I like your style. No bull, no drama. Just clear facts about your journey in Spain. I am also a Canadian from Vancouver. I have stared exploring my options for living abroad when I hit retirement age. I have subscribed to your channel. Best of luck.
Great to hear from a Canadian about moving overseas. Do you have any concerns regarding drought and shortages of water in Spain? It’s one of the things that’s been on my radar as I look at a possible move to Spain. Thanks.
Drought in southern Spain is a real concern. The government is actively trying to combat desertification. I did not notice an impact on everyday residents, no rationing, no peak time use or anything like that, mind you we are in an apartment, maybe the villas have restrictions in regards to irrigation. Living in Spain is amazing, great quality of life.
Such great, to the point information! I'm so happy that I didnt have to listen to 7-8 minutes of blather before you started getting down to brass tacks. Thank you! Nicely done. 👍👍👍
Thank you for your great videos about non-lucrative visa and moving processes from Canada/USA to Spain, lots of useful information. Why did you choose this particular lawyers company based in Spain and did not proceed with a company that has an office in Canada?
I chose Just Law because they had great reviews and were located in the city I was moving to. You want to use a Spanish lawyer because they will be in contact with Spanish authorities and they book all of your appointments when you arrive in Spain with the townhall and national police. They also fill in all the paperwork for you in Spanish.
The Convenio Especial is a pay-in scheme for public health care services delivered by the Spanish regional health authorities. For a monthly fee (€60 under 65, €157 over 65) you’ll be covered by the Spanish public healthcare system, including pre-existing conditions, although you will have to pay for prescriptions and some extras like prosthetics. After residing in Spain on a Non Lucrative Visa for 1 year, I believe that you can buy into the public system (SNS) ? Your videos are extremely informative, thank you for doing them. Fred
Extremely helpful details. Really appreciate you doing this. We live in Arkansas and will apply through Houston Consulate soon as we’re going to retire to Spain around June. One experience I already had with Houston Consulate is that it’s been 3 months already that I have applied for my NIE and even did the interview in the Consulate too, but I’m yet to receive it… Not the fastest service there, but it could be because they’re sending everything to Madrid for NIE while the non-lucrative visa could be within their control and they can process the applications and issue visas locally. Anyways, I enjoy your clips; very informative. Thanks again, Mike
I'm not sure how they view credentials from outside Spain. You would also need to be fluent in Spanish. Best to contact an immigration lawyer and do a consultation, they would be better equipped to answer these questions. I can recommend Just law Solicitors in Fuengirola. Here is their link www.justlawsolicitors.com/team/
Spaniards warn of “ having a bank account “ because then you’re on the radar of “la hacienda “ the Tax man. As soon as you’ve spent more than six months in any given year then you’re automatically considered to be a “tax resident “ and have duty to make a tax declaration every year. It’s a nightmare. I live in Fuengirola too. I’m a U.K. citizen with Spanish residency hacking my way through the Spanish tax system. You NEED an accountant !
Hi once again!! Do I need a laptop? I have an iPad. Could I bring my medicine with me and have it shipped to Spain monthly? I have Tmobile. When I move, should I keep Tmobile until I can get a phone in Spain? In another video I just watched of you, you said it was less expensive to live down the coast of Malaga. My income is3200 a month. Can I do this and live safely? Thank you so much! Your channel is the best one I have found!!
Hi, an ipad should be fine. I'm not sure about the shipping of medicine, best to ask the postal service about that. As you move away from Malaga city the price drops a bit. The entire region is very safe. Compared to the USA and Canada rent and property prices are much cheaper in Spain. 3200 a month should be more than enough to live comfortably
@@TheEmptyMiddleSeatTravel thank you for your reply! I like your inclusive content and the way you deliver it to us. Your channel is tops on my list. This will be the bravest thing I've ever done. I've loved learning about different cultures since college, and this is a dream come true!
@@TheEmptyMiddleSeatTravel Hi, I'm also from Canada. My first language is Spanish. Watching recent youtubers Videos they mentioned the average salary in Spain is 1.080 Euros a Month, so I personally find very unfair the Spanish Consulate in order to get the NLV is asking for a monthly income of $3.108 Cnd. (around 2.115 Euros a month ) which is double the average salary. Thanks for your Videos, they are very informative, have a great time in Spain !!!
