Whether you’re a digital nomad, retiree, professional, or family looking for a new beginning in Europe, moving to Spain from Canada is entirely achievable—with the right planning, paperwork, and knowledge of the Spanish immigration system.
🗺️ Step 1: Decide on Your Purpose for Moving to Spain
Your reason for moving will determine which residency or visa you should apply for. The most common options for Canadians are:
- Non-Lucrative Visa – for retirees or people with sufficient savings/passive income.
- Work Visa – for those who’ve secured employment with a Spanish company.
- Self-Employment or Entrepreneur Visa – for freelancers and business owners.
- Digital Nomad Visa – a new option for remote workers.
- Student Visa – for study programs longer than 90 days.
- Family Reunification Visa – for joining a family member already living in Spain.
🛂 Step 2: Apply for the Correct Spanish Visa (from Canada)
Canadian passport holders can enter Spain for up to 90 days visa-free, but you must apply for a long-term visa before moving if you plan to stay longer or gain residency.
Where to Apply:
Apply through the Spanish consulate responsible for your province:
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Ottawa
- Vancouver
A. Non-Lucrative Visa (for retirees or early movers)
- Proof of financial means: Typically €28,800/year (plus ~€7,200 per dependent)
- Private health insurance (with no co-payments, valid in Spain)
- Clean criminal record
- Medical certificate
- Valid Canadian passport
This visa allows you to live in Spain without working.
B. Work Visa
- Must have a job offer from a Spanish company
- Employer initiates process via Spain’s Ministry of Labor
- You then apply for the visa at the Spanish consulate
C. Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Workers)
- New as of 2023; ideal for Canadians working remotely
- Must prove income from non-Spanish companies
- Need to show professional qualifications or work experience
- Minimum income: ~€2,600/month
D. Self-Employment Visa
- Requires a detailed business plan, financial forecasts, and proof of funding
- Approval from the Spanish Ministry of Labor is required
- You apply once the project is authorized
🛬 Step 3: Move to Spain and Obtain Your Residence Card (TIE)
Once your visa is approved and you arrive in Spain:
- Get your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) – This is your foreigner identification number. It’s needed for everything from opening a bank account to signing a rental contract.
- Register with the Town Hall (Empadronamiento) – You’ll need a rental agreement or proof of address.
- Apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) – This is your residence card.
- Book an appointment at the Extranjería (Foreigner’s Office)
- Bring your visa, passport, NIE, proof of address, photos, and payment proof (modelo 790)
💼 Working in Spain as a Canadian
If you want to work in Spain legally, you must:
- Have a valid work visa or a digital nomad visa
- Pay into Spanish social security
- File annual Spanish tax returns (note: Canada-Spain has a tax treaty to avoid double taxation)
Some professions may require recognition of foreign qualifications or additional licensing (e.g., healthcare, education, law).
🧓 Retiring in Spain as a Canadian
Spain is a top choice for Canadian retirees, especially in areas like Costa del Sol, Valencia, and Alicante.
To retire in Spain:
- Apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa
- Have sufficient passive income or savings (pensions, investments)
- Secure private health insurance
- Renew your residency annually for the first 5 years, then apply for permanent residency
Healthcare Access: Once you become a resident, you can often access the public healthcare system after one year, or sooner if you pay into social security.
👨👩👧👦 Moving with Family
Each family member must:
- Apply for a dependent visa (non-lucrative or under a work visa holder)
- Show sufficient financial resources
- Enroll children in local or international schools (Spain has both public and private systems)
Family-friendly communities, strong expat networks, and a focus on work-life balance make Spain a great option for raising children.
🏠 Finding a Place to Live
Popular cities for Canadian expats:
- Madrid – Great for professionals, culture, nightlife
- Barcelona – International vibe, beach life, startups
- Valencia – Affordable, family-friendly, artsy
- Malaga/Alicante – Sunny coastal retirement hubs
- Granada/Seville – Smaller cities, authentic Spanish charm
You can rent or buy property in Spain as a Canadian. Property purchases over €500,000 may qualify you for a Golden Visa, granting residency.
📅 Residency Timeline at a Glance
| Year | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 0 | Apply for long-stay visa and enter Spain |
| 1 | Renew residence permit (valid for 1 year) |
| 3 | Renew for 2 more years |
| 5 | Eligible for Permanent Residency |
| 10 | Eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship (or earlier if of Latin American descent) |
📄 Key Documents Checklist
- Valid Canadian passport
- Proof of income or employment
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record (RCMP check + apostille/legalization)
- Medical certificate
- Visa application form
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
✈️ Final Tips for a Smooth Move
- Start early – Visa processing can take 1–3 months.
- Hire an immigration lawyer or relocation specialist – They can help navigate complex paperwork.
- Brush up on Spanish – While many locals speak English in big cities, Spanish is essential for integration.
- Join expat communities – Look for Facebook groups or forums to connect with other Canadians in Spain.
Conclusion
Moving to Spain from Canada is an exciting step—whether you’re pursuing a new career, enjoying retirement, or creating a better life for your family. With careful planning and the right visa, you can legally live, work, and thrive in Spain. From sunny coastlines to rich cultural experiences, Spain offers a lifestyle that continues to attract Canadians from all walks of life.