Canary Islands
Moving to the Canary Islands: Best Islands, Costs & Life
Moving to the Canary Islands can offer something difficult to find elsewhere in Spain: mild weather throughout much of the year, Atlantic beaches, established international communities and Spanish infrastructure combined with a distinctly island-based lifestyle.
But choosing the Canary Islands is only the first decision.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria are usually the easiest islands for newcomers who need hospitals, schools, employment, airports and professional services. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura suit people looking for a drier climate and a smaller-scale lifestyle. La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are better suited to newcomers who prioritise nature and tranquillity over urban convenience.
The best island therefore depends on your work, immigration status, housing budget, healthcare needs, family situation and how often you need to travel outside the archipelago.
Are the Canary Islands a Good Place to Live?
For many newcomers, yes.
The Canary Islands can be particularly attractive to:
- Digital nomads and remote professionals
- Retirees
- Families
- Entrepreneurs
- Tourism and hospitality professionals
- People escaping colder European winters
- Newcomers who prefer outdoor living
- Residents who want an international environment without living in Madrid or Barcelona
The major advantages include:
- Mild temperatures during much of the year
- Beaches and volcanic landscapes
- Strong outdoor lifestyle
- International airports
- Established foreign communities
- Spanish healthcare and education systems
- Lower indirect taxation on many transactions than mainland Spain
- Several islands offering very different lifestyles
However, living permanently on an island is not the same as spending two weeks there on holiday.
Long-term residents must consider housing availability, local salaries, travel costs, imported goods, healthcare access, schools, employment and the distance from mainland Europe.
Which Canary Island Is Best for You?
Here is the quickest comparison.
| Island | Best suited to | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Tenerife | Families, professionals, retirees, remote workers | Large island with very different north/south lifestyles |
| Gran Canaria | Digital nomads, professionals, families, city living | Strong combination of urban life and beaches |
| Lanzarote | Remote workers, retirees, slower living | Smaller employment market |
| Fuerteventura | Beach lifestyle, outdoor sports, remote work | Car dependence and dispersed population |
| La Palma | Nature, hiking, quiet living | Fewer specialist services |
| La Gomera | Slow living and nature | Limited employment and connectivity |
| El Hierro | Maximum tranquillity | Very small market and limited specialist services |
| La Graciosa | Highly remote island lifestyle | Minimal urban infrastructure |
For most first-time international relocations, Tenerife or Gran Canaria are the safest starting points because they provide the widest range of services.
Tenerife: Best All-Round Choice
Tenerife is the largest Canary Island and offers perhaps the widest range of living environments.
The north and south can feel almost like different destinations.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna
Santa Cruz offers a real city environment rather than resort living. It provides government offices, hospitals, shops, cultural facilities and professional services.
Nearby San Cristóbal de La Laguna adds universities, historic architecture and a younger academic atmosphere.
Newcomers considering the capital can explore our dedicated page about living in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Northern Tenerife
Puerto de la Cruz and surrounding northern areas tend to be greener and more traditionally Canarian.
The climate can also be cooler, cloudier and more humid than southern Tenerife.
This area may appeal to retirees and remote professionals who want an established town without living in a major resort zone.
Southern Tenerife
Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje have large international communities and extensive tourism infrastructure.
English is more widely encountered here than in many ordinary Spanish communities.
The south is generally drier and sunnier, but housing demand can be substantial in the most popular locations.
Tenerife may be best if you want:
- Major hospitals
- International communities
- International schools
- Strong airport connectivity
- Tourism employment
- City and resort options
- Mountains and beaches
- A choice between greener and drier climates
Gran Canaria: Best for City Life and Digital Nomads
Gran Canaria is another excellent all-round option.
Its biggest advantage is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, one of Spain’s most interesting combinations of major-city infrastructure and beach living.
Las Canteras gives residents access to an urban beach without leaving the city, while Las Palmas also provides universities, hospitals, shops, coworking spaces, professional services and one of Spain’s most important ports.
Remote workers often find this combination particularly attractive.
Read more about living in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Southern Gran Canaria offers a different environment.
