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Moving to Spain from Canada

Costs, Movers & Visas

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Thinking about moving to Spain from Canada? Whether it’s the warm climate, affordable living, beautiful beaches, or great arts and culinary scene that draws you, Spain is a great place for remote workers and expats! In this guide, we’ll navigate finding the best moving company, visa options, and what to budget for when living in Spain.

Cost of Moving to Spain

The cost of moving to Spain from Canada ranges from CAD $4,500 to $12,000 using sea freight and varies depending on the distance, volume, shipping company, and season.

The shipment volume is the biggest cost driver when moving to Spain from Canada. Three-bedroom moves typically require an entire 20 or 40ft container, whereas smaller moves can share a container (LCL shipping).

When moving furniture to Spain, most shipments are routed through ports like Halifax or Montreal. The international moving company handles customs clearance, which is generally included in the cost.

Other cost factors influencing your moving costs to Spain are seasonality, packing services and materials (eg custom crating), and extra services like door-to-door delivery, insurance, and storage.

Volume Average cost
One-bedroom apartment CAD $4,500 – $7,000
Three-bedroom house CAD $7,000 – $12,000

Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates.

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Best Moving Companies from Canada to Spain

Moving from Canada to Spain is not something you can (or want to) do yourself. Most people work with an international mover, who handle the process from start to finish. With an abundance of Canadian moving companies to Spain, picking the right one can be tricky.

Start by browsing Sirelo’s database and filter on location, services, and reviews. Some movers specialize in bulky items or vehicles, while others pride themselves for being the cheapest. Make the best choice for your needs by requesting free quotes to compare prices and services.

Here are some of the best Canada-based removal companies to Spain.

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Moving to Spain with Pets

Moving to Spain with pets is not as easy as simply booking a flight and taking them on board. You will need to adhere to a few specific rules set by the Spanish government to ensure the health and safety of your pet. Here’s the step-by-step process on moving to Spain with pets:

  1. Microchip your pet with the ISO Standard 11784 or 11785. It’s a unique identifier connected to your pet’s health records. Pets under three months old are generally not permitted entry into Spain.
  2. After the microchip, vaccinate your pet against rabies at least 21 days before entering Spain. Keep records of the vaccination date, manufacturer, and batch number.
  3. Obtain a veterinary certificate from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) within 10 days of traveling. This confirms the microchip implantation and rabies vaccination.
  4. Enter Spain through designated Travelers’ Points of Entry (PEV).

To move your pet to Spain, budget between CAD $190 and $550, plus the airline fees:

  • Microchip: CAD $50 to $100
  • Rabies vaccination: CAD $20 to $50
  • Veterinary certificate: CAD $50 to $150
  • Travel crate: CAD $70 to $250

How to Apply for a Spain Visa From Canada

Getting a visa is the most challenging and time-consuming step of emigrating to Spain from Canada, but with the right information, it doesn’t have to be! In this section, we’ll explain the visa requirements for living and working in Spain and how to apply for a Spain visa from Canada.

Spain Entry Requirements for Canadian Citizens

For short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, Canadian citizens with a valid passport do not need a visa to travel to Spain and within the Schengen area. 

When planning to emigrate to Spain, you’ll need a visa from the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy in Canada. There are several paths Canadian permanent residents can take to get a Spain visa.

  • Work Visa Spain: For Canadians with a valid job offer from a Spanish company or a plan to start a business in Spain. 
  • Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (NLV): For non-EU citizens or retirees to live in Spain without engaging in professional activities in Spain. You need sufficient financial means and valid health insurance.
  • Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers who want to live in Spain while working for companies outside the country. You need proof of remote employment and sufficient income.
  • Entrepreneur Visa: For entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Spain.
  • Student Visa: For foreign students to live in Spain during their studies, with limited work hours.
  • Working Holiday Visa: For Canadians aged 18 to 35 to live and work in Spain for up to one year through the Youth Mobility Program. The annual quota is 1,000 visas.
  • Golden Visa: For individuals who make a significant investment in Spain through property or investment.

Cost of Living in Spain vs Canada

As a Canadian in Spain, you’ll find that your average living costs are much lower than back home. In Canada, the cost of living is approximately 32.1% higher than in Spain, including rent. 

Prices for rent, groceries, dining, and transportation are much lower in Spain, but so are the salaries. You’ll thrive if you keep your Canadian income, but on a local salary, your purchasing power might be lower after moving to Spain.

