Are you starting a new job in Spain or do you need to renew your occupational medical examination? Medical work certificates are legal requirements according to the Occupational Risk Prevention Law. This comprehensive 2026 guide explains when they are required, what they include, sectors with special requirements, and how to get certified quickly.
What is an Occupational Medical Certificate in Spain?
A labor medical certificate (or occupational medical examination) is a health evaluation that determines whether a worker is physically and mentally fit to perform the specific functions of his or her job without risks to his or her health.
Legal Framework
- Law 31/1995 Prevention of Occupational Risks: Establishes obligation to monitor health
- Royal Decree 39/1997: Regulation of Prevention Services
- Workers’ Statute: Rights and obligations regarding occupational health
- Collective agreements: They can establish additional requirements by sector
Obtain Occupational Medical Certificate – €34.99
Registered doctors • Delivery in 2 hours • Valid for Spanish companies
When is Occupational Medical Examination Mandatory?
Always Mandatory For:
| Sector/Post | Frequency | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Children under 18 years of age | Before hiring + Annual | Special protection |
| Night Jobs | Initial + Every 3 years | Impact on circadian health |
| Special Risks | Initial + Annual (typical) | Exposure of dangerous agents |
| Pregnant Workers | According to need | Mother/fetus protection |
| Especially Sensitive Workers | According to medical evaluation | Adaptation position |
Sectors with Specific Requirements
| Sector | Specific Requirements |
|---|---|
| Construction | Work at height (>2 meters), handling heavy machinery, confined spaces, initial recognition + annual renewal |
| Health | Personnel in contact with patients, exposure of biological agents, work with radiation, more exhaustive recognitions |
| Private Security | Physical and psychological aptitude, visual and auditory capacity, mandatory annual recognition |
| Professional Driving | Taxi drivers, bus/truck drivers, specific vision and hearing requirements, renewal according to age and type of permit |
| Food Handling | Food handler certificate, control of communicable diseases, periodic renewal |
What an Occupational Medical Examination Includes
Basic Recognition
Clinical-Occupational History:
- Personal medical history
- Relevant family history
- Previous job exhibitions
- Toxic habits (tobacco, alcohol)
- Regular medication
Physical Exploration:
- Vital constants (blood pressure, heart rate)
- Weight and size (BMI)
- Cardiopulmonary auscultation
- Osteomuscular exploration
- General state
Complementary Evaluations:
- Visual acuity
- Audiometry (if noise exposure)
- Spirometry (lung function)
- Blood/urine analysis (depending on risks)
- Electrocardiogram (if indicated)
- Chest x-ray (specific work)
Specific Recognitions for Risk
Chemical Agents Exposure:
- Specific toxicity analysis
- Biological exposure markers
- Control liver and kidney function
Biological Risk:
- Vaccination status
- Specific serology
- Immune control
Data Display Screens (PVD):
- Detailed visual acuity
- Ergonomic evaluation
- Musculoskeletal problems
Manual Handling of Loads:
- Vertebral column
- Joints
- Functional capacity
How to Obtain a Medical Labor Certificate
You can obtain your Medical certificate through our online service. Our process has been designed to ensure you receive a comprehensive medical evaluation while accommodating your busy schedule.
- Step 1: Fill up the form on the link to complete the health assessment
- Step 2: Upload the custom format for the Medical certificate on the form too. If you do not have the template, you can download them from here.
- Step 3: Upload your vitals and other related health measurements on the secure link provided on email.
- Step 4: A licensed medical practitioner will review your case and share the signed note within 120 minutes*.
Below is a table that compares all the methods one can use to obtain a certificate:
| Method | Cost | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Company Prevention Service | Included | Company (legal obligation) |
| Mutual Labor | Included | Company (via mutual) |
| External Prevention Service | €40–80/worker | Company |
| Individual (Self-Employed) | €50–100 | Worker |
| Online Certificate | €34.99 | Worker/Company |
Do You Start Work Tomorrow?
- Company prevention service: 1–2 weeks wait
- Online certificate: 2 hours delivery
- Don’t delay your incorporation
Rights and Obligations
Worker Rights
- Recognition during working hours or compensation
- Totally free (paid by the company)
- Medical confidentiality
- Information about results
- Refuse if not required by law
- Second opinion if you disagree
Obligations of the Worker
- Go when legally required
- Provide truthful information
- Follow medical recommendations
- Report relevant changes in health
Obligations of the Company
- Offer recognition when legally required
- Guarantee confidentiality
- Assume total cost
- Adapt position according to medical recommendations
- Perform during work time or compensate
- Do not discriminate based on results
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Refuse a Medical Examination?
It depends. If it is legally mandatory (minors, night shifts, special risks): NO. If it is voluntary: YES, you can refuse.
Can the Company Fire Me for Lack of Aptitude?
Only if adaptation of the position is not possible. The company should try relocation first. Dismissal requires a specific procedure.
What About Medical Data?
Protected by GDPR. The company only receives “suitable/unsuitable” and recommendations to adapt positions. Diagnosis is confidential.
Is Online Recognition Valid?
For positions without specific risks, yes. For risky work, in-person assessment with complementary tests may be required.
Do Self-Employed People Need Recognition?
Not legally mandatory, but recommended. Some activities require it (security, construction on other people’s construction sites).
Obtain Your Occupational Medical Certificate
Fast, legal, and accepted by Spanish companies
- ✓ Registered doctors in Spain
- ✓ Certificate in 2 hours
- ✓ Complies with Risk Prevention Law
- ✓ Valid for job incorporation
- ✓ Only €34.99
- ✓ No travel required
Key Takeaways
- Mandatory occupational medical examinations according to the Risk Prevention Law
- Always mandatory for: under 18, nighttime, special risks
- Company must pay 100% of the cost
- Must be done during working hours or compensated
- Total confidentiality of medical data
- Worker can refuse if not legally obligatory
- Sectors with special requirements: construction, health, security, driving
- Online certificates valid for positions without specific risks
- €34.99 online vs 1–2 weeks prevention service
- Company cannot discriminate based on recognition results
Last updated: February 2026. Reflects Law 31/1995 Occupational Risk Prevention and regulations in force in Spain.