I'm not sure on that one. Spain taxes your global income, but Canada and Spain also have a tax treaty so you avoid double taxation. Best to consult a professional, I can't give you a clear answer.
Hi, thanks for the comprehensive video! I'm also with Santander but I'm paying a non-resident account fee of 16€ per month. How are you not paying any fees? Are you keep a large deposit?
Very good information thank you for sharing only one question did the lawyer in Spain helped you to get the visa from Canada or you did it all by yourself especially filling the application and organizing the paper to submit to embassy in Canada
They helped with the visa filled in the application and reviewed my documents. Then once I arrived they booked all the appointments and filled the necessary paperwork for the authorities.
As a Canadian starting the process for the NLV in Ottawa I have a few questions. Is there any chance of communicating privately ? My first language is spanish but I've been in Canada for 45 years. Thanks for sharing all this valuable information.
A couple of more questions for you if you don’t mind: 1. Did you hire a lawyer prior to your move to Spain or after; and how do you use their services now? 2. Same question as above in regards with hiring an agent or whatever they’re called who assist with your civil obligations such as whatever that you needed to do in police station or City Hall (ayuntamiento) or bank, etc. Thanks again, Mike
Hi, yes I hired the lawyers prior to starting the application. Once I arrived I used them to review a contract for me. They also set up all my appointments and filled in the required documents for the authorities. This fall I will use them for my first visa renewal. The agent was strictly used for securing the rental. It was a real estate agent not one of the people who help with immigration.
Make sure to do a video about your renewal for next 2 year! Seems pretty straight forward, spanish criminal record search online, proof of income for 2 years, Padron/residency, medical coverage and associated forms and fees. We found the local Fuengirola Policía Nacional was easy to se up on line appointments. Again, City hall was easy for Padron. But let us know! Your videos are clear and no fluff.
Thanks for this info. I would like to see a chart of personal tax rates for Canadians moving to Spain. We have monthly retirement pensions from work and being old :) . Also, how do tax rates apply to our Canadian TFSA's when we take the money out and also if we were to sell our home in Canada. We already own a place in Torreblanca.
Spain taxes your worldwide income, including pensions, capital gains. If you sell your house the year prior to becoming a tax resident you should avoid tax here, if not Spain will tax the sale also. I do know that you cannot contribute to a TFSA if you are abroad. I would suggest reaching out to a professional, i consulted Baker Tilly in Canada, and also had a tax simulation completed by Lexidy Law in Madrid. Here is a link to Spain's taxes from HSBC www.expat.hsbc.com/expat-explorer/expat-guides/spain/tax-in-spain/
Hi, from what I can see the Montreal consulate still requires translation into Spanish. for foreign documents only. I would assume that the Montreal consulate would have some French speaking employees it might be best to contact them directly. , You can read on their website under the requirements for the visa. Here is a link to their website. www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/montreal/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx
Amazing information , I am a fellow Canadian looking to retire in Spain. For the application , do you need to prove you have had savings in your bank account for at least year ? (0r so) . How does the criminal report work, I hear you cant go to your local police station ? Do they look at how many times you have visited Spain before you apply for a non luc visa ? How do you renew your passport when in Spain if application is approved and you are there (lets say 5 years ) for the expired time of your passport. ( if that makes sense lol ) ? sorry one more..Can I rent an apartment for 3 or 4 months then buy an apartment , how do they feel about that .....Thank you again for this video !!
I believe proof of funds is three months for either, savings or monthly. I went into the Edmonton Police Service, and I just asked for a criminal check for immigration/emigration, that includes the RCMP check. It's $50 for the local police and another $25 for the RCMP. I have no idea what the consulate looks at, or if they look at if you have ever been to Spain. My wife and I had been many times over the last few years if that helps. You can renew your passport easily from abroad, I haven't done it yet, I have until 2026, but I believe you might be able to do it online and via mail, if not there is always the embassy in Madrid. I don't see why you couldn't buy a property after a few months, but most contracts have a requirement to pay the landlord 6 months before breaking a lease. So if you left before 6 months, you would most likely have to pay the landlord out for the months you didn't fulfill. Also buying a property in Spain can be a lengthy endeavor. I have seen other people take to 3-4 months to close. Hope that helps
If you are in Spain before you move or after you move (but before you have all your Spanish documents) you can open a non-resident account with your passport, tax return. Once your account is open, you will have to move a minimum 600 euros a month each month to your account and the fees area waived. If you do not transfer 600 euros in a month your fee for that month would be 20 euros.
