Moving to Valencia
from Canada
Mediterranean climate, a thriving French community, and a cost of living 50-60% below Toronto or Vancouver. More Canadians than ever are choosing Valencia for their European chapter.
~10h
Toronto to Valencia
0.55
Cheaper than Toronto
300+
Sunny Days/Year
You need a visa. Here are your options.
Canadian citizens can visit Spain for up to 90 days without a visa. For long-term residence, two visa pathways are available - and the Canadian consulates process them efficiently.
Most popular for retirees & passive income
Non-Lucrative Visa
Min. Income
€28,800/yr (solo)
Validity
1 yr - renewable
Live in Spain without working for a Spanish employer. You can still receive passive Canadian income - RRSP/RRIF drawdowns, dividends, rental income - from Canadian sources.
Best for: Retirees, landlords, those with Canadian investment income.
Full GuideBest for remote workers & freelancers
Digital Nomad Visa
Min. Income
€34,188/yr
Validity
1 yr - 3 yr
Authorises remote work for non-Spanish employers. Access to the Beckham Law flat 24% tax rate for 6 years - a major advantage compared to Canada's combined federal/provincial rates of up to 53%.
Best for: Employed or freelance remote workers billing Canadian or international clients.
Full GuideYour Canada to Valencia Timeline
A practical month-by-month checklist for Canadian expats.
3-6 Months Before
- Determine your visa category (NLV or Digital Nomad Visa)
- Get a criminal record check from the RCMP, apostilled via Global Affairs Canada
- Open Wise or Revolut for CAD to EUR transfers without bank fees
- Consult a Canadian cross-border tax adviser about residency departure
1-3 Months Before
- Submit visa application at Spanish Consulate (Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver)
- Arrange private health insurance - required for NLV, must be sin copago
- File a departure return with the CRA and determine your deemed disposition date
- Research Valencia neighbourhoods and shortlist rental areas
Weeks 1-4 in Valencia
- Register at Empadronamiento - your local Junta Municipal office
- Book NIE appointment at Gran Via Marques del Turia, 67
- Open a Spanish bank account (Sabadell or CaixaBank for expats)
- Exchange your Canadian driving licence at the DGT
Months 2-3
- Register with a Spanish GP at your local Centro de Salud
- Enrol children in school - Lycee Francais (for French-Canadians) or British curriculum schools
- File Modelo 030 tax registration with Agencia Tributaria
- Review RRSP/RRIF status - most Canadians retain registered accounts in Canada
Canada vs Valencia - Cost of Living
Valencia costs roughly 50-60% less than Toronto or Vancouver. Your savings go much further.
| Item | Canada (CAD) | Valencia (EUR) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed City Centre | C$2,500-4,200 | €900-1,200 | ~60% |
| Monthly Transport Pass | C$150+ | 17.5 | ~88% |
| Meal Out (mid-range, 2 ppl) | C$80-130 | €35-50 | ~55% |
| Monthly Groceries (couple) | C$600-900 | €280-380 | ~50% |
| Private Health Insurance | C$200-500/mo | €80-150/mo | ~55% |
| International School (annual) | C$20k-40k+ | €8k-18k | ~50% |
Key Considerations for Canadians
RRSP / RRIF stay in Canada
Your registered accounts remain in Canada. Withdrawals as a non-resident are subject to 25% withholding tax, reduced to 15% under the Canada-Spain tax treaty. Most Canadians keep them invested and draw down strategically.
Beckham Law = up to 23% tax saving
Canadian combined tax can reach 53%. Under Spain's Beckham Law (Digital Nomad Visa), you pay a flat 24% for 6 years on Spanish income. For a $150k earner, that can mean tens of thousands in annual savings.
French community in Valencia
Valencia has a significant French-speaking community and the Lycee Francais de Valence for French-curriculum schooling. Quebecois and Franco-Canadian families feel particularly at home here.
Provincial health plans lapse
Most provinces cancel health coverage once you have been abroad for 6+ months. You need private health insurance from day one in Spain - required for the NLV and essential until you get a SIP card.
Driving licence may exchange directly
Several Canadian provinces (BC, Ontario, Quebec) have exchange agreements with Spain. Bring your original licence to the DGT - no test required. Other provinces may need a theory exam.
~10 hours from Toronto
Valencia has no direct flights to Canada - you will connect via Madrid, Paris, or Amsterdam. Return flights from €600-1,200 depending on season. Many Canadians visit home once or twice a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa to move to Valencia?
Yes. Canadian passport holders can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays, you need a long-term visa. The two main options are the Non-Lucrative Visa (for passive income earners and retirees) and the Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers). The Spanish consulate in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver all process these applications.
What happens to my RRSP and RRIF when I move to Spain?
Your RRSP and RRIF remain in Canada. You do not have to close or collapse them when you emigrate. Withdrawals made as a non-resident are subject to Canadian withholding tax (typically 25%, reduced to 15% under the Canada-Spain tax treaty). Many Canadians continue to hold their registered accounts in Canada and draw them down as foreign income in Spain.
Will I be taxed in both Canada and Spain?
Canada and Spain have a comprehensive Double Taxation Convention. In general, once you break Canadian tax residency (by filing a departure return with the CRA), Canada taxes only Canadian-source income (pension, RRSP/RRIF withdrawals, rental income). Spain then taxes your worldwide income as a Spanish tax resident. Get advice from a cross-border tax adviser familiar with both jurisdictions before you move.
Can I benefit from the Beckham Law as a Canadian?
Yes, if you qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa. The Beckham Law allows eligible workers to pay a flat 24% on Spanish income for 6 years instead of up to 47% progressive tax. Given that combined federal and provincial rates in Canada can reach 50-53%, this is a significant financial advantage for higher-earning Canadians.
Can French-speaking Canadians find a French community in Valencia?
Yes - Valencia has a well-established French expat community and the Lycee Francais de Valence, which follows the French National Education curriculum from Maternelle to Terminale (Baccalaureat). This makes Valencia particularly attractive for Quebecois and Franco-Canadian families who want their children educated in French.
Can I exchange my Canadian driving licence in Spain?
Yes - Canada and Spain have a driving licence exchange agreement for licences issued in certain provinces. British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec licences can generally be exchanged directly at the DGT without sitting a test. Other provinces may require a theory or practical exam. Bring your original licence and a certified translation to the DGT office in Valencia.
How long does the Spanish visa process take from Canada?
Spanish consulates in Canada typically process NLV and DNV applications in 4-8 weeks from the date of document submission. Start preparing your dossier at least 4-6 months before your intended move date, particularly if you need RCMP criminal record checks (which can take 2-4 weeks) and notarisation/apostille of documents.