Maspalomas, Meloneras, Playa del Inglés and Puerto Rico are more tourism-oriented and may appeal to retirees, hospitality workers and newcomers who prefer resort-style living.
Gran Canaria may be best for:
- Digital nomads
- Professionals
- Families
- Entrepreneurs
- People who want city life
- Newcomers who prefer living without a car
- Residents who want both beaches and urban infrastructure
Lanzarote: Best for Distinctive Landscapes and Slower Living
Lanzarote has a very different character.
Its volcanic terrain, low-rise development and whitewashed architecture make the island visually distinctive even within the Canary archipelago.
Arrecife is the main administrative and commercial centre.
Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise have stronger tourism industries and larger international populations.
Lanzarote may work particularly well for:
- Remote professionals
- Retirees
- Tourism workers
- People wanting a smaller island
- Newcomers attracted to low-rise development
- Residents who prefer a dry climate
The principal trade-off is scale.
Employment, healthcare, schools and professional services are more limited than on Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
Long-term rental availability can also become difficult in popular coastal locations.
Fuerteventura: Best for Beaches and Open Space
Fuerteventura is known for expansive beaches, strong winds, surfing, windsurfing and a relatively low-density landscape.
Puerto del Rosario is the island’s administrative centre.
Corralejo has a sizeable international community, while Caleta de Fuste offers a central location close to the airport. Morro Jable provides another option farther south.
Fuerteventura may appeal to:
- Remote workers
- Surfers and windsurfers
- Retirees
- Tourism professionals
- People who dislike dense cities
- Newcomers prioritising beaches and open space
A car becomes considerably more useful here than in central Las Palmas or Santa Cruz.
What About La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro?
The smaller western islands can be exceptional places to live for the right person.
But they should not automatically be treated as cheaper versions of Tenerife.
La Palma
La Palma is green, mountainous and strongly oriented toward nature.
Santa Cruz de La Palma and Los Llanos de Aridane provide the principal residential and commercial centres.
It can suit remote workers, hikers, retirees and people wanting a stronger local-community experience.
La Gomera
La Gomera offers mountains, forests, hiking and small communities.
It may be attractive to someone deliberately seeking a slower and quieter lifestyle.
El Hierro
El Hierro is even smaller and more remote.
For someone seeking privacy and nature, that can be an advantage.
For somebody needing specialist healthcare, a large professional network, frequent flights or extensive school choices, it can be a major disadvantage.
The smaller the island, the more important it becomes to research healthcare, transport and internet connectivity before choosing a home.
Canary Islands vs Mainland Spain
The lifestyle differences extend beyond climate.
| Canary Islands | Mainland Spain |
|---|---|
| Atlantic island environment | Much wider geographic variety |
| Mild subtropical climate in many areas | Climate ranges from Mediterranean to continental and Atlantic |
| IGIC indirect taxation | IVA applies across most mainland Spain |
| Flights or ferries needed to leave the archipelago | Extensive road and rail networks |
| Smaller employment markets | Larger professional markets in major cities |
| Strong tourism economy | More diversified regional economies |
| Significant international communities | Varies greatly by region |
| Imported goods can involve additional logistics | Easier mainland distribution |
| Outdoor lifestyle year-round | More seasonal in many regions |
Newcomers comparing different parts of Spain can see our overview of the autonomous communities of Spain.
What Does It Cost to Live in the Canary Islands?
There is no single Canary Islands cost of living.
Las Palmas, Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Corralejo and Playa Blanca can have very different housing markets from inland towns or smaller islands.
Housing is usually the most important expense.
A relocation budget should include:
- Temporary accommodation
- Rental deposit
- First month’s rent
- Utilities
- Internet
- Furniture
- Insurance
- Local transport
- Car expenses where needed
- Inter-island travel
- Flights to mainland Spain
- Immigration and documentation costs
Do not assume that lower indirect taxation automatically makes everyday life cheaper.
Island logistics can increase the price or availability of certain imported products.
Is It Difficult to Find Long-Term Housing?
In popular locations, it can be.
