Canadians living in Spain

Hey guys,

I am in a similar situation to the people who have previously posted. My girlfriend and I plan on staying in Barcelona at a relatives place, and I hope to stay there as a "working holiday", meaning I can work to sustain my expenses while over there. There isn't much of a Spanish embassy in Canada website, so I was hoping someone might be able to point me in the right direction.

My plan was to go to the Consulate General of Spain office in Toronto, apply for a Working Holiday visa, take a one-way flight over to Barcelona, and hit the streets with resumes in hand.

Anybody have opinions on my plan? Heads-ups? Any job search tips over there?
Much appreciated!

Tyler

Hi Tyler

I just saw this post of yours. The spanish consulate in Toronto can give you all of the paperwork that you need and all of their requirements. If you plan on staying in Barcelona for more than the 3 month tourist allowance, you would need to get a job first in order to apply for a "work" visa. There are no ifs,ands about it. They will not allow you to go to Spain and find a job when you get there. You must have a job set-up and part of the requirement to get the visa will be to prove that. You will also be required to get medical certificates from your doctor advising you are healthy, not crazy, not addicted to drugs, etc.You will also need to prove that you have $$ to be able to go, you will need full(long) birth certificates. I think your best bet would be to go visit the consulate office and get all of the exact details as otherwise you will be going back and forth trying to piece together what you need. I agree that the website is not the best although the consulate will give you a differnt spanish website to link to. It is all in spanish though so depending on your level of spanish you may not be able to fully understand all of the requirements. I am not sure how it will work with your girlfriend as you are not married. She may need to apply for her own visa and again either a student or work one and the proof will need to be given. If a visa is granted to you they will also provide one to your son. I his mother is not travelling with you it is also possible they will require something to confirm that she is aware you are taking him out of the country. There is alot of paperwork let me tell you! BUT once you get it all out of the way you are on your way!

Carebrennan,

I am in the same boat as Tyler above, and this post was very helpful. So thank you for taking the time to do that!

No problem. Do you already have work lined up? I know in Valencia it is presently hard for non EU people to find jobs. The economy is also not in the best times here at the moment. Shops and places are closing up so definitely try to secure something before you leave as it might not be as easy to find work as it has been in the past. Again, they also will hire an EU citizen before considering a Non EU resident. Where in Spain are you planning on living? Good Luck with everything!

No, I dont have work lined up yet. Its very difficult to tap into the job market from so far away. Do you have any tips on how to do that? I wanted to live in the Barcelona area, but Madrid, Valencia, all are options I am currently open to. Obviously. I should expect to be open minded! I have been talking to someone else on this board about "travelling" for a while while trying to find work. This might be the best option. Any tips on cheap rent, specifically with regards to the areas mentioned above?

I appreciate your effort, and I hope youre enjoying yourself!