@TheEmptyMiddleSeatTravel wow that’s great! But as a non resident to open this type of account do we need any NIE number at all? If so how to do? Thanks buddy!
@@Userhtfy3426 I can't remember, I believe it's just your passport and tax return from your home country. But if you do need to obtain a NIE prior to your visa you can obtain one via your local consulate
Most places where I live do not have built in heating like in North America. My place has a heat pump, and I also have 3 space heaters. I rarely turn them, just in the mornings sometimes.
We have a electric "fireplace" in our apartment. We use it if it's cold, (cold being ~16) if we feel like it. Zero insulation in brick walls unless modern home! Aircon is interesting, and it depends on your place. Ours has so much ventilation with 14 windows/doors in apartment. It's attico, and we've used it just to make sure it works! When we renovate bathrooms and Kitchener likely will just remove it completely.
The US does not have a retirement visa. We looked into the states, but without a retirement visa it didn't work. You would be shocked how many people are moving to Europe from North America.
Florida? 😂. Plus, try it. I used to work in industry that the USA was desperate for workers. I owned property there. I considered it. But they really don't want people to move there, they want you to visit and spend your dollars there. Spain is quite different (as is Portugal, according to others). They WANT people to move here, be in the economy, be part of the culture and spend their money all without being a burden on the social system. If you are serious about USA, forget everything and see what your health care insurance will be. Then for Florida, check out property insurance. Make sure to consider flood and hurricane coverage. Plus, currently Florida, be careful you don't bring a banned book, or are a woman of child bearing age?
I know some people do, but I am not sure legally. But Spain just passed a digital nomad visa for remote workers, and it has better taxes than the NLV. Should be out some time this year. I don't have any info on it yet
I don't have much info on it yet as I haven't filed. Here is a link from CRA. www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/leaving-canada-emigrants.html
I like your style. No bull, no drama. Just clear facts about your journey in Spain. I am also a Canadian from Vancouver. I have stared exploring my options for living abroad when I hit retirement age. I have subscribed to your channel. Best of luck.
Thanks, I appreciate it.
Great video thanks lot
Great to hear from a Canadian about moving overseas. Do you have any concerns regarding drought and shortages of water in Spain? It’s one of the things that’s been on my radar as I look at a possible move to Spain. Thanks.
Drought in southern Spain is a real concern. The government is actively trying to combat desertification. I did not notice an impact on everyday residents, no rationing, no peak time use or anything like that, mind you we are in an apartment, maybe the villas have restrictions in regards to irrigation. Living in Spain is amazing, great quality of life.
Such great, to the point information! I'm so happy that I didnt have to listen to 7-8 minutes of blather before you started getting down to brass tacks. Thank you! Nicely done. 👍👍👍
Thank you, glad it was helpful.
As a local here in Fuengirola it's fascinating to watch someone move their life over here and explain their journey. Keep up the good work! 👍
Thank you
Very useful video
Thanks, glad you found it helpful
Thank you for your great videos about non-lucrative visa and moving processes from Canada/USA to Spain, lots of useful information. Why did you choose this particular lawyers company based in Spain and did not proceed with a company that has an office in Canada?
I chose Just Law because they had great reviews and were located in the city I was moving to. You want to use a Spanish lawyer because they will be in contact with Spanish authorities and they book all of your appointments when you arrive in Spain with the townhall and national police. They also fill in all the paperwork for you in Spanish.
@@TheEmptyMiddleSeatTravel .Thank you, it makes sense
How can I relocate to Spain with my family without difficulties to get job n also school for my kids
I believe you will have to get a work contract offer from an employer here in Spain. Unless you have an EU passport.
This is a super helpful and informative video! It can be overwhelming to move to another country and these are great tips.
Thank you for the info.! It’s really great to hear it from someone who’s just gone through it all. Look forward to your next vid.
Thanks, glad you are finding them helpful
Sounds like is better to just buy a place and visit summers only.