Tourism places pressure on the residential market in parts of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
A property advertised online may also be intended for seasonal rather than habitual residential use.
Before committing to a property, check:
- Contract duration
- Deposit requirements
- Which expenses are included
- Whether the address can be used as your habitual residence
- Internet quality
- Distance from healthcare
- Distance from schools
- Public transport
- Parking
- Humidity and ventilation
- Noise during tourism seasons
Our long-term rental information for Spain explains the broader rental process for foreign residents.
Never send a substantial rental deposit simply because someone claims other tenants are waiting. Verify the property, landlord or authorised representative and contract first.
Can Foreigners Move to the Canary Islands?
Yes.
There is no separate Canary Islands immigration system.
The islands are part of Spain, so Spanish and EU immigration rules determine your right to live and work there.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens benefit from free-movement rights but must complete the applicable registration requirements when establishing longer-term residence.
Non-EU nationals generally need an appropriate Spanish immigration pathway.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
- Spain Digital Nomad Visa
- Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
- Spain Self-Employed Visa
- Spain Work Permit Visa
- Spain Student Visa
- Family residence
- Highly qualified professional residence
- Entrepreneur residence
- Other qualifying Spanish residence categories
The correct route depends on nationality, income, work activity, employer, family circumstances and intended duration in Spain.
Are the Canary Islands Good for Digital Nomads?
Yes—particularly Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
The islands combine several characteristics that remote professionals value:
- Mild weather
- International airports
- Coworking communities
- Reliable internet in major population centres
- Outdoor lifestyle
- International residents
- Coastal living
- European time-zone compatibility
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is particularly attractive for people who want a walkable urban environment combined with a beach.
Santa Cruz and La Laguna provide a more conventional Spanish city experience.
The south of Tenerife offers a more international and tourism-oriented environment.
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura can also work well for remote professionals who do not need large-city services.
However, working remotely does not itself create a right to live in Spain.
Non-EU remote workers should determine whether the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa or another residence category fits their situation before relocating permanently.
What Jobs Are Available?
Tourism remains a major part of the Canary economy, but it is not the only source of employment.
Opportunities can exist in:
- Hospitality
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Retail
- Logistics
- Aviation
- Maritime services
- Healthcare
- Education
- Construction
- Property services
- Renewable energy
- Technology
- Professional services
- Public administration
- International remote work
Tenerife and Gran Canaria normally provide the broadest employment markets.
Spanish is important for most local employment.
English, German and other languages can be valuable in tourism and services aimed at international residents.
Newcomers should also compare local salaries with housing costs rather than assuming that a lower headline cost of living guarantees stronger purchasing power.
The Canary Islands Have a Different Indirect Tax System
This is one of the most important distinctions from mainland Spain.
The Canary Islands form part of Spain and the European Union, but they have a special economic and fiscal framework.
For many transactions, the islands use IGIC — Impuesto General Indirecto Canario — instead of mainland IVA.
The common general IGIC rate is lower than the ordinary mainland Spanish VAT rate.
However, the practical consequences go beyond simply paying a lower percentage.
Because the Canary Islands sit outside the EU VAT territory, movement of goods between the islands and mainland Spain or other EU VAT territories can involve additional tax and administrative procedures.
This is why ordering products from mainland Europe can sometimes feel more complicated than newcomers expect.
What About the Canary Islands Special Zone?
Entrepreneurs may also hear about the Zona Especial Canaria, or ZEC.
Qualifying companies operating within the regime can potentially benefit from a reduced corporate income-tax rate.
But ZEC is not an automatic 4% tax regime for anyone who incorporates a company in the Canary Islands.
Eligibility depends on conditions relating to factors such as the activity, investment, employment and establishment of the business.
Similarly, moving personally to Tenerife or Gran Canaria does not automatically reduce all of your Spanish taxes.
Tax residence, business taxation and immigration status are separate questions.
International entrepreneurs and people with substantial foreign income should therefore consider their tax structure before, rather than after, establishing residence.
Healthcare in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have Spain’s public healthcare infrastructure, subject to the normal eligibility rules.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer the broadest range of hospitals, specialists and private medical facilities.
