Spain Immigration from Canada
Moving to Spain offers many advantages. It boasts a wide range of beautiful locations, a rich culture, and easy access to the rest of the EU. As such, many Canadians choose to move to Spain.
Spain offers a range of visa options and the route which is best for you will depend on your particular circumstances. However, applying for a visa can be complicated. At Total Law, our Spanish immigration lawyers have many years of experience in advising on cases like this and can help make the process as simple as possible. Contact us today on +1 844 290 6312 to learn more.
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How to Immigrate to Spain from Canada?
If you are a Canadian citizen, it is likely that you will require a visa in order to visit or move to Spain. There are a number of visa categories available. The main routes are as follows:
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Family Reunion visa
- Tourist visa
- Non lucrative residence visa
- Schengen visa
- Golden visa (note that the Golden visa route is set to be discontinued by the Spanish government)
Note that, if you are a citizen of an EU country, you will generally not require a visa in order to live, work, or study in Spain.
Visa Options for Canadians Immigrating to Spain
If you require a visa in order to enter Spain, the visa category which is best for you will depend on your specific circumstances, such as your reason for entering Spain in the first place. The main visa categories are as follows:
Work visa or permit
This visa category will allow you to work in Spain. In order for you to be eligible, your employer will generally need to submit a Work and Residence Authorization Application, though the exact eligibility criteria vary depending on the visa in question.
There are a number of specific visas or work permits for which you might apply, including:
- Highly Qualified Residence Permit
- EU Blue Card
- Intra-corporate Transfer visa
- Seasonal Worker visa
- Entrepreneur visa
- Digital Nomad visa
The different work visas allow different types of work and stays of different lengths. To work out which path is right for you, contact Total Law today on +1 844 290 6312.
Student visa
If you wish to study in Spain, a Student visa is likely to be the right fit for you. This visa allows you to study in Spain and also generally allows you to work for up to 30 hours per week.
The Type D visa is the main Student visa in Spain.
In order to be eligible, you will need to fall into one of the relevant categories, such as:
- Completing doctorate studies
- Being enrolled in an eligible educational institution
- Completing an eligible internship or training program
Family Reunion visa
If you have legal residence status in Spain and wish for a Canadian relative of yours to join you, a Family Reunion visa is likely to be the best fit.
The following family members may be eligible to join you, if they satisfy the necessary criteria:
- Minor or dependant children (so if your children are over 18 but still dependant on you, due to extenuating health circumstances, for example, they may still be able to join you)
- Dependant parents (note that your parent(s) must generally be older than 65, though it may be possible for them to join you sooner if there are extenuating circumstances)
- Spouse or partner (note that, while you do not necessarily need to be married to your partner in order for them to be eligible, you must be able to demonstrate that you have a relationship which is equivalent to marriage)
Tourist/Short Stay visa
If you are planning to visit Spain as a tourist for a stay of up to 90 days, it is likely that you will require a Schengen visa. This visa is also known as a Category C short-stay visa.
This visa type allows you to visit Spain for tourist purposes and also to travel to other countries in the Schengen Area. However, it does not authorize you to work during your stay.
If Spain is not your main Schengen destination during your trip (i.e. the Schengen country in which you will spend the most time) you should instead apply for a tourist visa through the Schengen country in which you will spend the most time during your travels.
Non lucrative residence visa
This visa is a good fit for those who wish to live in Spain but who have sufficient financial means not to work when living there.. In order to be eligible, you will need to prove that you have the means to support yourself during your time in Spain without needing to work (either for an employer or in a self-employed capacity). Your income may come from a range of sources, such as:
- Royalties
- Interest on savings
- Dividends from investments
- Rental payments from property/ies which you own outside of Spain
Golden visa
This visa allows you to gain a Spanish visa through investment in Spain. Some of the main areas of investment you can choose from are as follows:
- Bank Deposits
- Establishing a new business
- Public debt
The Spanish government has announced the discontinuation of the Golden visa route in 2024. However, it is still possible to apply for a Golden visa until the route officially comes to an end on 3rd April 2025.
Speak to our immigration lawyers to discuss the Golden Visa and alternatives to the program in Spain.
What Documents Will I Require?
