Making the leap to move to Spain from Canada? Navigate the visa process, housing, cost of living, and more with ease. Our guide offers the essential insights for a smooth relocation.
Key Takeaways
- Canadians moving to Spain need a Spanish visa for stays over 90 days, with options including Non-Lucrative, Golden, Entrepreneur, and Student Visas, each catering to different residency and activity intentions.
- Preparation for a move to Spain requires obtaining an NIE number, securing health insurance, and managing finances, including understanding tax implications and ensuring access to local banking services.
- Adapting to life in Spain involves integrating into the culture through learning the language, embracing local customs, building social connections, and considering housing options and healthcare system navigation.
Visa Options for Canadians Moving to Spain
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Moving to Spain from Canada is a thrilling adventure, but it does require some preparation. One of the first steps is to understand your visa options. If you’re a Canadian citizen planning to stay in Spain for more than 90 days within a six-month period, you’ll need a Spanish visa. There are various categories to choose from, depending on your circumstances and goals. It’s crucial to apply for your Spanish visa before you arrive in Spain.
Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
For those who wish to live in Spain without working, the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, also known as the Non Lucrative Visa, is a great option. This visa is designed for foreign nationals who plan to reside in Spain for more than ninety days without engaging in any professional or economic activities. Applicants must demonstrate adequate financial means to support themselves during their stay.
Keep in mind that, after settling in Spain, obtaining a Spanish driver’s license may be necessary. The Non-Lucrative Residence Visa is valid for multiple entries and a 90-day stay and can be renewed for up to five years. After five years of residency, you can apply for a residence permit, which grants you permanent residency and allows you to lawfully engage in employment and business activities in Spain.
Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is an attractive option if you’re interested in obtaining residency through investment. With an investment in real estate, public debt securities, or innovative business projects, you can secure residency in Spain and enjoy the freedom to travel within the European Union. Initiating the process of obtaining your Golden Visa from either the Consulate in Canada or Spain can streamline your relocation process.
And yes, you can make the necessary investments through a legal entity, provided it’s not located in a tax haven and you have control over the entity’s decisions.
Entrepreneur Visa
If you’re looking to start a business in Spain, the Entrepreneur Visa is a great choice. This visa provides residency and work authorization for Canadians initiating a business in the country. To qualify, you must establish employment opportunities in Spain, demonstrate professional experience, and initiate a project that complies with the designated criteria. The processing time for an Entrepreneur Visa typically ranges from 20 to 30 working days.
Eligible businesses include those that demonstrate innovation and special economic interest in sectors such as ICT, green energy, health sciences, biotechnology, and aeronautics/aerospace.
Student Visa
If you’re planning to study in Spain, the Student Visa is your best bet. This visa allows Canadians to pursue their studies and may also grant authorization for part-time employment. To qualify, you must present evidence of acceptance for your study, training, volunteer work, or internship and demonstrate financial capability.
The application process involves filling out a national visa application form, providing a valid passport, and presenting evidence of acceptance for study or training. Upon residing in Spain for over 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card. Notably, the Student Visa allows you to work part-time in Spain for up to 30 hours per week.
Preparing for Your Move: Essential Documents and Procedures
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Once your visa is secured, focus shifts to other vital preparations for your move to Spain, like obtaining a foreigner’s Identity Card or number (NIE), arranging health insurance, and managing your finances.
Now, we’ll explore each of these areas near the local police station.
Obtaining an NIE Number
An NIE (foreigner identification number) is a compulsory foreign identity card and social security registration required for all newcomers in Spain. It’s crucial for various dealings, such as opening a bank account and purchasing real estate.
Acquiring an NIE number requires the submission of an N.I.E. application to the Spanish Consulate or the Consular Post that oversees your area of residence in Spain. The necessary documents include:
- The EX-15 standard application form
- A valid passport
- A supporting document demonstrating the need for an NIE
- A copy of all passport pages
The processing time typically takes around five working days, and the Immigration Office may take up to a maximum of three months to resolve the application.
Health Insurance
Another significant factor to consider when moving to Spain is health insurance. Whether you choose private health insurance or opt for the public healthcare system, you must carefully consider the associated costs and your eligibility. For most immigration procedures, you’re required to have health insurance that provides full coverage for medical, hospital, and out-of-hospital expenses, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
There are several options for health insurance in Spain, some of which include:
- Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- William Russell SilverLite insurance plan
- Asisa
- MAPFRE
- Sanitas
If you’re staying in Spain for less than three months, it’s advisable to obtain Emergency Travel Insurance from Canada.
Financial Matters
Financial management is a pivotal step in your move to Spain. You’ll need to open a local bank account, which typically involves providing documents such as an NIE, passport, proof of income, and a declaration of residency status.
In terms of taxes, individuals residing in Spain, including those with Spanish citizenship, are required to pay taxes on their worldwide income, which includes Canadians residing in Spain, with a possible allowance for taxes that might also be imposed in Canada.
In terms of transferring funds from Canada to Spain, you can use services such as Wise or Western Union.
Adapting to Life in Spain: Language, Culture, and Social Integration
Having made the move to Spain, now begins the immersion into the local lifestyle. This involves learning to speak Spanish, embracing local customs, and building social connections in your new homeland.
Learning Spanish
Mastering Spanish is integral to integration into Spanish society and broadening job opportunities. There are many resources available for English speakers who want to learn Spanish, including the Cambridge Dictionary, Spanish Uncovered, the Easy Spanish YouTube Channel, Glossika, and SpanishDict. You can also take Spanish language courses for beginners at various language schools in Spain, like EF Education First, ESL Languages, and donQuijote Spanish Schools.
