Canadians can stay in Spain for up to 12 months under the Working Holiday Visa. Canadians may also be eligible for another 1-year visa under a different category of the Youth Mobility Visa (YMV), so you can potentially stay up to 2 years!
Capital city: Madrid
Currency: Euro (€)
Language: Spanish + Catalan, Galician, and Basque
Population: Approximately 47 million.
Transportation: Efficient & Abundant
Land area: 505,992 km²
Area Code: +34
Time zone: CET (GMT +2)
At Stepabroad, we’re dedicated to helping Canadian citizens explore the world through working holiday programs. If you’re considering a working holiday adventure in Spain, you’re in the right place. Spain offers a unique and enriching experience for young Canadians, and our team is here to guide you through the process. Let’s dive into the basics of the program and the youth mobility agreement in place between Spain and Canada.
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is the gateway for young Canadians to embark on working holidays in countries like Spain. This program facilitates cultural exchange and provides opportunities for young adults to immerse themselves in a new country and its culture.
Canada has a Youth Mobility Agreement in place with Spain. This agreement enables young Canadians to live and work in Spain for a specific period, typically up to one year. The agreement promotes cultural exchange, allowing participants to experience the Spanish way of life while contributing to the local workforce. If you’re already looking into a work holiday visa, Spain is a really exciting option.Â
To participate in the Spain working holiday program, you’ll need to obtain a youth mobility visa Spain. This visa is your ticket to an unforgettable adventure in this vibrant European country. Firstly, you must be a Canadian citizen aged 18 to 35 to qualify for the program. The duration of your stay in Spain typically ranges from six months to one year. The Youth Mobility Visa Spain allows you ample time to explore, work, and fully immerse yourself in Spanish culture. There is also a wide range of different employment opportunities, making Spain a truly great option. Stepabroad can assist you in ensuring that you meet all the Spain visa requirements, and help you secure your working holiday visa Spain!
When applying for the Youth Mobility Visa Spain, it’s essential to meet specific requirements set by the Spanish government. Your dedicated Stepabroad travel advisor will guide you through the application process, ensuring you have all the necessary documentation in order. The key requirements include:
Obtaining a working holiday visa Spain gives you the chance to truly embrace Spanish time. By which we mean drawn-out lunches and late-night dinners, flamenco dancing, sangria drinking and, of course, travelling. In addition, the Youth Mobility Visa Spain agreement between Canada and Spain means that Canadians can live and work in Spain for up to two years.
The icing on the cake? Spain enjoys year-round sunshine, meaning you can apply and leave for Spain at any time of year. With Stepabroad guiding you through the process of moving to Spain, you can focus on planning all the fun stuff. For instance, where to start your adventure. Will it be lively Madrid, cosmopolitan Barcelona, sunny Malaga or charming Valencia? Choose where you would like to settle in for your year-long work and travel adventure and put that Spain Work Visa to work!
Interested to learn more about our Spain Working Holiday Visa Programs? Get in touch and one of our travel coordinators will get back to you to help start planning your Spain Working Holiday Adventure & obtaining your Spain Work Visa!
Immerse yourself in the delightful world of Spanish cuisine and the joy of tapas. While living in Spain, you can perfect the art of people-watching while sharing authentic Spanish tapas with new friends. Savour the flavours of patatas bravas, chorizo, and paella as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Spanish eateries. It’s a culinary journey you won’t want to miss.
There’s no better place to learn Spanish than in the heart of Spain itself. Engage with warm, friendly Spaniards and practice rolling your ‘r’s and speaking like a local in no time. Living in Spain provides a unique opportunity to not only learn the language but also immerse yourself in the culture. From casual conversations in cafes to exploring historic cities, you’ll find countless chances to improve your Spanish. If you’re looking to start your Spain Adventure off with a bang then check out our Kick-Start Program which includes 2 weeks of language lessons!
Spain’s climate is a paradise for those who crave endless summers. With year-round sunshine, you’ll enjoy an incredible diversity of landscapes, from white sand beaches to surf spots, alpine peaks, lush forests, and even volcanoes. The Spanish landscape is your playground, offering a wide range of outdoor adventures under the sun.