There are a lot of people that do that, only come over for 3 months
The Convenio Especial is a pay-in scheme for public health care services delivered by the Spanish regional health authorities. For a monthly fee (€60 under 65, €157 over 65) you’ll be covered by the Spanish public healthcare system, including pre-existing conditions, although you will have to pay for prescriptions and some extras like prosthetics.
After residing in Spain on a Non Lucrative Visa for 1 year, I believe that you can buy into the public system (SNS) ? Your videos are extremely informative, thank you for doing them. Fred
Thank you. Great information, I did not know that.
Excellent information! Thank you for sharing so many things. I would like to retire in Spain and all this info is well appreciated. Thank you so much.
Glad it was helpful!
Extremely helpful details. Really appreciate you doing this.
We live in Arkansas and will apply through Houston Consulate soon as we’re going to retire to Spain around June. One experience I already had with Houston Consulate is that it’s been 3 months already that I have applied for my NIE and even did the interview in the Consulate too, but I’m yet to receive it… Not the fastest service there, but it could be because they’re sending everything to Madrid for NIE while the non-lucrative visa could be within their control and they can process the applications and issue visas locally.
Anyways, I enjoy your clips; very informative.
Thanks again,
Mike
Thank you and good luck with the move
Coming from Nigeria with 3kids how is it for me to use my health care assistant certificate to work in spain
I'm not sure how they view credentials from outside Spain. You would also need to be fluent in Spanish. Best to contact an immigration lawyer and do a consultation, they would be better equipped to answer these questions. I can recommend Just law Solicitors in Fuengirola. Here is their link www.justlawsolicitors.com/team/
Super informative... thanks..
Please make a tax video once you start the spain tax
For people living from investing
Thank you, I plan on it,
Spaniards warn of “ having a bank account “ because then you’re on the radar of “la hacienda “ the Tax man. As soon as you’ve spent more than six months in any given year then you’re automatically considered to be a “tax resident “ and have duty to make a tax declaration every year. It’s a nightmare. I live in Fuengirola too. I’m a U.K. citizen with Spanish residency hacking my way through the Spanish tax system. You NEED an accountant !
I will be a tax resident next year in Spain. I plan on getting an accountant here, I wouldn't tackle it myself.
Beats -30 plus windchill!!
Yes, it is much better than a Canadian winter
Nice to meet you a few week ago in Miramar Scott. Keep up the good work on the videos. Great stuff!
Thanks. Yes it was very nice to meet you and your wife.
Hi once again!! Do I need a laptop? I have an iPad. Could I bring my medicine with me and have it shipped to Spain monthly? I have Tmobile. When I move, should I keep Tmobile until I can get a phone in Spain? In another video I just watched of you, you said it was less expensive to live down the coast of Malaga. My income is3200 a month. Can I do this and live safely? Thank you so much! Your channel is the best one I have found!!
Hi, an ipad should be fine. I'm not sure about the shipping of medicine, best to ask the postal service about that. As you move away from Malaga city the price drops a bit. The entire region is very safe. Compared to the USA and Canada rent and property prices are much cheaper in Spain. 3200 a month should be more than enough to live comfortably
@@TheEmptyMiddleSeatTravel thank you for your reply! I like your inclusive content and the way you deliver it to us. Your channel is tops on my list. This will be the bravest thing I've ever done. I've loved learning about different cultures since college, and this is a dream come true!
If you cannot speak Spanish, there is a company called Lobster that's full English. Way cheaper cell phones in Europe.
@@TheEmptyMiddleSeatTravel Hi, I'm also from Canada. My first language is Spanish. Watching recent youtubers Videos they mentioned the average salary in Spain is 1.080 Euros a Month, so I personally find very unfair the Spanish Consulate in order to get the NLV is asking for a monthly income of $3.108 Cnd. (around 2.115 Euros a month ) which is double the average salary. Thanks for your Videos, they are very informative, have a great time in Spain !!!
Great video. I know you haven't done taxes yet. I have a question as I am looking to retire and wondering will Spain tax on my OES and CPP?
I'm not sure on that one. Spain taxes your global income, but Canada and Spain also have a tax treaty so you avoid double taxation. Best to consult a professional, I can't give you a clear answer.
