Dreaming of trading Canadian snow for Spanish sunshine? Moving to Spain offers a chance to experience Mediterranean culture, delicious cuisine, and a relaxed lifestyle. With proper planning, your relocation can be smooth and rewarding.
Let’s explore what you need to know before packing your bags in 2025.
Why Move to Spain from Canada?
Spain attracts Canadians with nearly 320 sunny days yearly and average temperatures around 18°C – quite the change from Canadian winters! The country offers rich history, art, and traditions that make everyday life an adventure.
Spanish culture values work-life balance, with time for family meals, social gatherings, and leisure. This shift feels refreshing after years in Canada’s faster-paced environment.
From Mediterranean beaches to mountain landscapes and historic cities, Spain’s diverse geography has something for everyone. The cost of living is notably lower than in most Canadian cities, with your housing, food, and entertainment budget stretching further. This makes Spain particularly attractive for retirees and remote workers.
Visa and Residency Requirements
As a Canadian, you’ll need the right visa to live in Spain beyond the standard 90-day tourist stay. The Non-Lucrative Visa is popular for those not planning to work locally. In 2025, you must show monthly income of at least €2,316 (approximately $3,420 CAD) for the primary applicant, plus additional amounts for dependents.
The initial permit lasts one year and can be renewed for two more years. After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency.
Remote workers should consider the Digital Nomad Visa. Requirements include a work contract with a foreign company, professional experience, minimum monthly income of €2,368 (about $3,500 CAD), and a clean criminal record.
Investors might prefer the Golden Visa program, offering residency through property purchases exceeding €500,000. Other options include Work Visas, Entrepreneur Visas, Study Visas, and Retirement Visas.
Remember that from January 2024, Canadians need an ETIAS travel authorization for short visits.
Cost of Living Comparison
Spain is about 31-40% cheaper than Canada, offering significant savings that can improve your quality of life.
Housing costs 27-30% less than in Canada. In 2025, a one-bedroom apartment in Madrid runs €900-1,200 monthly, Barcelona costs €850-1,150, and Valencia offers better value at €600-850. Small towns can be remarkably affordable at €350-600 per month.
Daily expenses are lower too. Groceries cost 15-25% less than in Canada, with fresh produce particularly affordable. Dining out is 30-60% cheaper, with a typical lunch menu including multiple courses for just €10-15. Public transportation is efficient and 25-30% less expensive than Canadian systems.
A single person can live comfortably on €1,200 monthly, while a family might budget €2,200-2,800, excluding rent. This financial advantage allows Canadians to enhance their lifestyle or stretch retirement savings further.
Healthcare and Insurance
Spain’s healthcare system ranks among the world’s best. Canadians working legally and making social security contributions gain access to the public healthcare system (SNS), covering primary and specialist care, hospitalization, emergencies, and prescriptions with minimal co-payments.
Private health insurance is mandatory for most visa applications. Your policy should provide coverage throughout Spain, have no co-payments for essential services, and offer coverage comparable to public healthcare. Popular providers include Sanitas, Adeslas, and ASISA, with monthly premiums ranging from €60-200 depending on age and coverage.
Many Canadians maintain private insurance even after becoming eligible for public healthcare, as it often provides faster access to specialists, private hospital rooms, and English-speaking doctors.
The European Health Insurance Card only provides temporary coverage and isn’t sufficient for residency. Secure comprehensive coverage before your move, as most visa applications require proof of appropriate health insurance.
Finding Accommodation
Spain’s housing market varies significantly across regions. The rental market has become competitive, especially in popular areas. Standard rental contracts last 5-7 years, though you can leave earlier with proper notice. Deposits typically equal 1-2 months’ rent.
To rent property, you’ll need a Spanish bank account and NIE (foreigner identification number). Many landlords require income verification showing monthly income at least three times the rent amount. Without Spanish income history, you might need a guarantor or several months’ payment in advance.
If buying property, budget an additional 10-12% of the purchase price for taxes and fees. Mortgages for non-residents typically require 30-40% down payment. Working with a gestor (administrative assistant) simplifies the paperwork involved.
Popular regions for Canadian expats include Costa del Sol, Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, and the Balearic Islands, each offering distinct lifestyle advantages.
Banking and Finances
Opening a non-resident bank account requires your passport, NIE number (or application proof), proof of address in Canada, and income verification. Major banks with expat-friendly services include Banco Santander, BBVA, and CaixaBank. Once you obtain residency, you can convert to a resident account with better terms.
Banking fees in Spain tend to be higher than in Canada. Online banks like N26 and Revolut offer cost-effective alternatives with better foreign exchange rates.
For managing finances across borders, set up international transfer capabilities before leaving Canada and consider keeping some Canadian accounts active for pension deposits. Online money transfer services often provide better exchange rates than traditional banks.
Driving License and Transportation
Your Canadian license is valid for only six months after establishing Spanish residency. Spain lacks license exchange agreements with Canada, so you must obtain a Spanish license by taking theory and practical tests. The process costs €700-1,000 and takes 2-3 months.
Spain boasts excellent public transportation. The train network connects major cities at speeds up to 310 km/h, while comprehensive metro systems operate in larger urban areas. Monthly transportation passes cost €40-70 and often include multiple transit types. Many Spanish cities are increasingly bicycle-friendly, with bike-sharing programs and dedicated cycling lanes.
Tax and Legal Obligations
You’re considered a tax resident in Spain if you spend more than 183 days there during a calendar year, your main economic interests are in Spain, or your spouse and children live there.
Tax residents face taxation on worldwide income, with rates from 19% to 47%. Non-residents pay tax only on Spanish-source income at a flat 24% rate (19% for EU/EEA residents).
When leaving Canada, file a departure tax return and report worldwide income until your departure date. Canada and Spain have a tax treaty to prevent double taxation, but consulting a tax professional familiar with both systems is recommended.
Key Spanish taxes include income tax (IRPF), wealth tax, property taxes, and inheritance tax. Spain requires the Modelo 720 foreign asset declaration for residents with assets over €50,000 outside Spain.
Final Checklist
Before leaving Canada, apply for your visa 3-6 months ahead, gather necessary documents (with official translations if required), notify the CRA of your departure, and arrange health insurance.
After arriving, obtain your NIE, register with your local town hall (empadronamiento), open a Spanish bank account, and register with the Canadian consulate.
Helpful resources include the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Canadian Embassy in Spain, and online expat forums for Canadians in Spain.
Check also: https://tejadasolicitors.com/blog/moving-to-spain-from-canada/
Moving to Spain offers an exciting opportunity to experience a different culture, climate, and lifestyle. With planning and the right information, your transition can be smooth and enjoyable. Spain’s sunny weather, rich culture, excellent healthcare, and lower cost of living make it an attractive destination for Canadians seeking a change.