A working holiday in Spain isn’t just about fun and adventure; it’s also a chance to boost your resume. Personal growth, increased cultural awareness, and professional networking are just a few of the benefits you’ll gain. Employers value international experience, and your time in Spain will enhance your skills, independence, and adaptability. All this is made possible through your Spain Visa Canada.
Spain is a country where history comes to life. You could visit the Moorish influence in Andalusia or the grandeur of Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona. Wherever you go, you’ll experience a rich tapestry of history and culture. You’ll explore ancient castles, picturesque villages, and lively festivals. Living in Spain provides a front-row seat to the captivating stories and traditions that have shaped this enchanting nation.
It’s essential to note that visa requirements and application processes can change. At Stepabroad we ensure that we have the most up-to-date information and processes in place to ensure the smoothest possible acquisition of your Spain Visa from Canada! It is important to keep an eye on government websites, such as the Government of Canada’s IEC program website. At Stepabroad, our mission is to make your Spanish working holiday dream a reality. The process of obtaining a Spain Working Holiday Visa independently can be quite a difficult one! However, we’re here to assist Canadian citizens in obtaining their Spain Work Holiday visa and support them throughout their journey. If you’re ready for an adventure that combines work and exploration in this beautiful Mediterranean country, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Spain is waiting for you!
When it comes to a Spain Working Holiday, the choices are yours to make. You get to decide where you want to live and the type of job you want to pursue. It is your ‘Working Holiday España,’ after all! Your personal advisor will walk you through the intricacies of work permit regulations. They will also equip you with the resources you need to kickstart your job search in Spain. Popular Destinations for participants are Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona & Granada.
Spain is a truly enchanting country, rich in culture and history that is evident throughout. Depending on where you decide to stay, you may even have the pleasure of learning a few words in Catalan, Basque or Galician. Spain is a country of sangria and siestas. It’s a passionate, vibrant and romantic place, where flamenco melodies drift whimsically through the air. It’s a place where groups of friends share mouthwatering tapas whilst practicing Spanish, the second most frequently spoken native language in the world. A working holiday in Spain is an experience you will never forget & the Youth Mobility Visa Spain is your ticket to get there!
Living in Spain as a Canadian offers an enchanting blend of experiences, each contributing to a rich tapestry of cultural immersion. From the moment you arrive, the warm hospitality of the locals and the vibrant street life will make you feel at home. While Spanish is the official language, many Spaniards appreciate the effort of English-speaking newcomers, making it easier to adapt. The cuisine is a delight for your taste buds, with tapas culture inviting you to savour a variety of flavours. Exploring Spain is an adventure like no other. This is true whether you’re wandering through historic streets or diving into the Mediterranean’s turquoise waters. This journey pushes you out of your comfort zone, nurturing personal growth and cultural awareness.
One of the most compelling reasons for a working holiday in Spain is the difference in the cost of living. This is particularly true when we compare major cities like Vancouver and Madrid. The financial advantages are not merely theoretical; they translate into tangible benefits that can transform your experience. You would need around 6,040.6€ (8,685.7C$) in Vancouver to maintain the same standard of life that you can enjoy with 3,600.0€. To put it simply, your wallet stretches much further in Spain’s capital. Consumer prices, including rent, are around 67% lower in Madrid compared to Vancouver. This makes Spain’s capital an inviting destination for those seeking affordability without compromising their lifestyle.
Another noteworthy point is that essentials like groceries are more budget-friendly in Madrid. The prices of groceries in Vancouver are usually significantly higher. This includes staples like milk, bread, rice, eggs, and meat. The advantage extends to transportation, where public transport and taxi fares in Madrid are more affordable than in Vancouver. In fact, it even extends into eating out! Plus, for those who enjoy a refreshing beer with their meals, Madrid’s prices are a delight. A draught beer costs around 3.00 € (4.31 C$), while the same beer in Vancouver rings in at 5.56 € (8.00 C$)! This cost differential allows you to allocate your funds to exploring Spain’s rich culture and diverse landscapes.
