Thinking about a move from Canada to Spain? Whether you’re retiring, working remotely, relocating with family, or simply chasing a Mediterranean lifestyle, Spain offers a range of legal pathways for Canadians.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key immigration options, visa types, how to become a legal resident, and what steps to take before relocating. Our team at Borderless Lawyers is here to help you handle every part of the process with clarity and confidence.
🇪🇸 Can Canadians move to Spain?
Yes — Canadians can legally move to Spain by applying for one of several visa options. Spain welcomes Canadians as tourists (visa-free for 90 days), but if you plan to stay longer, work, retire, or buy property, you’ll need to apply for a residence visa.
✈️ Legal pathways to move to Spain from Canada
Here are the most common legal routes for Canadians:
🔹 Non-Lucrative Visa (Retirement or Passive Income)
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Ideal for retirees or financially independent individuals
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You cannot work for Spanish companies
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Must show stable income (approx. €2,400/month + €600 per dependent)
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Private health insurance is required
🔹 Digital Nomad Visa
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For remote workers and freelancers with clients outside Spain
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Requires income proof (approx. €2,600/month)
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Tax benefits under Spain’s new startup law
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Fast-track processing in many cases
🔹 Student Visa
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For university, language school, or professional training
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Requires proof of enrollment and funds
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Part-time work allowed (up to 20h/week with authorization)
🔹 Work Visa (employer-sponsored or self-employed)
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Requires job offer or business plan
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Often harder to obtain unless in a shortage profession
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Must be approved before arrival in Spain
🔹 Family Reunification or EU Family Member Visa
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If you’re married to or a child of an EU or Spanish citizen
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Offers quicker processing and access to work permits
🔹 Citizenship by Descent (for some with Spanish roots)
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If you have Spanish parents or grandparents
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May qualify for Spanish citizenship without needing a visa
📌 Key legal steps before you relocate
✅ 1. Apply for the right visa
Each visa has its own paperwork and application process. Most are done through the Spanish Consulate in Canada (Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, etc.).
✅ 2. Get your NIE (Foreigner ID Number)
This is required for almost everything: buying property, opening a bank account, signing a lease.
✅ 3. Obtain health insurance
Spain requires comprehensive private insurance (unless you’re employed in Spain with public health access).
✅ 4. Secure a Spanish address
Whether renting or buying, a legal address is part of your visa application and residency process.
✅ 5. Register locally (empadronamiento)
Once in Spain, you’ll need to register at your local town hall to formalize your residency.
🏡 Can Canadians buy property in Spain?
Absolutely. Canadians can freely purchase property in Spain — whether as an investment, vacation home, or primary residence.
However, buying property does not automatically grant you residency. You’ll need to pair it with a visa such as the non-lucrative visa or digital nomad visa.
We explain this in full detail in Article 3 of this series.
💸 Do you become a tax resident in Spain?
Yes, if you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain or your center of economic interest is there, you’ll be considered a Spanish tax resident.
This comes with obligations like:
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Declaring worldwide income
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Filing Spain’s Modelo 720 if you own assets abroad over €50,000
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Potential wealth tax if your net assets exceed local thresholds
We cover this in full in Article 4.
❌ Common mistakes to avoid
| ❌ Mistake | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Moving to Spain without a visa | Legal stay limited to 90 days as a tourist |
| Not getting your NIE on time | You can’t buy, register, or sign anything legally |
| Entering as a tourist and overstaying | May lead to bans or denied visas later |
| Buying property without legal due diligence | Risk of liens, illegal builds, or tax surprises |
| Failing to plan for tax residency | Surprise tax bills and legal issues later |
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers helps Canadians move to Spain
We offer a one-stop legal solution tailored to Canadian citizens:
✔️ Personalized visa strategy
✔️ Full legal handling of your application (even by power of attorney)
✔️ Property purchase support with due diligence
✔️ Tax planning for dual residency situations
✔️ Translation, document legalization, and consulate support
✔️ Services available 100% remotely or in person
✅ We speak your language and know both legal systems — Canada & Spain.
📞 Call to Action
Ready to start your journey to Spain from Canada?
We make legal relocation simple, secure, and fully compliant.