If you are planning to move to Spain from Canada, choosing the right visa is one of the most important parts of the process.
The best route depends on how you plan to live in Spain — whether you will rely on savings, work remotely, study, or launch a business. Understanding your options early can help you avoid delays, unnecessary costs, and application mistakes. See a full breakdown of the real cost of living in Spain here.
Can Canadians Move to Spain Without a Visa?
Canadians can stay in Spain without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
If you plan to stay longer than that, you will usually need the appropriate long-stay visa or residence authorization, depending on the route you choose.
Main Visa Options for Canadians Moving to Spain
Non-Lucrative Visa
The non-lucrative visa is one of the most common options for Canadians who want to live in Spain without carrying out any gainful work or professional activity.
It is generally used by retirees or financially independent applicants who can demonstrate sufficient and guaranteed means of support. This visa does not constitute a work permit, and Spanish consular guidance also states that it does not allow teleworking. Private health insurance is also required, and you can read more about health insurance requirements in Spain here.
Digital Nomad Visa
Spain’s digital nomad route is designed for foreigners who want to live in Spain while working remotely through computer, telematic, or telecommunication systems.
For employees, the work must be for companies located outside Spain. For professional or freelance activity, Spanish consular guidance indicates that some work for a company located in Spain may be allowed, as long as it does not exceed 20% of the total professional activity.
If you expect to move savings or earn income internationally, it’s worth comparing money transfer options before relocating.
Entrepreneur / Start-up Visa
This visa is for foreigners moving to Spain to carry out the steps necessary to develop an innovative entrepreneurial activity of particular economic interest for Spain.
It is not simply a general small-business route. Official consular guidance says the application requires a favourable report on the project, and that report considers factors such as job creation, the applicant’s profile, the business plan, and the project’s added value for the Spanish economy.
Student Visa
The student visa is for stays of more than 90 days for qualifying study programmes in Spain.
Official consular guidance includes higher education, certain training activities, and in-person Spanish language courses delivered by official language schools or centres accredited by the Instituto Cervantes or the relevant public body. This can be a valid route for some applicants, but it is not always the best long-term strategy unless it clearly fits the person’s plan.
Self-Employed Work Visa
If you plan to carry out self-employed activity in Spain, there is also a self-employed work visa route.
Official Spanish guidance says this visa first requires an initial residence and self-employed work permit, so it is a distinct path from the entrepreneur visa.
Is the Spain Golden Visa Still Available?
No. Spain’s Golden Visa programme is no longer open to new applicants.
The Spanish government announced that, effective 3 April 2025, residence visas and permits linked to investor status were being eliminated. If you find older articles suggesting that real estate investment is still a current route for new applicants, that information is outdated.
Why Choosing the Right Visa Matters
Each route has different eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and long-term implications.
Choosing the wrong option can lead to delays, refusals, or the need to restart the process. This is especially important when comparing routes that may sound similar on the surface but are legally very different, such as the non-lucrative visa, digital nomad visa, entrepreneur visa, and self-employed work visa.
When It Makes Sense to Get Professional Help
If your situation is not straightforward — for example, if you have multiple income sources, want to compare several possible routes, or are unsure whether you qualify for a specific category — professional guidance can be helpful.
We’re building a platform that connects Canadians with trusted immigration and relocation professionals in Spain.
If you want to understand which visa fits your situation best, you’ll soon be able to get matched with the right expert.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Spain from Canada is achievable, but the right visa depends on your exact circumstances.
Taking the time to understand the legal differences between the available routes can make the process smoother, more predictable, and less stressful.