Why Canadians Choose Spain
Spain attracts thousands of Canadians looking for a healthier lifestyle, affordable living, and access to the EU. Whether you’re relocating for retirement, remote work, education, or to join a loved one—Spain offers a wide range of immigration options.
✅ What Makes Spain Appealing for Canadians:
-
☀️ Mild climate and Mediterranean lifestyle
-
🧘♀️ Strong focus on work–life balance
-
🏥 High-quality, affordable healthcare
-
🍷 Rich culture, cuisine, and history
-
✈️ Access to Schengen travel (26 countries)
🛂 Do Canadians Need a Visa for Spain?
Canadians can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For stays longer than 90 days—such as to live, work, or study—you must apply for a Spanish national visa (type D) before arriving.
🧭 Best Ways to Immigrate to Spain from Canada
Spain offers several immigration pathways depending on your personal or professional goals. Here’s how Canadians can legally move to Spain:
🏖 Non-Lucrative Visa
Best for retirees or remote workers with passive income.
-
💶 Must prove approx. €2,400/month in income or savings
-
🛑 Not permitted to work for Spanish companies
-
👨👩👧 Includes spouse and dependent children
-
🔁 Renewable; leads to long-term residency
-
✅ Counts toward permanent residency and citizenship
💼 Work Visa (with Job Offer)
For Canadians hired by a Spanish employer.
-
🧾 Must have a valid job offer from Spain
-
🧑💼 Employer submits application in Spain first
-
📍 Applicant applies at the Spanish Consulate in Canada
-
🪪 Residence card includes right to work
-
✅ Renewable and leads to permanent residency
🧑💻 Digital Nomad Visa
Ideal for remote workers and freelancers with foreign clients.
-
🌐 Must work remotely for non-Spanish companies
-
💰 Income requirement: ~€2,650/month
-
📄 Must show proof of employment or freelance contracts
-
👨👩👧 Family reunification allowed
-
✅ Time counts toward residency and citizenship
🎓 Student Visa
For Canadians studying at Spanish universities or language schools.
-
🏫 Must enroll in an accredited educational institution
-
💼 Can work up to 20 hours per week
-
🔁 Renewable for multi-year programs
-
🔄 Can transition to a work visa after graduation
-
⚠️ Time on this visa does not count toward citizenship
👨👩👧 Family Member of EU/Spanish Citizen
For Canadians with an EU or Spanish spouse or parent.
-
💍 Covers spouses, registered partners, dependent children/parents
-
🪪 Apply under EU Free Movement rules
-
✅ Fast-tracked approval and fewer documents
-
🛂 5-year residence card with full work rights
-
✅ Direct path to permanent residency
📋 Step-by-Step: How to Immigrate from Canada to Spain
1️⃣ Choose Your Ideal Visa
🎯 Based on your lifestyle, finances, or employment.
2️⃣ Gather Your Documents
🗂 Most applications require:
-
Valid Canadian passport
-
Criminal record check (RCMP, apostilled)
-
Medical certificate (apostilled)
-
Proof of income, enrollment, or employment
-
Private health insurance
-
Certified Spanish translations of all documents
3️⃣ Apply at a Spanish Consulate in Canada
📍 Spain has consulates in:
-
Toronto
-
Montreal
-
Ottawa
⏱ Book an appointment well in advance. Processing time varies by visa and consulate.
4️⃣ Travel to Spain and Finalize Residency
🏠 Upon arrival:
-
Register your address (empadronamiento)
-
Apply for your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days
-
Set up banking, healthcare, and taxes if needed
5️⃣ Build Toward Residency or Citizenship
🗓 After 5 years: apply for permanent residency
📜 After 10 years: eligible for Spanish citizenship
⚖️ Spain does not generally allow dual citizenship with Canada, but exceptions and workarounds may apply
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Submitting documents without apostilles or translations
🚫 Overstaying the 90-day tourist limit
🚫 Attempting to switch visas while already in Spain
🚫 Working on a visa that doesn’t permit employment
✅ Always consult with a lawyer before applying or relocating.
👩⚖️ Why Work with Borderless Lawyers?
We simplify Spanish immigration for Canadians by offering clear legal advice, document prep, and full representation—both in Canada and once you arrive in Spain.
🧰 Our Services Include:
-
📞 Immigration consultations tailored to Canadian clients
-
📑 Apostille + sworn translations
-
📨 Complete visa and residency applications
-
🛂 TIE card setup and renewals
-
🏛 Legal guidance for citizenship and long-term planning
-
👨👩👧 Family reunification & partner visa assistance
📞 Start Your Move to Spain Today
We help Canadians relocate to Spain confidently and legally. Whether you’re moving for lifestyle, retirement, remote work, or family—Borderless Lawyers will guide you every step of the way.