Embracing Local Customs
Adapting to life in Spain can also be achieved by embracing local customs. You can actively engage in Spain’s food culture, participate in local activities such as flamenco, and adopt customs like the traditional greeting with two kisses, sharing arras or unity coins at weddings, and enjoying tapas.
You can also integrate the Spanish custom of taking siestas by modifying your schedule to allow for a longer lunch break and incorporating a designated rest period in the early afternoon.
Building Social Connections
Forging social connections eases the transition and fosters a support network in Spain. You can meet new people through online platforms such as TIMPIK, Meetup, Badoo, and dating apps like Meetic.es, Parship.es, eDarling.es, Tinder, and Happn. Language exchange programs also provide opportunities to engage with native speakers and learn the local language and culture.
There are also clubs and societies, like the Canadians in Spain Facebook group and communities within InterNations that cater to Canadian expatriates residing in Spain.
Housing Options: Renting vs Buying
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A successful move to Spain heavily depends on securing the right housing. Whether you choose to rent or buy will depend on your personal preferences and financial circumstances.
Renting Property
Renting property in Spain can be a flexible and affordable option, especially if you’re not sure where you’d like to settle down yet. Before you sign any lease agreement, it’s important to understand the typical terms and conditions, which may include:
- The duration of the agreement
- Payment responsibilities
- Insurance requirements
- Pet policies
- Noise and disturbance regulations
The cost of renting varies by region, with a one-bedroom apartment in Madrid city center typically leasing for €800–1,300 per month.
Buying Property
On the other hand, buying property in Spain can be a great investment, especially if you plan to stay for a long time or retire there. When buying property, you’ll need to:
- Obtain an NIE number
- Locate a suitable property
- Engage necessary professionals
- Complete the payment
- Finalize the property setup
The median cost of purchasing a property in Spain is €383,517 as of June 2023.
Cost of Living Comparison: Canada vs Spain
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Understanding the cost of living is crucial when relocating to a new country. In general, Spain is more cost-effective compared to Canada. A comparison shows that the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in a city center in Canada varies from $1,750 to $4,604, while in Spain, particularly in Madrid, one-bedroom flats start at EUR 600 per month.
The monthly expenditure on utilities in Spain is also lower, amounting to 125.44 euros compared to 183.77C$ in Canada for a 915-square-foot apartment.
Navigating the Spanish Healthcare System
Comprehending the healthcare system is a significant aspect of relocating to a new country. The Spanish healthcare system, referred to as the Spanish National Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), is among the top-ranking systems globally. If you’re a tax resident in Spain, you can access public healthcare for free if you’re employed or self-employed and make consistent social security contributions. Otherwise, you’ll need to assess your eligibility for health benefits.
Private health insurance in Spain is also an option and is typically more affordable than in Canada.
Employment Opportunities and Job Search Tips
For those moving to Spain for work, comprehending the job market is vital. While Spain is currently facing high unemployment levels, especially among the younger population, there are sectors with high demand for foreign workers. These include:
- Healthcare
- Information technology
- Engineering
- Education and language instruction
To enhance your job prospects, learning Spanish is crucial. There are also several online job search platforms you can use, including:
- Infojobs
- Infoempleo
- Indeed
- Trabajos
- Monster
- Tecnoempleo
- Xpatjobs
- Totaljobs
Driving in Spain: Converting Your Canadian License
Planning to drive in Spain necessitates the conversion of your Canadian driver’s license to a Spanish driver’s license. The process involves:
- Passing a medical certificate
- Successfully completing the theoretical and practical tests
- Submitting an application, which includes a completed license exchange application form and a valid passport or national identity card.
The conversion process typically takes around three months.
Best Places to Live in Spain for Canadians
Lastly, deciding where to live in Spain hinges largely on your lifestyle preferences, job opportunities, and climate preferences. Madrid and Barcelona are popular choices due to their sizable expatriate populations and job opportunities, while Granada and Seville are considered the safest cities.
For those sensitive to climate change, Spain does have regions with a Mediterranean climate similar to Canada’s. If you’re retiring, popular choices include:
- Costa del Sol
- Costa Blanca
- Catalunya
- Canary Islands
Summary
In conclusion, moving to Spain from Canada is an exciting adventure that requires careful planning and preparation. From obtaining the right visa and adapting to the local culture to navigating the healthcare system and deciding on the best place to live, this guide provides you with all the essential information you need for a seamless transition. So why wait? Start your journey today and experience the vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes that Spain has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move to Spain as a Canadian?
As a Canadian citizen, you can stay in Spain for up to 90 days without a visa, or you can apply for a non-lucrative visa or a Golden Visa to stay longer.
How long can a Canadian citizen stay in Spain?
Canadian citizens can stay in Spain for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period, due to strict immigration rules. To extend this period, they can apply for a Non-Lucrative visa or a Golden Visa.
Can a Canadian citizen retire in Spain?
Yes, Canadian citizens can retire in Spain if they obtain the correct visa, such as the Spain retirement visa or Golden Visa. Spain is generally more affordable than Canada in terms of groceries, rent, healthcare, and dining out.
How difficult is it to immigrate to Spain?
It is relatively easy for US citizens to immigrate to Spain if they meet the eligibility criteria for a visa, such as the Golden Visa scheme or a Non-lucrative Visa.
Do I need to know Spanish to live in Spain?
Yes, knowing Spanish will make your transition to living in Spain easier and can open up job opportunities for you.
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