Hi, thanks for the comprehensive video! I'm also with Santander but I'm paying a non-resident account fee of 16€ per month. How are you not paying any fees? Are you keep a large deposit?
Thank you. I believe you have to transfer a minimum of 600 euros a month into the account
Speaking of healthcare private companies, the biggest ones are ASISA and ADESLAS. Gps everywhere, problem language.
Very good information thank you for sharing only one question did the lawyer in Spain helped you to get the visa from Canada or you did it all by yourself especially filling the application and organizing the paper to submit to embassy in Canada
They helped with the visa filled in the application and reviewed my documents. Then once I arrived they booked all the appointments and filled the necessary paperwork for the authorities.
@@TheEmptyMiddleSeatTravel thank you for your reply we are currently in mexico but I am looking for something better
As a Canadian starting the process for the NLV in Ottawa I have a few questions. Is there any chance of communicating privately ? My first language is spanish but I've been in Canada for 45 years. Thanks for sharing all this valuable information.
Yes, no problem. Here is my email emptymiddleseat@gmail.com
A couple of more questions for you if you don’t mind:
1. Did you hire a lawyer prior to your move to Spain or after; and how do you use their services now?
2. Same question as above in regards with hiring an agent or whatever they’re called who assist with your civil obligations such as whatever that you needed to do in police station or City Hall (ayuntamiento) or bank, etc.
Thanks again,
Mike
Hi, yes I hired the lawyers prior to starting the application. Once I arrived I used them to review a contract for me. They also set up all my appointments and filled in the required documents for the authorities. This fall I will use them for my first visa renewal. The agent was strictly used for securing the rental. It was a real estate agent not one of the people who help with immigration.
Make sure to do a video about your renewal for next 2 year!
Seems pretty straight forward, spanish criminal record search online, proof of income for 2 years, Padron/residency, medical coverage and associated forms and fees.
We found the local Fuengirola Policía Nacional was easy to se up on line appointments.
Again, City hall was easy for Padron.
But let us know! Your videos are clear and no fluff.
Thanks for this info. I would like to see a chart of personal tax rates for Canadians moving to Spain. We have monthly retirement pensions from work and being old :) . Also, how do tax rates apply to our Canadian TFSA's when we take the money out and also if we were to sell our home in Canada. We already own a place in Torreblanca.
Spain taxes your worldwide income, including pensions, capital gains. If you sell your house the year prior to becoming a tax resident you should avoid tax here, if not Spain will tax the sale also. I do know that you cannot contribute to a TFSA if you are abroad. I would suggest reaching out to a professional, i consulted Baker Tilly in Canada, and also had a tax simulation completed by Lexidy Law in Madrid. Here is a link to Spain's taxes from HSBC www.expat.hsbc.com/expat-explorer/expat-guides/spain/tax-in-spain/
Speaking of the documents needed , I'm from the province of Quebec and all my documents are in french...... Do I need to translate everything ??
Hi, from what I can see the Montreal consulate still requires translation into Spanish. for foreign documents only. I would assume that the Montreal consulate would have some French speaking employees it might be best to contact them directly. , You can read on their website under the requirements for the visa. Here is a link to their website. www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/montreal/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx
Amazing information , I am a fellow Canadian looking to retire in Spain. For the application , do you need to prove you have had savings in your bank account for at least year ? (0r so) . How does the criminal report work, I hear you cant go to your local police station ? Do they look at how many times you have visited Spain before you apply for a non luc visa ? How do you renew your passport when in Spain if application is approved and you are there (lets say 5 years ) for the expired time of your passport. ( if that makes sense lol ) ? sorry one more..Can I rent an apartment for 3 or 4 months then buy an apartment , how do they feel about that .....Thank you again for this video !!
I believe proof of funds is three months for either, savings or monthly. I went into the Edmonton Police Service, and I just asked for a criminal check for immigration/emigration, that includes the RCMP check. It's $50 for the local police and another $25 for the RCMP. I have no idea what the consulate looks at, or if they look at if you have ever been to Spain. My wife and I had been many times over the last few years if that helps. You can renew your passport easily from abroad, I haven't done it yet, I have until 2026, but I believe you might be able to do it online and via mail, if not there is always the embassy in Madrid. I don't see why you couldn't buy a property after a few months, but most contracts have a requirement to pay the landlord 6 months before breaking a lease. So if you left before 6 months, you would most likely have to pay the landlord out for the months you didn't fulfill. Also buying a property in Spain can be a lengthy endeavor. I have seen other people take to 3-4 months to close. Hope that helps
@@TheEmptyMiddleSeatTravel thanks perfect.!!