Here’s the average cost of living in Spain vs Canada for different items.

Item Toronto, Canada Barcelona, Spain Seville, Spain
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) $28.00 $23.62 $18.90
Pint of Beer $8.00 $5.71 $3.15
Regular Cappuccino $5.45 $3.71 $2.96
Eggs (dozen) $4.94 $4.62 $4.59
Single Transport Ticket $3.35 $4.02 $2.20
Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Center) $2,521.76 $2,045.64 $1,338.67
Monthly Rent (1-bed, Outside Center) $2,096.70 $1,592.58 $984.31
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $4,331.07 $2,720.16 $2,757.09

Source: Numbeo

Best Place to Move From Canada in Spain

The best place to move to in Spain from Canada depends on your lifestyle, budget, and work situation. These are the top destinations for Canadian expats:

  • Barcelona: This cosmopolitan has a strong job market, beaches, arts and culture, and a great food scene. You’ll find many startups, entrepreneurs, and remote workers in Barcelona. Prepare for high costs of living, housing demand, and many tourists.
  • Madrid: You’ll find a thriving business scene, international schools, and cool museums. The public transport network is well connected too. Cons are the lack of a beach, especially during the hot summers.
  • Valencia: This mid-sized city has beautiful beaches, great climate, and a growing expat community. Rent prices are affordable and it’s less crowded than in Madrid and Barcelona, although there are fewer job opportunities.
  • Málaga: This coastal city is more laidback and popular among retirees and digital nomads. It’s warm year-round and rent prices are affordable. Outside of tourism and hospitality, there aren’t many job opportunities in Málaga.
  • Alicante: This tourism-focused destination offers a quieter, coastal life with a welcoming community and good healthcare.
  • Seville: This charming, historic city has a rich culture and interesting architecture. Seville is great for those looking for an authentic Spanish experience and lower cost of living.

Canadians Living in Spain

With over 300 days of sunshine in most regions, living in Spain as a Canadian will be filled with vitamin D. That’s why many expats trade the harsh Canadian winters for a sunny countryside villa or city apartment. In places like Costa del Sol, Valencia, and Barcelona, you’ll find plenty of English-speaking communities to make integration easier.

Spain’s work-life balance is known for their relaxed lunch breaks and emphasis on family time. International companies often have a bilingual workfloor, though local jobs will require Spanish. After work, many go tapas-hopping, hiking, or tanning at the beach. A pretty good life, if you ask us!

Living in Spain Pros and Cons

Moving to Spain from Canada comes with plenty of perks, but it’s not without its challenges. While Spain is a popular destination for expats and digital nomads, the cultural differences and bureaucracy can be a pain. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of living in Spain.

Pros

 Great climate year-round
 Lower daily expenses than in Canada
 Relaxed work-life balance
 Vibrant culture and activities
 High-quality public healthcare
 Well-connected for traveling across Europe

Cons

 Cumbersome bureaucracy and paperwork
 Spanish is required for daily life
 Challenging job market
 Slower services and siesta hours
 Higher taxes for expats

How to Move to Spain From Canada Checklist

Planning a move to Spain from Canada can feel like a lot, but breaking it down into clear steps makes it much easier. This checklist for moving moving from Canada to Europe guides you through everything you need to do.

  1. Decide on the right visa (Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Work Visa, etc.).
  2. Prepare visa paperwork (income proof, medical insurance, background checks, etc.).
  3. Apply at the nearest Spanish consulate in Canada and wait for approval.
  4. Decide on the best place to live in Spain as a Canadian.
  5. Open a multi-currency account or research Spanish bank options.
  6. Find accomodation in Spain.
  7. Compare quotes from different international moving companies to Spain.
  8. Plan the move after your visa approval and confirmed flights.
  9. Declutter and pack up your belongings to ship overseas.
  10. Get private health insurance, which is required for most Spain work visas.
  11. Inform the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) of your move.
  12. Cancel subscriptions and update your address with banks and services.
  13. Register your address upon arrival in Spain at the local town hall.
  14. Apply for a Foreigner’s Identity Number (NIE) for banking, renting, and employment.
  15. Register for public health care, if you’re eligable.
  16. Convert your driver’s license after six months.
  17. Understand the (dual) tax obligations when moving to Spain long-term.

Frequently asked questions

Do Canadians Need a Visa for Spain?

How to Go About Moving to Spain From Canada

What’s the Spanish Currency to Canadian Dollar?