🇪🇸 Expat guide to Canarias
Everything you need to live in Canarias — in English
Year-round spring weather and special tax incentives make the Canary Islands a top base for nomads and entrepreneurs.
Browse by category in Canarias
Verified, English-speaking businesses and services across Canarias.
Your expat guide to Canarias
Year-round spring weather and special tax incentives make the Canary Islands a top base for nomads and entrepreneurs. Whether you're moving to Canarias or already settling in, this YouExpats guide brings together English-speaking housing, legal and visa help, jobs, healthcare, schools and community — everything you need in one place, with verified, expat-friendly businesses across Canarias.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Canarias a good place for expats?
Canarias is one of Spain’s most popular destinations for international residents, with a welcoming community, English-speaking services and a high quality of life. This guide brings together everything you need to settle in.
Do I need a NIE to live in Canarias?
Yes — the NIE (foreigner identification number) is required for almost everything in Canarias: renting, working, opening a bank account or signing contracts. You can find English-speaking specialists to help in the Bureaucracy & Legal section.
How do expats find housing in Canarias?
Most newcomers start with rooms or co-living while they search, then move to a long-term rental. Browse expat-friendly housing options for Canarias in the Housing section of this directory.
Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Canarias?
You can get by in English in Canarias thanks to its large international community and English-speaking services, but learning Spanish (or Catalan, where relevant) makes daily life much easier.