Whether you’re a Spanish citizen seeking new opportunities in North America or an expat living in Spain looking to relocate, removals to Canada from Spain are increasingly common. With its strong economy, multicultural society, and high quality of life, Canada continues to attract skilled workers, students, families, and retirees from around the world.
This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your move—from visas and residency to shipping your belongings, and what to expect once you arrive in Canada.
🇨🇦 Why Move to Canada?
Canada consistently ranks as one of the best countries to live in, offering:
- A stable and welcoming society
- High-quality universal healthcare
- Excellent public education
- Diverse job opportunities
- Clean cities and vast natural beauty
- Friendly, multicultural communities
For many leaving Spain, Canada offers a blend of urban and rural living, strong social systems, and a future-focused approach to immigration.
🛂 Immigration and Visas: How to Move to Canada from Spain
Whether you’re a Spanish national or hold another citizenship, you’ll need to apply through one of Canada’s legal immigration pathways.
✳️ 1. Express Entry (for skilled workers)
This is the most common route for professionals:
- Open to foreign nationals with education, language skills, and work experience.
- Based on a points system (CRS – Comprehensive Ranking System).
- Includes:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
👉 Learn more and apply here: IRCC Express Entry
✳️ 2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Apply to a specific province (e.g., British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta) based on your skills or job offer.
- Ideal if you have ties to a region or a job lined up.
✳️ 3. Study Permit
- Canada is home to world-class universities and colleges.
- Once you study in Canada, you may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and later permanent residency.
✳️ 4. Family Sponsorship
- For those with Canadian family members willing to sponsor a spouse, partner, child, or parent.
- A common route for expats with ties to Canada.
✳️ 5. Work Permits and Job Offers
- Some applicants can move through employer-sponsored work permits.
- Jobs must be approved through Canada’s Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process in most cases.
✳️ 6. Working Holiday Visa (for Spanish nationals aged 18–35)
- Spain is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
- This visa allows Spanish citizens to live and work in Canada for up to 12 months.
👉 Apply here: IEC Spain – Working Holiday
📦 Removals to Canada from Spain: How to Ship Your Belongings
When planning your removal to Canada from Spain, consider the following:
✅ Use a Reputable International Removal Company
Look for movers that:
- Specialize in international relocations
- Offer door-to-door service (Spain to Canada)
- Handle customs documentation
- Provide tracking and insurance
- Offer storage solutions in either country
You can get multiple quotes quickly through services like Advance Moves, which matches you with international movers based on your exact needs.
📋 Required Documents for Shipping
- Valid passport and visa/permit documents
- Packing list or inventory of goods
- Proof of residency or ownership
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Canadian customs declaration (BSF186 form)
Your removal company will often help you prepare this paperwork.
🇨🇦 Life in Canada: What to Expect
🌍 Multicultural Living
Canada is known for embracing diversity. Whether you land in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Calgary, you’ll find large expat communities and support networks.
💼 Working in Canada
- Canada has a strong job market in healthcare, tech, trades, finance, education, and skilled labor.
- Spanish speakers may find opportunities in bilingual roles, especially in tourism or education.
- Foreign qualifications may need credential assessment.
🏠 Housing and Cost of Living
| City | Avg. Rent (1-bed, city centre) | Avg. Home Price |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | CAD $2,500+ | CAD $1M+ |
| Vancouver | CAD $2,800+ | CAD $1.2M+ |
| Calgary | CAD $1,600+ | CAD $500K–$700K |
| Montreal | CAD $1,500+ | CAD $600K–$800K |
Tip: Canada is more expensive than Spain overall, especially for housing and telecom. Budget accordingly.
🏥 Healthcare
- Canada has a public healthcare system, but there may be waiting periods for new residents.
- You may need private insurance during the transition period.
- Each province runs its own health system (e.g., OHIP in Ontario, MSP in British Columbia).
🧒 Education
- Public education is free for residents up to high school.
- Canada offers English and French language education.
- International students can transition to PR via the Canadian Experience Class.
❄️ Climate
- Expect colder winters than Spain—especially in central and eastern Canada.
- Coastal cities like Vancouver have milder winters but more rain.
- Prepare for snow, icy roads, and seasonal changes!
💡 Tips for a Smooth Move
- Apply early for visas—some processes take 6–12 months
- Get translated and certified copies of documents (education, medical, marriage)
- Bring warm clothing and adapt to new seasonal routines
- Join expat groups like:
- Research cost of living in your chosen city (Numbeo is useful)
🧳 Final Thoughts on Removals to Canada from Spain
Whether you’re a Spanish citizen heading to Canada on a working holiday, a skilled worker seeking new job opportunities, or an expat in Spain relocating to North America, the process of removals to Canada from Spain is entirely achievable with the right planning and support.
From choosing the best immigration pathway to arranging international shipping, there are resources available to make your move as smooth and affordable as possible.
👉 Need help moving? Try Advance Moves to get instant quotes from trusted international movers, and save both time and money on your relocation to Canada.