The exact documents which you will require for your application will depend heavily on the exact visa application in question. However, you will generally require a combination of the following documents:
- Valid Passport
- Proof of a clean criminal record
- Proof of health insurance
- Biometric photos, to the Spanish specifications
- Medical certificate
- Any additional travel documents (if applicable)
- Proof of employment (if applicable)
- Proof of familial relationship, e.g. family records (if applicable)
- Proof of enrollment in an eligible educational institution or program
- Proof of the financial means to support yourself during your time in the country
- Proof of investment (if applicable)
- Proof of financial self-sufficiency (if applicable)
Note that documents should be translated into Spanish by an authorized translator.
Benefits of Using Total Law Immigration Lawyers
As outlined above, applying for a Spanish visa can be a long and complicated process. As such, many Canadians looking to immigrate to Spain choose Total Law to help ensure that their application process is as smooth as possible.
At Total Law, we have an excellent track record in helping Canadian citizens move to Spain. Whether you are an individual looking to move to Spain for work, a Spanish resident hoping to be joined by your close family members, or a Spanish business looking to hire a Canadian employee, our legal experts can help support you through every stage of the journey. You can be assured that our team will provide you with expert legal support, whether it’s helping you to gather the correct documents or navigating the appeal process after an unsuccessful application.
Our Immigration Packages
At Total Law, we can help you with every stage of the application process. However, we also offer a number of specific packages, such as:
- Advice Package: If you select this package, you will receive comprehensive legal advice which is tailored to your exact circumstances.
- Application Package: This package is designed to help make your application process run as smoothly as possible.
- Fast Track Package: If you need to submit your application by a particular deadline, this is likely the best package for you. We help you with making sure that your application is submitted as quickly as possible.
- Appeal Package: If your application for a Spanish visa has already been rejected, we help you navigate the appeal process and represent you throughout.
We offer both face to face appointments and appointments over the phone.
Obtaining Spanish Permanent Residency
If you wish to obtain Spanish permanent residency, you will generally need to live legally in Spain for at least 5 years.
In order to be eligible, you will need to prove that you have legally lived in Spain for 5 years. You will also need to provide further evidence on your circumstances, such as proof of your ongoing residency in Spain, evidence of your financial circumstances, and proof of health insurance.
Once you have obtained Spanish permanent residency, you can settle permanently in Spain. You will also be granted a residency card, which must be renewed after 5 years. Note that failure to do so could jeopardize your legal status in Spain.
Spanish permanent residency is not the same thing as Spanish citizenship, which must be applied for separately.
Obtaining Spanish Citizenship
Once you have lived legally in Spain for at least 10 years, you may be able to obtain Spanish citizenship. This will allow you to obtain a Spanish passport and to vote in Spanish elections. It also grants you EU citizenship.
In order to be eligible, you must have been living in Spain legally and continuously (i.e. without any long gaps) for at least 10 years. Note that time spent in Spain on either a Tourist or Student visa does not count towards this 10 year period.
As part of your application, you will also be required to demonstrate a clear criminal record.
How Our Spain Immigration Lawyers Can Help
Spain is a country with a thriving economy and many professional, study, and travel opportunities. It boasts many areas of natural beauty, convenient access to the rest of the European Union, and strong ties with Canada. As such, many Canadian citizens choose to visit Spain, whether for short-term travel or long-term residence. However, if you are visiting Spain as a Canadian citizen then it is highly likely that you will require a visa.
Applying for a visa can often be complex and confusing. At Total Law, our immigration experts can provide you with legal advice which will help make the application process as smooth as possible. We can help with every stage of the process, from working out which route is right to you to helping you understand the legal requirements once you arrive in Spain. Contact us today on +1 844 290 6312 to learn more about our wide range of services.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
How easy it is to immigrate to Spain will largely depend on your ability to satisfy the eligibility criteria. In order to maximize your chances of a successful visa application, you should make sure to apply for the visa route which is best for you.
If you are unsure about which route is the best fit for your particular circumstances, contact Total Law today on +1 844 290 6312.
The exact amount of money which you will require in order to visit Spain will generally depend on the visa type in question. In the case of the Golden visa, the Entrepreneur visa, or the Non lucrative visa, for instance, the cost of applying will likely be significantly higher. The application fee may also vary based on your country of citizenship.
If you live in Spain for longer than 6 months, it is likely that you will be required to pay tax, even on income which was not earned in Spain. This is because, after 6 months, you are legally considered a Spanish resident.
If you wish to visit Spain as a tourist and stay for up to 90 days, you will generally need to apply for a Schengen visa. This visa allows you to visit Spain and the other countries in the Schengen area. As such, many holders of the Schengen visa also choose to visit other European countries as part of their travels.