Smaller islands have local healthcare services, but certain specialist treatment may require travel to Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
That distinction matters greatly for retirees and people with ongoing medical needs.
Before moving to a smaller island, investigate:
- Nearest health centre
- Nearest hospital
- Specialist availability
- Private clinics
- Emergency transport
- Inter-island medical travel
See our overview of healthcare in Spain for newcomers for the wider public and private healthcare framework.
Are the Canary Islands Good for Families?
They can be, especially Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Families should consider more than climate and beaches.
Important factors include:
- School availability
- Language of instruction
- International-school options
- Commute time
- Healthcare
- Children’s activities
- Housing size
- Outdoor space
- Transport
- Family support networks
Tenerife and Gran Canaria provide the greatest educational choice.
Options become more limited on the smaller islands, particularly for families seeking specific international curricula.
A good family relocation strategy is often:
school → commute → healthcare → neighbourhood → property
rather than choosing a house first and trying to make everything else fit afterward.
What Is the Climate Really Like?
The Canary Islands are famous for mild weather, but there is no single Canary Islands climate.
Microclimates are extremely important.
Northern Tenerife can be green, cooler and cloudier while southern Tenerife is substantially drier.
The same broad contrast exists between different elevations and orientations on Gran Canaria.
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura generally have drier landscapes and stronger wind exposure.
La Palma is considerably greener.
Elevation can also make a surprising difference.
A hillside property may feel significantly cooler than a coastal property only a short drive away.
Newcomers should therefore visit the exact municipality and neighbourhood they are considering rather than judging an entire island from airport weather data.
What Is Calima?
Calima occurs when dust from the Sahara reaches the Canary Islands.
It can reduce visibility and affect air quality.
For most residents it is an occasional inconvenience, but people with respiratory sensitivities should consider it when evaluating long-term island life.
Can You Live Without a Car?
In some places, yes.
Central Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is one of the easiest places in the archipelago to live without a car.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife also provides good urban transport, and the Santa Cruz–La Laguna metropolitan area has tram service.
A car becomes much more useful when living:
- In rural communities
- At higher elevations
- Away from major bus routes
- On Fuerteventura
- On Lanzarote
- With children
- Far from supermarkets
- Near isolated beaches
The correct question is therefore not:
“Do I need a car in Tenerife?”
It is:
“Do I need a car in the exact municipality and neighbourhood where I plan to live?”
Travelling Between the Islands
Residents move between islands using ferries and domestic flights.
But island proximity on a map can be misleading.
Living on La Gomera does not mean that all services in Tenerife are conveniently available every day.
Travel requires time, schedules and money.
This becomes particularly important if you:
- Need specialist healthcare
- Travel frequently for work
- Have children attending activities elsewhere
- Regularly fly internationally
- Need access to government or professional services
People moving permanently should calculate annual travel expenses, not merely monthly housing costs.
What Administrative Steps Come After Moving?
After establishing your legal right to live in Spain, several administrative procedures may follow.
Empadronamiento
Registering your habitual address with the municipality is known as empadronamiento.
It can become relevant for healthcare, schools and many administrative procedures.
NIE
Your NIE number is your foreigner identification number in Spain.
Remember that an NIE is an identification number—it does not itself grant residence.
Residence documentation
Depending on nationality and immigration status, you may need EU registration or a TIE residence card.
Healthcare
Eligible residents should complete the appropriate healthcare-registration procedures.
Digital Certificate
Obtaining a Digital Certificate in Spain can make Spanish administration considerably easier because many government procedures can then be completed online.
Biggest Mistakes When Moving to the Canary Islands
Choosing an island from a holiday experience
Resort life and permanent residential life are very different.
Assuming Tenerife is one uniform location
North, south, coast and mountains can provide completely different climates and lifestyles.
Renting before checking internet quality
This is especially important for remote workers outside major cities.
Ignoring specialist healthcare
This can become a serious practical issue on smaller islands.
Assuming everything is cheaper because IGIC is lower
Housing, flights and imported goods can offset savings elsewhere.
