Moving to Spain from Canada — the DNV guide for Canadian citizens

Yes. Canadian citizens are eligible to apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa. As non-EU nationals, Canadians must apply for the DNV to live and work remotely in Spain. The minimum income requirement is €2,849 per month (200% of Spain's SMI for 2026). Canadians can apply via the UGE from within Spain (~20 working days) or through one of four Spanish consulates in Canada (Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver).

The four Spanish consulate locations in Canada serve different provinces: the Spanish Consulate General in Toronto serves Ontario and the surrounding provinces; the Spanish Consulate General in Montreal serves Quebec and Atlantic Canada; the Spanish Consulate General in Vancouver serves British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and western territories; and the Spanish Embassy in Ottawa serves applicants in the federal capital region and may serve as an alternative for some. Always confirm your catchment province with your consulate before submitting, as jurisdictions can change. The UGE route (apply from within Spain) is available to Canadians regardless of province of residence.

Canadian applicants need an RCMP criminal record check. You apply through an RCMP-accredited fingerprint service (not directly through the RCMP in most cases). Allow 2–4 weeks for processing. The resulting certificate must be apostilled — Canada is party to the Hague Convention, and apostilles are obtained from Global Affairs Canada or an accredited legalisation service.

An RCMP-accredited channeller is a private company that the RCMP has authorised to collect fingerprints and submit criminal record check requests on behalf of individuals. Most Canadians applying for the DNV use a channeller because it is typically faster and more convenient than submitting directly through the RCMP. Channellers are listed on the RCMP website. Once your fingerprints are processed by the RCMP through the channeller, you receive a criminal record certificate which must then be apostilled by Global Affairs Canada before it can be used in your Spanish DNV application.

Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention, which means Canadian documents can be apostilled for use in Spain. Your RCMP criminal record certificate must be submitted to Global Affairs Canada (Authentication Services) for an apostille. You can submit by post or in person at the Global Affairs Canada offices in Ottawa or other locations. Allow 4–8 weeks for postal processing or significantly less in person. Some private legalisation services offer an expedited service — your case manager can advise. The apostille is affixed to the RCMP certificate and confirms its authenticity for Spanish immigration purposes.

Canada taxes its residents on worldwide income. When you become Spanish tax resident (183+ days in Spain in a calendar year), you should file a T1 departure return with the CRA for the year you leave Canada. You may still owe Canadian tax on some income in the transition year. The Spain-Canada tax treaty prevents double taxation. Cross-border tax advice is strongly recommended before making the move.

When you leave Canada and become a non-resident for tax purposes, you must file a T1 departure return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the tax year of your departure. This return covers your income up to your departure date. You may also need to report deemed dispositions (assets treated as sold at fair market value on departure day) — which can create unexpected tax liabilities. The CRA departure return is due the following April 30 (or June 15 if self-employed). Filing correctly requires specialist Canadian tax advice, particularly if you have investments, RRSPs, property, or a business in Canada.

Yes. Bank statements and payslips in Canadian dollars are fully accepted as income evidence. You must demonstrate the equivalent of at least €2,849 per month at the current EUR/CAD exchange rate. Your case manager will confirm the documentation required and help you present CAD income effectively in your application.

Your Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) is your Canadian tax identifier. You will still need it for filing Canadian departure returns, accessing your CRA account, and managing any ongoing Canadian financial obligations (pension, RRSP, etc.) from Spain. In Spain, you will be assigned a Spanish NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) as your Spanish tax and administrative identifier — this is different from your SIN and is issued during your DNV process. You will need your NIE for Spanish banking, tax registration, and social security purposes in Spain.

Yes. Canadians entitled to CPP can receive their payments regardless of where they live, including Spain. CPP can be paid to an international bank account. Once you are Spanish tax resident, CPP payments are subject to Spanish income tax (not Canadian withholding tax, under the Spain-Canada tax treaty — though withholding may apply until you formally notify Service Canada of your non-resident status). Old Age Security (OAS) works similarly. Registering as a non-resident with Service Canada and the CRA is an important administrative step when you move. Seek specialist advice on the withholding tax and treaty provisions.

Canada has four Spanish consulate locations: the Embassy in Ottawa, and Consulates General in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. You should apply at the consulate for your province of residence. Processing times vary by consulate. The UGE route (apply from within Spain) is generally faster — approximately 20 working days — and is recommended where possible.