If you’re moving from Canada to Spain, the key question is whether you plan to keep working. The international telework route is designed for people who will work remotely; the non-lucrative residence route is for people who will live in Spain without carrying out work or professional activity.
Your answer points you towards one route or the other, but each has different conditions. Here’s what to consider before deciding.
How the two routes differ
| Factor | International telework | Non-lucrative residence |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Live in Spain while carrying out work remotely. | Live in Spain without carrying out work or professional activity. |
| Work conditions | Employees must work for companies outside Spain. Self-employed professionals may work with Spanish companies, subject to a limit of 20% of their total professional activity. | Work or professional activity is not permitted for the applicant or family members included under this route. |
| Financial test | Means calculated by reference to 200% of the monthly Spanish minimum wage (SMI). | Means calculated by reference to 400% of the IPREM for the applicant, plus 100% of the IPREM for each family member. |
| Health insurance | Check the conditions that apply to your circumstances and application. | Health insurance is required. |
| Initial period | For applicants applying from abroad, UGE guidance describes a one-year residence and work authorization following an application for a visa through a consulate. | The initial residence period is one year. |
The figures above are formulas, not euro amounts. The applicable calculation can change, so confirm the current requirements with the Spanish consular office responsible for your residence in Canada.
When international telework may suit you
Consider this route if you plan to keep working remotely from Spain and your activity can be performed remotely. Employees must work for companies based outside Spain. If you are self-employed, you may work with Spanish companies, but that work must not exceed 20% of your total professional activity.
You must also meet a qualification or experience condition: have a relevant degree or at least three years of professional experience. The Consulate General of Spain in Toronto’s telework visa information outlines the route for applicants in its consular district.
Family members authorized under the international telework route can reside and work in Spain. Check the requirements that apply to each family member with the consulate or relevant Spanish authority.
When non-lucrative residence may suit you
This route is for you if you plan to reside in Spain without undertaking work or professional activity. It requires you to demonstrate sufficient financial means and to have health insurance.
It is not a route for continuing remote work. The condition is that you and any family members included under the route reside in Spain without carrying out work or professional activity.
Renewal has a presence requirement: you must have resided effectively and actually in Spain for more than 183 days during the calendar year. If you are planning to spend substantial time in Canada or elsewhere, take this requirement into account before choosing the route.
Think about your longer-term plans
If long-term residence is one of your goals, Spain’s general framework refers to five years of legal and continuous residence. Applicable limits on absences also matter, so do not assume that holding either authorization for five years automatically settles your eligibility.
The two routes are not interchangeable simply because both allow you to reside in Spain. Choose based on whether you will work and how the residence conditions fit your plans. If you are already in Spain, confirm your options with an official source rather than assuming you can apply for or switch to a different authorization from within the country.
Where to check requirements from Canada
Start with the Spanish consular office responsible for your place of residence in Canada. The Consulate General in Toronto publishes information on both routes, but the instructions and calculations relevant to you should be confirmed with the office that serves your area.
For international telework, you can also consult the UGE guidance on digital nomad applications. The rules for non-lucrative residence are set out in Spain’s official regulations.
Need help with your Spanish visa? Book a consultation with our immigration experts today.