Assuming English is enough
English can work surprisingly well in resort areas, but Spanish becomes increasingly important for administration, healthcare, housing and integration.
Ignoring travel costs
A household making frequent trips to Madrid, Barcelona, London or elsewhere in Europe should include flights in the annual relocation budget.
Choosing a home before choosing a school
For families, this can create long daily commutes.
Who Should Seriously Consider the Canary Islands?
Digital nomads
Start with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife or La Laguna if infrastructure matters.
Retirees
Consider Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote, but evaluate proximity to healthcare carefully.
Families
Tenerife and Gran Canaria usually provide the broadest school, healthcare and activity choices.
Entrepreneurs
Tenerife and Gran Canaria provide the strongest professional ecosystems, while the Canary economic and fiscal framework may create additional opportunities for qualifying businesses.
Outdoor-focused newcomers
Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Palma deserve serious consideration.
People seeking quiet island life
La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro can provide an environment increasingly difficult to find in larger European destinations.
How Newcomer.es Can Help With a Move to the Canary Islands
A successful move involves much more than selecting an island.
Newcomer.es can help connect the different parts of your relocation, including:
- Immigration pathway planning
- Visa documentation
- NIE and TIE procedures
- Empadronamiento
- Digital Certificate setup
- Housing preparation
- Long-term rental support
- Healthcare guidance
- School research
- Document preparation
- Apostilles and translations
- Administrative support
- Post-arrival setup
The objective is to coordinate immigration + housing + documentation + healthcare + daily administration rather than solving each problem separately after arrival.
For individual relocation assistance, contact Newcomer.es.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to the Canary Islands
Which Canary Island is best for expats?
Tenerife and Gran Canaria are generally the easiest choices because they provide the widest combination of hospitals, schools, employment, transport and international services. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura can be better for people prioritising smaller communities and a drier lifestyle.
Which Canary Island is best for digital nomads?
Gran Canaria, particularly Las Palmas, is one of the strongest options. Tenerife also has established remote-working communities and a wider choice of living environments.
Which Canary Island is best for retirees?
Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are strong options. Healthcare needs, airport access and whether you want city, resort or quieter residential living should determine the final choice.
Is it cheaper to live in the Canary Islands than mainland Spain?
Sometimes, but not universally. Indirect taxation can be lower, while housing in highly desirable areas, imported goods and frequent flights can increase the overall budget.
Can a non-EU citizen move to the Canary Islands?
Yes, provided the person qualifies for an appropriate Spanish visa or residence authorization. There is no separate Canary Islands immigration visa.
Are the Canary Islands part of the European Union?
Yes. They are part of Spain and the European Union, although their special fiscal position means EU VAT rules do not apply there in the same way as mainland Spain.
Do the Canary Islands have VAT?
The Canary Islands generally use IGIC rather than mainland Spanish IVA for transactions falling within the Canary indirect-tax system.
Can I live there without speaking Spanish?
It is possible to manage initially in many tourism-oriented areas using English, but Spanish is strongly recommended for long-term residence, healthcare, administration, employment and integration.
Can I live without a car?
Yes in some central urban locations, particularly Las Palmas and parts of Santa Cruz. A car is much more useful in rural, mountainous and lower-density areas.
Are Tenerife and Gran Canaria very different?
Yes. Both provide strong infrastructure, but Tenerife offers especially varied north/south environments while Gran Canaria offers one of the archipelago’s strongest urban lifestyles through Las Palmas.
Is Moving to the Canary Islands Right for You?
The Canary Islands can provide an exceptional quality of life—but only when the island matches the person.
A remote professional wanting a walkable city may love Las Palmas.
A family needing hospitals, schools and an international community may prefer Tenerife.
A retiree seeking sunshine and quieter surroundings may choose Lanzarote.
An outdoor enthusiast may prefer Fuerteventura or La Palma.
Someone wanting genuine isolation may find La Gomera or El Hierro ideal.
The most important relocation decision is therefore not simply whether to move to the Canary Islands.
It is choosing the island, municipality and neighbourhood where your immigration status, income, housing, healthcare, family requirements, transport and preferred lifestyle can work together long term.