Do I have to pay taxes on overseas business income ? Please share you know. Thank you
Yes, Spain taxes your worldwide assets.
If you would be so kind to elaborate on a free non-resident account with Santander. Greatly appreciate your help.
If you are in Spain before you move or after you move (but before you have all your Spanish documents) you can open a non-resident account with your passport, tax return. Once your account is open, you will have to move a minimum 600 euros a month each month to your account and the fees area waived. If you do not transfer 600 euros in a month your fee for that month would be 20 euros.
@@TheEmptyMiddleSeatTravelIs there a minimum balance requirement? After moving 600 euros every month can you move out some money to avoid fees?
@@Userhtfy3426 no minimum balance, just the moving of a minimum of 600 euros into the account each month
@TheEmptyMiddleSeatTravel wow that’s great! But as a non resident to open this type of account do we need any NIE number at all? If so how to do? Thanks buddy!
@@Userhtfy3426 I can't remember, I believe it's just your passport and tax return from your home country. But if you do need to obtain a NIE prior to your visa you can obtain one via your local consulate
When you said it gets cold, do you have heaters there? If not, are portable heaters available?
Most places where I live do not have built in heating like in North America. My place has a heat pump, and I also have 3 space heaters. I rarely turn them, just in the mornings sometimes.
@@TheEmptyMiddleSeatTravel that’s good to know. Do you have a thermostat? I wonder what temperature you get indoors.
We have a electric "fireplace" in our apartment. We use it if it's cold, (cold being ~16) if we feel like it.
Zero insulation in brick walls unless modern home!
Aircon is interesting, and it depends on your place.
Ours has so much ventilation with 14 windows/doors in apartment. It's attico, and we've used it just to make sure it works!
When we renovate bathrooms and Kitchener likely will just remove it completely.
@@geoff7300 Thanks for this info.
I can understand Canadians wanting to move to a warmer climate, but would it not be easier to move to say, Flordia? Same language, Culture.
The US does not have a retirement visa. We looked into the states, but without a retirement visa it didn't work. You would be shocked how many people are moving to Europe from North America.
The Mediterranean is much better than Florida.
Florida? 😂.
Plus, try it. I used to work in industry that the USA was desperate for workers. I owned property there. I considered it.
But they really don't want people to move there, they want you to visit and spend your dollars there.
Spain is quite different (as is Portugal, according to others).
They WANT people to move here, be in the economy, be part of the culture and spend their money all without being a burden on the social system.
If you are serious about USA, forget everything and see what your health care insurance will be. Then for Florida, check out property insurance. Make sure to consider flood and hurricane coverage.
Plus, currently Florida, be careful you don't bring a banned book, or are a woman of child bearing age?
I’m in Canada. How are you maintaining you’re canadian status if I’m fact you still are. OHIP ect …
Or whatever else you need From Canada
I"m not maintaining it. I will be a non-resident of Canada soon.
Are you allowed to work in Spain, do you have any working rights?
No, not on the non lucrative visa. But there are other visas you can apply for that allow you to work
Are you allowed to work remotely on the non-lucrative visa?
I know some people do, but I am not sure legally. But Spain just passed a digital nomad visa for remote workers, and it has better taxes than the NLV. Should be out some time this year. I don't have any info on it yet
@@TheEmptyMiddleSeatTravel It doesn't seem to be allowed under the NLV. Thanks for the quick reply
How's your Spanish going?
Not too bad, I wish it was faster. I am looking at starting lessons now that Christmas is over.
Departure tax??? 😳
I don't have much info on it yet as I haven't filed. Here is a link from CRA. www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/individuals-leaving-entering-canada-non-residents/leaving-canada-emigrants.html
@@TheEmptyMiddleSeatTravel I look forward to that video. So much tax! 😂
Is the monthly income amount verification before or after taxes?
After taxes.