Individuals wishing to immigrate to Spain from Canada face a relatively simple process and must first meet visa requirements. There are two distinct options available: residing in Spain for long-term work or study reasons or staying in the country with a non-lucrative visa.
The visa application for Spain is submitted at an embassy or general consulate in Canada, and the process is subject to a series of conditions. Whether for work or study purposes or simply because they wish to live in a more Mediterranean climate, Canadians interested in immigrating to Spain can turn to the professional services provided by our team of immigration lawyers. We can also provide the necessary support for applying for residency in Spain.
In this article, we will guide you through the different aspects involved in the process of immigrating to Spain from Canada. We will explore the available visa options, residency requirements, as well as other paths you can take to settle in this beautiful European country. Whether you are interested in living in Spain for study, work, investment, or simply to enjoy its unique charm, our team of immigration lawyers is here to provide you with the legal advice and support you need to make your dream of immigrating to Spain a reality.
Visa Options when Immigrating to Spain from Canada
Canadian citizens looking to immigrate to Spain have several options to legally reside in the country for a period of time, after which they can apply for permanent residency.
- Spanish Golden Visa: Also known as the Golden Visa or Investor Residence, this visa grants residency to individuals who can make an investment of at least 500,000 in Spanish properties. This visa is particularly attractive for investors and entrepreneurs looking to diversify their assets and expand their horizons internationally. In addition to the opportunity to live in Spain, the Golden Visa also allows holders and their families to enjoy freedom of movement within the Schengen area, which includes 26 European countries without the need for additional visas.
- Non-Lucrative Residence Visa: Suitable for Canadians seeking to stay in Spain long-term and have the financial means to support themselves. Applicants for the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa must provide evidence of financial solvency, such as bank statements and a sworn declaration that they will not engage in paid employment in Spain. Once granted, the visa holder and their family can reside in Spain for an initial period of one year, which can be renewed periodically.
- Working in Spain: Residing in Spain long-term is possible through an employment contract that is renewed accordingly (at the same time as the foreign worker also renews their residency permit). If the goal of immigrating to Spain from Canada is to work in the country, there is the possibility of long-term residence through an employment contract. In this case, the employer in Spain must sponsor the visa application of the foreign worker. The residency permit is linked to the employment contract and is renewed consecutively as long as the employee continues to work in Spain. To learn more about this permit, you can visit our article on Highly Qualified Workers.
- Studying in Spain: Students admitted to study in Spain can stay in the country for an extended period as long as they follow the regulations to possess a valid residency permit and renew it as necessary. Those interested in studying in Spain also have the option to obtain a valid residency permit for the duration of their studies. Students admitted to an educational institution in Spain can apply for a study visa, which allows them to reside in the country for an extended period while completing their academic training. It is important to ensure compliance with all regulations and renew the visa as necessary to avoid legal issues.
In summary, immigrating to Spain from Canada offers a wide range of visa options and residency permits for different purposes and situations. Whether for investment, study, work, or simply to enjoy the cultural richness and Mediterranean charm of Spain, Canadians have various legal avenues available to make their dream of living in this beautiful European country a reality. It is essential to seek legal and professional advice to choose the most suitable option according to individual circumstances and ensure a successful and smooth immigration process.
Other Options for Immigrating to Spain from Canada
Two other options for obtaining temporary residency in Spain for Canadians relate to the aforementioned investments, namely capital investors and entrepreneurs engaged in business activities.
Opening a business in Spain is a straightforward process, and Canadian investors have the same rights as local or EU entrepreneurs. If you want to learn more about investment opportunities, you can consult our investor residence article.
You can further discuss these options and the conditions that apply to commercial investment with one of our immigration lawyers in Spain.
Canadians who have been temporary residents in Spain for five uninterrupted years can apply for long-term residency.
Once permanent residency is obtained, the person can stay in the country indefinitely, and there will be no restrictions on uninterrupted stay.
One of our immigration specialists in Spain can provide you with more information on the conditions for uninterrupted stays in the country, for example, the conditions under which leave is not considered an interruption, such as vacations or other applicable reasons.
We can also assist you if you wish to apply for Spanish citizenship.
Requirements to Emigrate from Canada to Spain
One of the requirements when emigrating from Canada to Spain or countries within the Schengen area is that Canadian tourists do not require a Schengen visa. However, this situation will change if the stay exceeds 3 months or if the reasons for travel fall into the following categories:
- Working in Europe or non-European countries within the Schengen area
- Pursuing studies of any kind in the EU or Schengen countries for more than 3 months
- Establishing residency in the European Union or Schengen territory
Starting in November 2023, one of the requirements to emigrate from Canada to Spain with the implementation of the ETIAS travel authorization for Canada will be mandatory for Canadians to process this document to travel for tourism or business to the EU.
