Planning a move to Barcelona starts with choosing a residence route that matches your circumstances and checking the current document requirements for Canadians. You’ll also want to understand how your move could affect your Canadian tax residency.
Compare the residence routes
Two routes to consider are Spain’s non-lucrative residence visa and its international telework route. Their conditions differ, so check the official guidance before deciding which one fits your plans.
| Route | Who it may suit | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Non-lucrative residence visa | People who will not carry out work or professional activity in Spain | Applicants must show financial means of 400% of IPREM, with an additional 100% of IPREM for each dependent family member. Insurance is also required. |
| International telework | People carrying out remote work for companies outside Spain | This route may be available to nationals of countries outside the EU. Conditions differ for employees and self-employed applicants. |
For the non-lucrative route, review the Spanish Consulate in Toronto’s current guidance. For international telework, consult Spain’s official international telework FAQs and the instructions from the Spanish consulate responsible for your place of residence in Canada.
Prepare your Canadian documents
Consular instructions for Canadian applicants identify an RCMP criminal record certificate, an apostille from Global Affairs Canada and a translation into Spanish among the required documents. Check the current list from the consulate responsible for your district: document specifications and other details should not be assumed to be the same across consulates.
You can compare the published instructions from the Spanish Consulate in Toronto and the Spanish Consulate in Montreal, but follow the requirements that apply to your own consular district.
- Confirm which RCMP certificate and supporting documents your consulate requires.
- Check which documents need an apostille from Global Affairs Canada.
- Confirm the translation requirements and the current application checklist before submitting your documents.
Need help with your Spanish visa? Book a consultation with our immigration experts today.
Understand Canadian tax residency
Moving to Spain does not automatically determine whether you remain a Canadian tax resident. The Canada Revenue Agency considers your circumstances and residential ties.
Canada and Spain have a tax treaty with rules intended to address double taxation, but it does not establish the tax outcome for every individual. Review the CRA’s guidance on determining your residency status and the Canada–Spain tax treaty protocol in light of your own circumstances.
Optimize your Canadian-Spanish tax situation. Speak to our accountants.
