Moving to Spain from Canada: A Real-World Guide

Thousands of Canadians are now choosing Spain as their new home — not just for retirement, but for remote work, family life, and a better quality of living. But relocating across the Atlantic comes with legal hurdles, paperwork, and real cultural friction. This guide cuts through the noise with clear, experience-based advice on how to make the move from Canada to Spain — the right way.

Why More Canadians Are Choosing Spain

For many Canadians, the appeal of Spain goes beyond sun and sangria. The cost of living is lower, healthcare is world-class, and cities like Valencia, Málaga, and Granada offer walkable lifestyles that feel almost impossible in much of urban Canada. But the dream has paperwork — and the reality starts months before you land.

Before You Leave: The Visa Application Phase

If you’re staying longer than 90 days, you need a visa. The most common choice for Canadians is the Non-Lucrative Visa, which is perfect for retirees or anyone with passive income. Remote workers may qualify for Spain’s new Digital Nomad Visa, though that route involves more scrutiny around employment and income sources.

Applications must be submitted through the Spanish consulate that covers your province — there are different consular districts in Canada (Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver). Each has its own quirks. Some require all documents translated into Spanish. Some only accept visa appointments by email. And every single one requires private health insurance from a Spanish provider — with no co-payments and full coverage from day one.

We’ve seen countless cases where applications are rejected simply because the insurance policy had exclusions or didn’t start early enough. If you're applying through any Spanish consulate in Canada, get this right.

Arrival in Spain: Now the Real Bureaucracy Begins

Stepping off the plane with your visa is just the beginning. Within 30 days, you need to apply for your TIE (residency card) and get your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). Without these, you can’t open a bank account, sign a rental contract, or legally work.

In most cities, this means getting an appointment through the notoriously glitchy government website, showing up with printed documents and photocopies, and — in many cases — getting help from a gestor (legal admin rep) to avoid being sent away. Spanish bureaucracy isn’t fast or forgiving.

Private Health Insurance: Non-Negotiable

Canadians are used to public healthcare, but in Spain, your Canadian provincial coverage means nothing. And unless you’re employed and contributing to Spanish social security, you’re required to have private insurance — both for your visa and your daily life.

This isn’t travel insurance. It needs to be a proper Spanish health plan with no copayments. A Sanitas Mas Salud plan, for instance, is accepted by all Spanish consulates and gives you access to private clinics and hospitals immediately. Many Canadians are surprised to find it’s far more affordable than private insurance back home.

Can You Drive in Spain with a Canadian Licence?

Yes — but only for six months. After that, you’ll need to start from scratch and pass both the theory and practical driving exams in Spain. Canada doesn’t have a licence exchange agreement with Spain, so there are no shortcuts. If you’re planning to drive long-term, get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you leave Canada, and consider starting the Spanish test process early.

Banking, Renting, and Living Legally

Setting up life in Spain means more paperwork: bank accounts, empadronamiento (town hall registration), mobile contracts, and rental leases. Many banks now offer accounts for expats, but you’ll need an NIE and proof of address. Rental contracts often require a Spanish bank account and sometimes proof of income. In short: every step depends on the last being done correctly.

Taxes and Declaring Your Canadian Assets

Once you’ve lived in Spain for more than 183 days, you’re a tax resident. This means you’re taxed on your global income. The good news is that Spain and Canada have a tax treaty to prevent double taxation. The bad news is you’ll have to understand rules like the Modelo 720 — a declaration form for foreign assets (bank accounts, real estate, pensions) that exceeds €50,000.

If you hold RRSPs, TFSAs, or a Canadian pension, you must declare them. The Spanish tax year runs from January to December, with returns filed in the spring. Get professional help — penalties for mistakes can be steep, and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) rules still apply even if you leave the country.

Retiring in Spain: CPP, OAS, and Day-to-Day Life

You can collect your CPP and OAS while living in Spain, but you’ll need to set up international banking arrangements and update your residency with Service Canada. The biggest surprise for many Canadian retirees isn’t the money — it’s the pace of life. Spain runs late. Bureaucracy is slow. But healthcare access is better than expected, and communities are welcoming once you settle in.

What Most Canadians Underestimate

The cultural adjustment is bigger than people expect. Customer service operates differently. English isn’t as widely spoken outside major cities. And “mañana” culture — the relaxed attitude toward time and deadlines — can feel maddening when you're trying to set up utilities or chase down government paperwork.

But if you’re patient, flexible, and plan properly, you’ll find a rhythm. Life in Spain can be rich, slow, and far more connected than life in urban Canada. It’s not perfect, but it’s worth it — if you do it right.

Need Visa-Compliant Health Insurance for Your Move?

We work directly for Sanitas — Spain’s leading health insurer — to offer fully compliant visa-accepted plans with no deductibles and no copayments. These policies are guaranteed to meet the requirements of all Spanish consulates in Canada.

Get an instant quote today and secure your policy before your visa appointment.

Sources

Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Spanish Ministry of Health

Government of Canada Travel Advice and Services