The Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving to Canada from Spain
Canada is a vast and beautiful country, with an abundance of opportunities for those looking to experience a new way of life.
It’s also a desirable destination for Spaniards seeking better economic prospects, higher wages, and improved quality of life. But what are the realities of moving from Spain to Canada?
In this blog post, we’ll look at some pros and cons for those considering making the move from Spain to Canada.
We’ll touch on topics such as language barriers, job markets, housing costs, and more so that you can make an informed decision about moving to Canada or staying in Spain.
Table of Contents
💬 Pros and Cons of Moving to Canada from Spain
Spain is a beautiful country with a rich culture and delicious food. But, as with any country, there are pros and cons to living there. If you’re thinking of moving to Canada from Spain, here are some things to consider.
Advantages
- The cost of living in Canada is relatively low compared to Spain.
- There are more job opportunities in Canada than Spain.
- The healthcare system in Canada is excellent.
- Canadians are generally friendly and welcoming.
Disadvantages
- The weather in Canada can be very cold, especially in the winter.
- It can be difficult to find work in Canada if you don’t speak English or French.
- Housing costs can be high in some parts of the country.
The Cost of Living in Canada vs. Spain
There are many factors to consider when thinking about moving to a new country, and one of the most important is the cost of living. Let’s compare the cost of living in Canada and Spain.
In Spain, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is €700, while in Canada it is C$1,500. Utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and Internet average around €150 per month, while in Canada they average C$200.
Food costs are similar in both countries, with a week’s worth of groceries costing around €60 in Spain and C$80 in Canada. Eating out is cheaper in Spain, with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing an average of €40, while in Canada it would be C$60.
Transportation costs are also comparable between the two countries.
In Spain, a monthly public transportation pass averages €45, while in Canada it is C$130.
A gallon of gasoline costs an average of €1.20 in Spain and C$1.30 in Canada.
Overall, the cost of living is higher in Canada than it is in Spain. However, there are some offsetting factors to consider:
First of all, salaries are generally higher in Canada than they are in Spain.
Secondly, Canada has universal health care, which means that medical expenses are not something you need to factor into your budget (although you will still need private health insurance if you are an expat).
Finally, there are many lower-cost options for living in Canada, such as renting a room in a shared house or apartment.
Education in Canada vs. Spain
In terms of education, Canada and Spain offer different opportunities.
Spain
Public education is free through high school. However, attending a university can be expensive, with tuition costing upwards of $1,000 per year
Canada
Public education is also free through high school. But the university tuition is much higher, averaging around $6,000 per year.
Yet, Canada provides a higher quality education than Spain, thus the extra tuition rates in Canada are well worth spending. There are also government programs for immigrant’s education to help them.
The Healthcare System in Canada vs. Spain
There are a number of differences between the healthcare systems in Canada and Spain. In Canada, the healthcare system is publicly funded, meaning that it is paid for through taxes.
In Spain, the healthcare system is a mix of public and private funding, with most people having private health insurance. This can make it more expensive to access healthcare in Spain.
Another difference between the two countries is that in Canada, everyone is covered by the public healthcare system.
In Spain, there are some gaps in coverage for those who do not have private health insurance. This can make it more difficult to get access to care when you need it.
Finally, the way that care is delivered in the two countries differs as well. In Canada, most care is delivered by primary care physicians. In Spain, there is a greater reliance on specialists. This can make it more difficult to get an appointment with a specialist in Spain than in Canada.
The Weather in Canada: What to Expect
Canada is a big country with a diverse range of climates. In general, the further north you go, the colder it will be. The west coast has a milder climate than the east coast, and the Prairies have very hot summers and cold winters. Here is a breakdown of what to expect weather-wise in each region of Canada:
This region includes the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland & Labrador. The climate here is moderate, with warm summers and cold winters. Precipitation is high, so expect lots of rain and snow!
Quebec has four distinct seasons: a cold winter, a cool spring, a hot summer, and a colourful autumn. Summer temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F), but it can be humid so it feels even hotter. In winter, expect lots of snowfall and temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F).
Ontario has moderate temperatures throughout the year. Summers are warm with occasional heat waves, while winters are cold with plenty of snowfall. Spring and autumn are pleasant with moderate temperatures.
The Prairie provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan & Alberta) have extreme weather conditions. Summers can be very hot (up to 40°C/104°F), while winters are long and cold (-30°C/-22°F is not uncommon). There is also a lot of variation in
Move to Canada from Spain
Jobs in Canada for Spanish Citizens
If you’re a Spanish citizen looking to move to Canada, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of job opportunities available.
In fact, Canada is home to a large number of Spanish-speaking residents, so finding work shouldn’t be too difficult.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that the job market in Canada can be very competitive.
With that being said, if you have the right skills and experience, you should be able to find gainful employment. You must also remember that a work permit is necessary to start working in Canada if you are a foreigner.
Here are some of the most popular jobs for Spanish citizens in Canada:
Doctors
IT professionals
Engineers
Teachers
Interpreters / translators
Nurses
Jobs in Canada for Spanish Citizens
How Can Canada CIS Increase Your Chances of Moving to Canada from Spain?
If you’re considering moving to Canada from Spain, working with an immigration agency, such as CanadaCIS can increase your chances of success. An experienced immigration agency will be familiar with the Canadian immigration process and can help you navigate the often-complex system. They can also provide valuable resources and advice on making the transition to life in Canada.
When choosing an immigration agency, it’s important to do your research to ensure you’re working with a reputable and reliable company. Ask for recommendations from friends or family who have immigrated to Canada, or search online for reviews. Once you’ve found a few agencies you’re interested in, take the time to meet with them in person to get a sense of their services and expertise.
Working with an immigration agency doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be approved for Canadian permanent residency, but it can greatly increase your chances of success. If you’re serious about moving to Canada from Spain, choosing to receive assistance from one of our legal RCIC-representatives here at Canada CIS, is a valuable resource worth considering.
From the economic advantages of higher wages and lower taxes to the cultural differences that must be navigated in order to fully integrate into Canadian life, there are a lot of factors at play when deciding whether or not moving from Spain to Canada is right for you. Taking your time researching all aspects of this move will ensure you make an informed decision on what could be one of the biggest transitions in your life.
