Moving to Spain from Canada: A Real-World Guide

Expat Tips Published: 17 July 2025 11:25 CET Updated: 31 July 2025 19:04 CET

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 adjustments. This guide cuts through the noise with clear, practical 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 far beyond warm weather. 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 requires preparation — and the process begins months before you arrive.

Before You Leave: The Visa Application Phase

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you need a visa. The most common visa for Canadians is the Non-Lucrative Visa, ideal for retirees or anyone with passive income. Remote workers may qualify for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, although that route involves stricter checks on income, employment structure, and remote-work legitimacy.

Canadians must apply through the Spanish consulate responsible for their province — Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, or Vancouver. Each consulate has its own procedures. Some require certified Spanish translations. Some accept appointments only by email. All require private Spanish health insurance with no co-payments and full coverage from day one.

Many applications are rejected simply because the insurance policy included exclusions or didn’t start early enough. If you're applying from Canada, this part must be perfect.

Arrival in Spain: Now the Real Bureaucracy Begins

Arriving with your visa is only the beginning. Within 30 days, you must apply for your TIE (residency card) and obtain your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). Without these, you cannot open a bank account, sign a rental contract, or legally work.

In most regions, this involves booking an appointment through a notoriously unreliable government website, arriving with printed documents and photocopies, and — often — using a gestor (administrative professional) to avoid delays or rejections. Spanish bureaucracy is not fast or flexible.

Private Health Insurance: Non-Negotiable

Canadian provincial coverage does not apply in Spain. Unless you are employed and paying into the Spanish social security system, you must have private health insurance — both for your visa and your day-to-day life.

This is not travel insurance. It must be a full Spanish medical policy with no copayments. A plan such as Sanitas Mas Salud is accepted by all Spanish consulates in Canada and provides immediate access to Spain’s private healthcare network. Many Canadians are surprised at how affordable Spanish private insurance is compared with Canadian private coverage.

Can You Drive in Spain with a Canadian Licence?

Yes — but only for your first six months in Spain. After that, your Canadian licence is no longer valid, and you must complete the full Spanish process: theory exam and practical driving test.

Canada does not have a licence exchange agreement with Spain, meaning no shortcuts are available. Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before leaving Canada, and consider starting the Spanish licensing process early if you intend to drive long-term.

Banking, Renting, and Living Legally

Setting up your life in Spain involves more paperwork: bank accounts, empadronamiento (town hall registration), mobile plans, and rental contracts.

Most banks now offer accounts for foreigners, but you’ll need an NIE and proof of address. Rentals often require a Spanish bank account and sometimes proof of sufficient income. Each step depends on completing the last one properly — miss one, and everything stalls.

Taxes and Declaring Your Canadian Assets

After 183 days in Spain, you become a Spanish tax resident. This means you must declare — and may be taxed on — your global income.

Spain and Canada have a tax treaty that prevents double taxation, but compliance is still mandatory. If your foreign assets exceed €50,000, you may need to file the Modelo 720 — Spain’s foreign-asset declaration form.

RRSPs, TFSAs, pensions, investment accounts, and Canadian property must be declared. The Spanish tax year runs January to December, with returns filed in spring. Penalties for non-compliance can be severe. Professional tax advice is essential.

Retiring in Spain: CPP, OAS, and Daily Life

You can receive CPP and OAS payments while living in Spain, but you must update Service Canada with your new residency and banking details.

The biggest adjustment for Canadian retirees isn’t financial — it’s cultural. Spain runs late. Bureaucracy is slow. Customer service feels different. But healthcare access is excellent, the pace of life is calmer, and integration becomes easier once you settle into a routine.

What Most Canadians Underestimate

The cultural shift is larger than many expect. English is not widely spoken outside major urban areas. Processes take longer. And the relaxed pace — often referred to as “mañana culture” — can be frustrating when trying to navigate paperwork or utilities.

But if you’re patient, organised, and realistic, life in Spain becomes deeply rewarding. It’s not perfect — but it’s worth it if you plan properly.

Need Visa-Compliant Health Insurance for Your Move?

We work directly with Sanitas — Spain’s leading private health insurer — to offer fully compliant visa-approved plans with no deductibles and no copayments. These policies meet the requirements of every Spanish consulate in Canada.

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