In recent years, there is growing interest in moving to Spain among Canadians. One of the main reasons is the climate: people want to change their place of residence to enjoy warmth and sun almost all year round. However, it is by far not the only reason.

Today, the quality and standard of living are not measured in the amount of money on bank accounts nor by expensive things, but in the availability of opportunities to lead a healthy and comfortable lifestyle, devoting a sufficient amount of time to your hobbies, recreation and family – all that is a growing trend. People are ready to throw away a part of their material assets, while making their lives more quiet and pleasant, and not working around the clock while life zooms past them at the speed of light.

These are the people who are beginning to look towards such countries like Spain, which offers everything for a comfortable life. In this article, we will compare Canada and Spain, talk about the main advantages of living in the latter and show the main ways to immigrate from Canada to Spain.

Is it Worth Moving to Spain from Canada?

Spain offers many perks for living, including:

Immigration Policies in Spain

Spain is willing to accept immigrants, especially those who can help with development of the country’s economy. For example, investors and entrepreneurs who create new jobs are welcome here.

Obtaining a Residence Permit in Spain

Spain attracts by offering many ways to obtain a residence permit ˗ from a residence permit based on financial independence (without the right to work) for those who have savings or regular passive income, to a residence permit for investors and entrepreneurs to conduct their own business in the country. It is also possible to apply for a student visa to study in Spain.

Educational Opportunities in Spain

Spain is among the countries with the best opportunities both for primary and higher education. Moreover, students can study here not only in Spanish, but also in English. There are many British schools in Spain, upon graduation of which the road to the best universities opens for children. Education in Spain guarantees excellent knowledge of several languages and employment on favourable terms.

Language

In Spain, the main language is Castilian Spanish, although many autonomous communities use regional languages along with it. Official documents, geographical names are duplicated on them, some subjects are taught in schools, moreover, in order to enter certain positions, it is often necessary to demonstrate good knowledge of this language. A case in point is the situation in Catalonia, where the Catalan language is given very great importance. However, you should not worry too much about this: some jobs can be found without knowing the regional language. The Spanish language itself is considered one of the easiest to learn, so you won’t have any problems with it. But even if you haven’t mastered Spanish yet, you can always speak English.

Life Expectancy in Spain

Spain ranks 7nd among countries with the highest life expectancy of 83.99 years. Canada takes 16th place (82.96) in this ranking. However, this is not all: elderly people in Spain do not just live out their days, they are often engaged in creativity, keep active, travel, do sports and fitness, and even go to discos! Thus, Spain is leading as a country with one of the highest rates of active life expectancy, that you will agree, sounds very attractive.

Quality of Life in Spain

The main charm of Spain is its magnificent climate and beautiful beaches. Of course, not all parts of Spain have eternal summer, but those who choose this country precisely because of the climate know that it is best to move to the Mediterranean coast.

Enjoying 320 sunny days a year, the quality of life significantly improves, and the availability of the sea and wonderful beaches makes the coast of Spain a truly heavenly place to live. That is why many immigrants choose the Costa Blanca, which can be easily called the place with the best climate in Spain. No wonder the province of Alicante has long been the leader in the sale of real estate in Spain to foreign citizens.

It is also worth recalling that Spain was among the three most desirable countries for immigration, and Valencia and Alicante were recognized as the best cities to live as an expat. In addition, Valencia took first place in the ranking of the best cities for those who want to keep a healthy lifestyle, and Barcelona entered the top ten countries in the world for living and launching startups.

How to Live in Spain as a Canadian

In Spain, according to the latest data from The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), there are more than 6 million immigrants, i.e. more than 13% of the population. Spain ranks 10th among countries with the largest number of immigrants compiled by the UN. The Spanish population is very friendly towards all immigrants, and, as a rule, there are no problems, and in addition, English-language services are available almost everywhere here.

Can a Canadian move to Spain and How to Move to Spain Permanently?

If you are a Canadian citizen, you have the right to stay in any EU country, including Spain, for 90 days without the need for obtaining a visa. If you want to move to Spain for one year or more, you can apply for a student visa or a residence permit. There are several main ways:

Spanish Golden Visa, or Investor Visa in Spain for Canadians

It is issued mainly by purchasing Spanish real estate in the amount of 500,000 euros. There are other investment options, but they are more complex and costly.

Residence Permit without the Right to Work for Canadians

That is suitable for those who want to live in Spain and have savings or a steady passive income outside of Spain.

Residence Permit with the Right to Work for Canadians

It is issued by the presence of a work contract from a company registered in Spain. The same residence permit is given to entrepreneurs who are going to open a business in Spain.

Student Visa in Spain for Canadians

It grants the right to reside in Spain during the study period. In this case, you can study at school, at university, at various courses, including language courses. On its own, it does not give the right to work, but a permit can be issued later, because the chances to find a job with a Spanish diploma will significantly increase.

After 5 years of continuous residence permit in Spain, permanent residence for 5 years can be applied, and after 10 years Spanish citizenship can be granted.

Canada vs Spain: Quality of Life

Purchase and Lease of Property in Canada and Spain

Spain offers some of the most affordable housing prices in Europe for both buying and renting. According to the portal preciosmundi.com, the general picture as for January 2022 is that:

Cost of Living in Spain and Canada

Talking about the cost of living in general, Spain is one of the most inexpensive countries to live in Europe. A huge pros is the availability of fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood all year round. In addition, you can always buy healthy, ecological food at reasonable prices in Spain, which makes it an ideal country for a healthy lifestyle. We should also mention the excellent Spanish wines and olive oil – the basis of the Mediterranean diet. According to the portal preciosmundi.com, the price ratio between two countries is following:

Prices in Restaurants:

Clothing and Shoes:

Transportation and Utilities (Monthly)

Sports and Leisure:

Crime Index in Spain and Canada

Spain is among the safest countries of the world for living and tourism. Here is the data from the portal numbeo.com, as for January 2022:
Level of crime: Spain 31.76 (low), Canada 46.57 (moderate).

• Crime increasing in the past 3 years: Spain 59.70 (moderate), Canada 67.75 (high).
• Worries home broken and things stolen: Spain 32.11 (low), Canada 40.18 (moderate).
• Worries being mugged or robbed: Spain 34.43 (low), Canada 35.45 (low).
• Worries car stolen: Spain 25.56 (low), Canada 34.43 (low) .
• Worries things from car stolen: Spain 36.91 (low), Canada 48.75 (moderate).
• Worries attacked: Spain 28.91 (low), Canada 36.41 (low).
• Worries being insulted Spain: 29.79 (low), Canada 39.47 (low).
• Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin, gender or religion: Spain 20.55 (low), Canada 24.89 (low).
• Problem people using or dealing drugs: Spain 44.40 (moderate), Canada 61.23 (high).
• Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft: Spain 42.49 (moderate), Canada 52.48 (moderate).
• Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery: Spain 27.65 (low), Canada 40.53 (moderate).
• Problem corruption and bribery: Spain 50.21 (moderate), Canada 52.47 (moderate).
• Safety walking alone during daylight: Spain 81.89 (very high), Canada 40.53 (moderate).
• Safety walking alone during night: Spain 62.48 (high), Canada 36.25 (low).

If you are interested in the possibility of moving from Canada to Spain, our friendly managers will be happy to answer your questions. You can also familiarize with our catalog of Spanish property.

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