canadianexpat2024

We are seriously looking to retire in Spain. After 15 years in Canada the snow is becoming less attractive. Can anyone advise the best route to take. Apply from Canada or come back to UK for a month and apply from there. We have two dogs to bring with us.
Not sure where to start. Have started learning the language and we can actually retire in 20 months but we are also in a position to move when we feel ready.

SanDiegogirl

What visa are you looking at. (presuming you are NOT EU citizens)

canadianexpat2024

That's the thing- we only started researching today. We do have British and Canadian passports

tebo53

Here is a link to the non lucrative visa. If you apply for this visa you will not be allowed to work.

https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consul...lucrativa.aspx

Steve

spainrico

Yes come and live where we never see a flake of snow...Costa Blanca

Some useful links

https://www.ageinspain.org/moving-to-spain

https://www.pellicerheredia.com/en/open-library/

good luck

tebo53

I've seen snow fall in Benidorm several times...

Steve

spainrico

A sprinkling yes I have to but does not last long!

Lou71

I would be inclined to start the process in Canada because I don't imagine you want to have to move the dogs twice.

​​​​​​If you don't like the look of the NLV or you don't meet the minimum income requirement, take a look at Portugal. It's easier to obtain the equivalent visa (D7) with a lower income requirement and free state health care.

Are you absolutely positive that neither of you are eligible for an EU passport? It would be far easier if you were and only one of you needs to qualify.

EU.flag

Start visa process in country you are resident, regardless of passport.

Joppa

Very sensible, as you need documents from your current or recent country of residence, such as police criminal record. Much easier to get it while you are in Canada than after moving to UK.

canadianexpat2024

I have just sent my passports off to be renewed but Britain is no longer part of the EU unfortunately.

Lou71

Indeed, it's unfortunate to say the least!

What I actually meant was do either you or your partner qualify for an Irish (or other EU) passport?

Fred James

Health insurance is a potentially serious showstopper if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. You will need to sign up for a suitable insurance policy with a Spanish company or a foreign one that operates in Spain. It must have no exclusions whatsoever and not require any co-payments.

This is really the first requirement you should sort out as it can stop the whole visa application in its tracks if you cannot find a suitable policy.

canadianexpat2024

Thanks for this. We are both very healthy except for hubs is on an anti depressant but I can't see that presenting a problem. We have recently had our annual medical and that all came back clear

GC44

My wife and I are in the same boat as you guys. Were Brits who have been in Canada since 2011 but are planning to retire to Spain next year.
We have decided to move back to the UK first for around 4 months, then we can get our UK driving licences back. Spain and the UK have an agreement where you can basically swap a UK licence for a Spanish one. I believe that agreement does not exist between Canada and Spain. Canadians have to take a driving test over in Spain if they want a licence.
We will put in our application for an NLV in the UK. Probably Manchester but we have plans to use a company that sorts the required paperwork out for you.
My Spanish is good enough to go out for a meal and a few drinks but nowhere near good enough to sit a Spanish driving test!!
Good luck..