Moving to Spain from Canada: Your Complete Residency Guide
Everything Canadian citizens need to know about relocating to Spain. Visa options, tax planning, and building your new European life.
Key Facts for Canadian Citizens
- Visa Required: No for tourism (90 days), Yes for residence
- Most Common Visas: Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Work, Student
- Processing Time: 15-45 days (Schengen), 1-3 months (residence)
- Spanish Consulates: Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years
- Tax Treaty: Yes (in force)
- Dual Citizenship: Canada allows it; Spain requires renunciation declaration
Why Canadians Choose Spain
Mediterranean climate, lower cost of living, and excellent quality of life draw Canadians to Spain. Barcelona and Madrid offer career opportunities, while coastal cities like Valencia and Malaga attract retirees and remote workers. The 6-hour time difference from Eastern Canada makes working with North American clients manageable.
Visa Options for Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays or work, you need a residence visa:
Not sure which visa fits your situation? Each path has different requirements, timelines, and tax implications. Book a consultation and we’ll map out the optimal visa and tax strategy for your move.
Spanish Consulates in Canada
Toronto – Consulate General
2 Bloor St. West, Suite 1201
Toronto, ON M4W 3E2
Tel: +1 416 977 1661
Email: [email protected]
Covers: Ontario
Montreal – Consulate General
1 Westmount Square, Suite 1456
Montreal, QC H3Z 2P9
Tel: +1 514 935 5235
Email: [email protected]
Covers: Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland
Ottawa – Embassy
74 Stanley Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1M 1P4
Tel: +1 613 747 2252
Email: [email protected]
Toronto and Montreal process most visa applications. Western Canadians may need to travel to Toronto for full consular services.
Tax Planning for Canadians
Tax Treaty: Canada-Spain
Canada and Spain have a double taxation agreement. This prevents you from paying tax twice on the same income.
Key Points:
- Beckham Law: Flat 24% tax on Spanish income for 6 years. Foreign income potentially exempt.
- RRSP: Spain may tax RRSP growth. Requires careful planning.
- CPP/OAS: Can be received in Spain. Treaty determines taxation.
- Departure Tax: Canada has exit tax rules – plan before leaving.
Required Documents
Standard Requirements:
- Passport valid for 1+ year
- RCMP Criminal Record Check (takes 8-12 weeks)
- Medical Certificate from authorized doctor
- Proof of Income (bank statements, contracts)
- Health Insurance full coverage in Spain
- Photos passport size
Canadian documents need apostilles from provincial or federal authorities. All documents require sworn translation into Spanish.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Canadian citizens need 10 years of continuous legal residence for Spanish citizenship. You’ll need to pass the DELE A2 Spanish exam and CCSE civics exam.
Dual citizenship: Spain requires a renunciation declaration, but Canada doesn’t recognize foreign renunciations. Many Canadians maintain both passports in practice. Use your Spanish passport for travel after naturalizing.
We Handle Everything
Moving from Canada to Spain involves visa applications, RCMP checks, apostilles, translations, tax planning across two countries, and Spanish registration. We manage the entire process so you can focus on your new life.
This guide provides general information about moving from Canada to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.