It’s important to note that your income and cost of living will vary depending on your location. However, these comparisons serve as valuable reference points. With its lower cost of living, Spain provides access to healthier food and a climate that bids adieu to Canada’s winters. Naturally, it stands as a compelling destination for Canadians looking to embark on a memorable working holiday adventure.
1 - 12 months
C$599
Ready to work and travel in Spain? Our Send-Off Package will help you make the big move. Your personal adviser will guide you through every step of the process, from visa support to the ‘life admin’ of setting up in Spain, ensuring you arrive fully prepared to start your Working Holiday.
2 weeks
C$1,699
Our Kick-Start Spain Program gives you the opportunity to experience living in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga or Valencia! We’ll set you up with two weeks of Spanish language lessons and fun organized social events; a ‘Becoming Local 101’ crash course, if you will.
1 - 36 months
From CAD$499
No, it's not Spain. But it makes the perfect combo for one epic European working holiday adventure! We can organize your UK Working Holiday Visa while you are in Spain so that you can move to the UK as soon as your time in Spain ends.
Canadians can stay in Spain for up to 12 months under the Working Holiday Visa. Canadians may also be eligible for another 1-year visa under a different category of the Youth Mobility Visa (YMV), so you can potentially stay up to 2 years!
The age requirement for Canadians between 18 to 35 years old (inclusive). To be exact, you must submit the visa application before your 36th birthday. As the processing timeline for the visa can be long, we strongly recommend you to apply for the visa at LEAST 6 months before you turn 36 years old.
Canadians can apply and participate up to 2 times as long as they are under different categories of the Youth Mobility Visa (YMV).
Spain offers Canadians 1,000 youth mobility visas each year. That being said, they have not met this quota in previous years, so we wouldn’t worry about this quota if we were you!
The Spanish authorities update the Youth Mobility Visa fees every year, but as a reference for 2024, the current rates are below:
Overall, you will need to pay around $150 CAD directly towards the Spanish Embassy or Consulate at the time of your visa submission. However, please note that this fee does not include fees associated with the required visa documents, such as translation, medical certificate, fingerprints for the criminal record check, etc. If you would like to discuss budgeting, please schedule a free call with our Spain travel coordinator now!
Most Canadians that have traveled with us at Stepabroad get a job in English teaching/tutoring, as well as jobs in tourism/hospitality. On average, our Spain participants take 2-5 weeks upon arrival to land a job in Spain. If you are bilingual in Spanish, you will definitely have more job opportunities available during your working holiday experience in Spain!
The Youth Mobility Visa (YMV) is the official name of the agreement between Spain and Canada, and it includes five different categories Canadians can apply for. One of these categories is the Working Holiday Visa.
In Canada, this program is managed by International Experience Canada (IEC), the government department that facilitates the agreement between both countries. Thanks to IEC, Canadians can apply for a Working Holiday Visa to Spain!
You may be eligible for another category under the Youth Mobility Agreement between Canada and Spain. Each category has different eligibility terms. You can learn more about these categories on the Embassy of Spain website
No, you can legally live and work in Spain only. Even though Spain is part of the European Union, your work permit in Spain will not allow you to work in any other EU countries.
However, you can visit other EU countries during your Spain working holiday visa, and guess what? Many other European countries also have Youth Mobility Agreements with Canada, which means that if you end up liking the other countries, who knows? Maybe that can be your next working holiday destination? Stepabroad also has services in France and the UK!Â
You can drive with your Canadian driver’s license and an International Driving Permit for up to 6 months in Spain. After that, you will need to obtain a local Spanish license.
This will depend on the requirements of the country you are interested in applying for. Our advice is to check the eligibility requirements for Canadians, so that you know if this is a possibility. For example, if you are interested in applying for the UK Working Holiday after your Spain working holiday, you can apply for it from Spain. Remember that even though Spain is part of the European Union, each country has their own requirements for Canadians and working holidays!
There is not really a specific time that is best to find work in Spain, as this is more connected to what you are looking for!
If you want to work in Hospitality/Tourism, we highly recommend you to travel during spring so that you can be there for the peak season of summer months. If you are a Canadian looking for an English teaching job, it is best to travel around August so that you can already be in Spain when the school year starts in September!