If you’re a Canadian planning to live in Spain for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for the right Spanish visa based on your goals — whether that’s retiring, studying, working remotely, or joining family.
This article breaks down the most common visa options available to Canadians, what they require, how long they last, and how to maximize your chances of success. Our legal team at Borderless Lawyers helps Canadians navigate the Spanish immigration system from A to Z.
🛂 Main Visa Types for Canadians Moving to Spain
Spain offers several residence visa categories to non-EU citizens, including Canadians. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular ones:
🔹 1. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
Ideal for: Retirees, financially independent individuals
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Requires proof of passive income or savings (approx. €2,400/month + €600/dependent)
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Cannot work for a Spanish company or client
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Must have private health insurance
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Valid for 1 year, renewable for 2 + 2 years
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Leads to long-term residency
✅ Popular among Canadians with pensions, savings, or remote income they don’t rely on in Spain.
🔹 2. Digital Nomad Visa
Ideal for: Remote workers and freelancers
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Must work for companies/clients outside Spain
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Income requirement: ~€2,600/month (varies by family size)
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Requires a 1-year work history or proof of freelance activity
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Offers a 5-year tax break under the Beckham Law
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Renewable and can lead to long-term residency
✅ Perfect for Canadian tech professionals, consultants, designers, etc.
🔹 3. Student Visa
Ideal for: Canadians studying in Spain
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Must be enrolled in an official academic program or language school
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Requires proof of financial means and accommodation
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Health insurance is mandatory
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Allows part-time work (up to 20 hours/week with a permit)
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Valid for the duration of the course (renewable)
✅ Good pathway for young Canadians or those considering long-term migration through education.
🔹 4. Work Visa (Employed or Self-Employed)
Ideal for: Canadians with a job offer or business plan
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Must have a contract with a Spanish company OR detailed business plan (for freelancers/self-employed)
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Employer must apply for authorization before you enter Spain
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Approval can be difficult without shortage occupation status
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Includes social security contributions and public healthcare access
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Valid for 1 year, renewable
✅ Recommended only if a Spanish employer is willing to sponsor you or you meet requirements as a professional freelancer.
🔹 5. EU Family Member Visa
Ideal for: Canadians with EU (or Spanish) spouse or partner
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Applies if your spouse, registered partner, or parent is an EU citizen living in Spain
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Allows work and residence
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Application is simplified and includes free movement rights
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Long-term residency possible after 5 years
✅ Often the fastest and most flexible path if you’re married to an EU national.
📑 What documents are typically required?
| Document | Required For Most Visas? |
|---|---|
| Valid Canadian passport (6+ months) | ✅ |
| Completed national visa application | ✅ |
| Proof of income or employment | ✅ |
| Private health insurance (in Spain) | ✅ |
| Criminal background check (RCMP) | ✅ |
| Medical certificate | ✅ |
| Proof of accommodation in Spain | ✅ |
| Passport photos | ✅ |
| Translations (certified into Spanish) | ✅ |
📌 All documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilled or legalized as required. We assist with this.
🗓️ Where and when to apply?
Canadians must apply for Spanish residence visas through the Spanish Consulates in Canada, which are located in:
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Toronto
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Montreal
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Ottawa
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Vancouver (by jurisdiction only)
👉 You must apply from within Canada and wait for approval before traveling to Spain.
⚖️ How to choose the right visa?
| Your Goal | Recommended Visa |
|---|---|
| Retire or live off savings | Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) |
| Work remotely for non-Spanish clients | Digital Nomad Visa |
| Enroll in a degree or language school | Student Visa |
| Work for a Spanish employer | Work Visa |
| You’re married to an EU/Spanish citizen | EU Family Member Visa |
👨💼 How Borderless Lawyers helps Canadians with visa applications
✔️ We help you choose the right visa based on your long-term goals
✔️ Prepare, translate, and organize all legal documents
✔️ Handle submission to the consulate or to Spanish immigration
✔️ Offer representation via power of attorney so you don’t need to travel
✔️ Coordinate timelines, residence registration, and follow-ups
✔️ Advise on tax, healthcare, and family member inclusion
✅ 100% remote service for Canadians + support available in English and Spanish.
📞 Call to Action
Need help applying for your Spain visa from Canada?
Our legal team simplifies every step — from strategy to successful approval.