How Canadians Can Move to Spain with the Non-Lucrative Visa (2025 Guide)
Spain continues to be one of the most appealing destinations for Canadians dreaming of a Mediterranean lifestyle — with its mild winters, world-class healthcare, welcoming culture, and affordable living compared to most Canadian cities.
But before you can sip Rioja in your new apartment in Marbella or walk the beaches of Alicante, there’s one essential step: getting the right visa.
For most Canadians, that visa is the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), Spain’s residence option for those who want to live here long-term without working locally.
What Is the Non-Lucrative Visa?
The Non-Lucrative Visa allows non-EU citizens (including Canadians) to reside in Spain without engaging in employment or business activity in the country.
It’s the ideal visa for:
- Retirees living off pensions or savings
- Remote investors or individuals with passive income
- Families planning a lifestyle relocation
- Canadians exploring life in Spain before deciding to buy property or settle permanently
The visa is valid for one year initially, and can be renewed for two-year periods, leading to permanent residency after five years.
Why It’s Popular with Canadians
Spain offers a quality of life that few countries can match — sunshine, healthcare, community, and cost efficiency.
For Canadians, the Non-Lucrative Visa is especially appealing because:
- There’s no investment requirement.
- It provides a legal pathway to long-term residency.
- Holders can buy property, enroll children in school, and travel freely within the Schengen Area.
- After several years, you can transition to permanent residence or even citizenship.
Key Requirements for Canadians (2025)
Applying from Canada means following the procedures of the Spanish Consulate responsible for your province (Toronto, Montreal, or Ottawa). While the basic framework is the same across Spain, there are details Canadians must not overlook.
1. Financial Proof
You must demonstrate stable income or savings equivalent to at least €2,400/month (approx. €28,800/year) for the main applicant, plus €600/month for each dependent.
These funds can come from pensions, investments, or savings — but they must be liquid and accessible. Property ownership alone isn’t enough.
2. Private Health Insurance
Spain requires full private medical coverage — no deductibles or co-payments, valid for your full stay.
Many applicants are rejected because their plan includes co-pays, so this is one detail you cannot miss.
Landcross Partners can connect you with our Spanish-approved insurance provider that meet NLV standards.
3. Police Certificate
You’ll need a national criminal record check issued by the RCMP (with fingerprints). Local or provincial checks are not accepted.
This document must be apostilled or legalized and then translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).
4. Medical Certificate
A simple statement from your doctor confirming you are free from diseases of public health concern, issued within three months before applying. It must be officially translated into Spanish.
5. Consular Jurisdiction
Applications are submitted in person in Canada. You cannot apply once you’re already in Spain. Each Spanish Consulate has slightly different forms, so always verify their latest checklist.
2025 Updates: What’s Changed
The 183-Day Rule
Since May 2025, Spain enforces a minimum 183-day stay per year for renewal of the NLV.
That means:
- You must actually live in Spain for at least half the year.
- You’ll likely become a Spanish tax resident, subject to local tax on global income.
If your plan was to “winter in Spain and summer in Canada,” this rule is now a deal-breaker unless you’re ready for Spanish tax residency.
At Landcross Partners, our tax and legal teams can help you structure your assets and income to remain compliant while minimizing your effective tax burden.
The Process Step-by-Step
Here’s what to expect when applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa from Canada:
- Prepare documentation — proof of income, health insurance, police and medical certificates, passport, and application forms.
- Legalize and translate all foreign documents into Spanish.
- Book your consulate appointment (processing can take 4–8 weeks).
- Collect your visa once approved.
- Travel to Spain within 90 days and register for your residence permit (TIE).
Once you hold the TIE, you’re officially a Spanish resident.
Life in Spain After Approval
Once your visa is granted, you can live anywhere in Spain. Most Canadians choose Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Alicante, or the Balearic Islands — areas with vibrant international communities, strong healthcare, and great connectivity.
Whether you plan to rent an apartment or buy a property, Landcross Partners can help you every step of the way — from finding your home to handling the legal and tax side of your move.
Why Work with Landcross Partners
At Landcross Partners, we guide Canadians through the full relocation process — not just the visa.
We handle:
- Property search and purchase (with our own team and(in collaboration with trusted real estate partners across Spain)
- Legal and tax advisory services
- Visa and residency applications
- Health insurance and integration support
Our bilingual legal team ensures every Canadian applicant is properly prepared for Spanish immigration, taxation, and property laws, with no surprises.
Ready to Start?
If you’re a Canadian citizen considering a move to Spain under the Non-Lucrative Visa, the best time to start preparing is now.
Contact Landcross Partners to schedule a personalized consultation and discover your best path to Spanish residency.
Let’s turn your Spanish dream into a well-structured reality.