Once the ETIAS visa waiver for Canada has come into effect, all citizens intending to emigrate from Canada to Spain for tourism or business purposes will require this electronic permit.
This new entry process to Europe will offer Canadian tourists the possibility to travel through Europe and Schengen countries with the sole requirement of applying for this permit online. The validity period of the ETIAS authorization will be up to 90 consecutive days within a period of 3 years from its approval.
What are all the requirements to travel to Spain from Canada?
Emigrating from Canada to Spain is an exciting decision that requires meeting certain requirements to obtain residency and enjoy a new life in this beautiful European country. It’s essential to be sure of everything we can do and the steps we must take to be in Spanish territory regularly at all times. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the following points:
- Visas and residency permits: Depending on the purpose of your emigration, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate visa or residency permit. Some options include the Spanish Golden Visa (for investors), the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (for those not intending to work in Spain), the work permit (for those with a job contract in Spain, such as highly qualified workers), and the study permit (for students admitted to Spanish educational institutions).
- Required documentation: Each type of visa or residency permit will require specific documentation. This may include a valid passport, police clearance certificates, proof of financial solvency, medical insurance, among others. It’s essential to gather and present all required documents correctly.
- Medical insurance: Having valid private medical insurance is mandatory to obtain certain visas and residency permits in Spain. Ensure you obtain an insurance policy that meets the requirements established by the Spanish authorities.
- Financial means: Some types of visas and residency permits require you to demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family during your stay in Spain. It’s important to have the necessary resources to support your emigration.
- Compliance with specific conditions: Each type of visa or residency permit will have its own conditions and specific requirements. Make sure to comply with all criteria established for the option you choose.
- Registration in Spain: Once in Spain, you’ll need to complete additional procedures, such as registering in the municipal census (padrón municipal) and obtaining the NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), which is required for various transactions in the country.
- Legal and professional advice: Emigrating to a foreign country can be a complex process. Having specialized legal and professional advice in immigration to Spain will help you better understand the requirements and avoid potential issues during the process.
Remember that requirements may vary depending on your personal situation and the type of visa or residency permit you wish to obtain. It’s essential to inform yourself properly and plan ahead to ensure a successful transition to your new life in Spain. If you need assistance or have doubts about the requirements to emigrate from Canada to Spain, don’t hesitate to seek legal and professional advice. Good luck in this new stage of your life in Spain!
Steps after obtaining the Spanish visa as a Canadian
Once Canadians have applied for and obtained their visa, they can travel to Spain.
Upon arrival in the country, they must register for social security purposes and apply for a foreigner identity card.
The foreigner identification number (or NIE) is mandatory for all foreigners coming to Spain for business, professional, or personal reasons and is a unique number used to identify the foreign citizen.
The application for the foreigner identification number (NIE) is submitted to the Consular Office of the region where the applicant resides.
The application form will include the details of the foreign applicant, as well as other particulars.
Canadians who have legally resided in Spain for ten years can apply for Spanish citizenship.
When a Canadian citizen has been married to a Spanish citizen for one year, the application period will be reduced.
Services offered by our immigration lawyers in Spain
Moving to a new country is a significant decision, and having personalized legal assistance can have a tremendous impact on how the process unfolds, how quickly the visa is obtained, and overall settlement period.
Working with our immigration lawyers in Spain allows Canadian visa applicants to better understand the requirements set by the Ministry of the Interior and other government agencies, especially regarding employment requirements, social security, or health insurance.
We can help prepare documents for the visa application and provide applicants with a comprehensive list of required documents, as well as offer ongoing guidance on the process, as soon as the visa application begins in Canada.
For those wishing to work in Spain, we can assist with communication with the employer, conduct due diligence on the employment contract, and even help with preliminary housing arrangements.
We can provide comprehensive relocation services, with a focus on the legal aspects related to immigration to Spain.
Do you want us to help you process your residency in Spain as a Canadian?
If you’re considering immigrating to Spain from Canada and need assistance with the procedures to obtain your residency, we’re here to advise and provide you with the necessary support throughout the process. Our team of immigration lawyers specialized in Spain is trained to guide and manage every step of the way, from choosing the most suitable visa for your needs and circumstances to submitting the necessary documentation and tracking your application.
Marta Palacios Cuesta is the founder and principal consultant of Es Abogado Extranjería, a law firm specializing in immigration law in Madrid and Seville. With an impressive academic background, Marta offers expert advice on immigration procedures, residency processes and obtaining Spanish nationality. Committed to providing personalized and up-to-date solutions, her firm stands out for its detailed and professional approach. If you need legal guidance regarding your status in Spain, contact Marta for a personalized consultation at Es Abogado Extranjería.
