Canadians benefit from visa-free Schengen entry and a strong remote-work ecosystem. The main complexity is around criminal records and document authentication, since Canada only joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024.
Visa-free entry
Yes — 90/180 Schengen
Apostille convention
Yes (since January 2024)
Tax treaty with Spain
Yes
Consulates
Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, Ottawa
Criminal record
RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check (fingerprint-based) — Spain expects the fingerprint version, not just a name-based check.
Apostille / legalisation
Since 11 January 2024, Canada issues apostilles via Global Affairs Canada and provincial authorities — no more chain-legalisation through consulates for new documents.
Where to apply
Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver and Ottawa each have their own jurisdictions. File where you legally reside.
Tax considerations
Canada taxes residents on worldwide income; emigration generally requires filing a departure return and may trigger a deemed disposition. Plan with a Canadian tax advisor.
Order an RCMP fingerprint check
Book at an accredited fingerprinting agency; results typically arrive in 2–4 weeks.
Apostille federal and provincial docs
Federal docs via Global Affairs Canada; provincial docs via the relevant provincial competent authority.
Sworn translations into Spanish
Use a Spain-recognised traductor jurado, not a Canadian-only certified translator.
Choose the right consulate
File at the consulate covering your province of residence.
Pre-fill your forms
Use the TeletrabajadoresVisa builder for MI-T, MI-F and 790-038 to keep data consistent.
Use our free forms builder to generate immigration forms and prepare your document set faster.
Free Spain immigration forms builder
Generate MI-T, MI-F and supporting forms in minutes.
Complete Spain Digital Nomad Visa guide
Requirements, income thresholds and full timeline.
Document checklist
Every document you need for the application.
Apostille and sworn translation
How to legalise foreign documents for Spain.
Compare your situation with the applicant scenarios (freelancer, employee, family) to confirm your route.