least €8,000 in your account, or at least €1,330 for each month you plan to stay.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance that covers all medical needs in Spain 🇪🇸 for your whole stay. Travel-only insurance is not enough.
- Accommodation Proof: Booking papers for a hotel or apartment, a rental contract, or an official invitation letter from a host.
- Police Clearance Certificate: To prove you have not been convicted of serious crimes in recent years.
- Medical Certificate: This should be from your doctor stating you are not sick with diseases that are dangerous to others under international rules.
Extra Documents May Be Needed in These Cases:
- If you are working: Job contract, written permission to leave from your boss, payslips, and recent tax returns
- If you own a business: Company registration and documents to show the business is running, bank statements
- If you are a student: Permission letter from your school or university
- If you are retired: Pension statements or proof of retirement income
- If you are under age 18: Your birth certificate and a letter of permission signed by your parent(s).
It is always a good idea to check with your local Spanish consulate because some offices might ask for other forms or details.
What Does the Visa Cost?
Visa costs change depending on your age, where you come from, and sometimes how many times you plan to enter Spain 🇪🇸. The fees are as follows:
- Adults: About €80 (but the fee might go up to €124 or even €190 for longer stays or certain entries)
- Children (6–12 years old): About €40
- Children under 6: Free
Note: Some consulates might add a service fee for processing your visa. Always ask for a receipt for your payment.
How Long Does the Application Take?
The normal time for your Spain National (Type D) Medical Treatment Visa application is about two weeks (15 calendar days) once the Spanish consulate has all your papers. In emergency health cases, the process may take as little as three days or, in very serious situations, even just one day. Remember, if your application is missing anything, it can be delayed. Make sure all your documents are up to date and complete to speed up your approval.
How Long Is the Spain National (Type D) Medical Treatment Visa Valid?
This visa is usually given for as long as your medical treatment will take. For instance:
- If your clinic letter says you’ll be in Spain 🇪🇸 for four months, you get a four-month visa.
- If your treatment takes a year, your visa can cover the full year.
- If more visits or a longer stay is needed for medical reasons, you can apply for an extension by showing a new doctor’s letter.
Some visas allow you to enter and leave Spain 🇪🇸 multiple times. This is important if you need to return to your home country for short trips during your treatment period. Make sure your treatment plan and the hospital or clinic letter match the length of the visa you ask for.
Step-By-Step Application Procedure
Let’s take a closer look, step by step, at how you should apply for the Spain National (Type D) Medical Treatment Visa:
Step 1: Make an Appointment
– Contact the Spanish consulate or embassy closest to your home.
– Book a time for your visit. Some consulates allow you to book online; others require you to call or email.
Step 2: Collect All Documents
– Carefully prepare each document on the list above.
– Make clear copies of every document. Often, you’ll need an original and at least one copy.
– Check expiration dates on passports and insurance.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application
– Complete the National Visa (Type D) form correctly.
– Make sure all your personal details match your passport and all supporting papers.
– If you are bringing someone with you (like a carer), they must fill out their own application too.
Step 4: Go to Your Appointment
– Be early on the day of your visit.
– Bring every paper, including originals and copies.
– Be ready for the consulate staff to ask you questions about your treatment, finances, or travel.
– The staff will collect your fingerprints and scan your photo for security reasons.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
– Check if the consulate wants cash or another payment method.
– Always ask for and keep the payment receipt.
Step 6: Wait for the Decision
– Most people get a reply in about two weeks.
– In special, urgent medical cases, ask if it can be processed faster (three days or less).
– If extra papers are required, you may get a message or call to send them.
Step 7: If Approved, Collect Your Visa
– You will be told when your visa is ready.
– Collect the visa sticker in your passport from the consulate, or sometimes it is sent by mail.
Step 8: Travel to Spain 🇪🇸
– Make sure you carry all your original documents with you. Border staff may ask for proof of funds, health insurance, and the hospital letter.
– On arrival, follow any quarantine or health rules in place.
Helpful Reminders & Tips
- Always double-check your documents. Many people are refused because they forget to add proof of money or health insurance.
- If you are bringing someone to help you, like a family member or nurse, they need their own application and papers.
- Ask for extra copies of your medical certificate and hospital invitation—these help if you misplace any papers when traveling.
- Consulate requirements might be a little different. Always read the latest instructions on your consulate’s website.
- Start early. Some documents, such as criminal checks, can take weeks to get.
What Happens After You Get the Visa?
When you arrive in Spain 🇪🇸, keep all your documents safe. You will likely need to show your passport and visa at airport checks. If your treatment lasts more than six months, you might be asked to apply for a Foreigner’s Identity Card (TIE) when you get to Spain 🇪🇸. This is a local ID showing you are allowed to stay in the country. Your hospital or clinic can help with the process.
If you need to extend your visa because your treatment is not finished, ask your doctor for a new letter that explains why. Contact the police station or foreigners’ office (“Oficina de Extranjeros”) in the area where you are staying, and apply to renew your stay as soon as possible.
What to Do If the Application Is Denied?
If your Spain National (Type D) Medical Treatment Visa is refused:
- Check the letter from the consulate for the reason.
- You can fix any missing documents and try again, or you may have the right to make a formal appeal.
- In urgent medical cases, talk to the consulate staff—they may let you send in extra documents without starting from the beginning.
Most refusals are because forms are not complete, proof of insurance is missing, or the money shown in the bank is not enough. Fixing these problems often helps with a new application.
Where to Get More Help
For the most up-to-date and trusted instructions, always read information on the official Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. You can also talk to health or immigration lawyers, hospital social workers in Spain 🇪🇸, or support groups for patients traveling for care.
Summary and Next Steps
Applying for the Spain National (Type D) Medical Treatment Visa means:
- Meeting clear eligibility criteria
- Preparing a detailed set of documents (hospital letters, proof of funds, health insurance, etc.)
- Paying the right fee
- Attending your interview on time
- Following up to check for any missing papers
If you have all papers in order and start your process early, your chances of getting the visa are very good.
If you are not sure where to start, ask your hospital or clinic staff for help—they often support patients and know the steps well. Patience and attention to detail are your best tools for a successful application and a smooth, health-focused stay in Spain 🇪🇸.
Checklist Before You Apply:
– Hospital/clinic invitation letter
– Proof of enough money
– Health insurance with full coverage in Spain 🇪🇸
– Valid passport
– Police certificate
– Medical certificate
– Accommodation proof
– Needed extra forms (job, student, retirement, minors, etc.)
Keep this guide handy and double-check each point before your consulate visit.
Best wishes on your medical journey and stay in Spain 🇪🇸.
Learn Today
Type D Visa → A Spanish national visa for non-EU citizens staying over 90 days, commonly used for medical, study, or work purposes.
IPREM → Indicator for calculating required minimum monthly financial resources applicants must show when applying for certain Spanish visas.
Foreigner’s Identity Card (TIE) → A Spanish residency card issued to foreigners staying in Spain for more than six months, proving legal residence.
Police Clearance Certificate → An official document showing an applicant’s criminal record or lack thereof, required for visa applications.
Comprehensive Health Insurance → A policy covering all medical needs—including emergencies—issued by an insurer recognized in Spain or the EU.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Spain National (Type D) Medical Treatment Visa is vital for non-EU citizens needing extended care in Spain. Applicants must meet strict criteria: financial proof, valid health insurance, and full documentation. Processing is fast in emergencies. Careful preparation and early application increase the chances of obtaining this essential visa for medical care.
— By VisaVerge.com
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