The Local Spain


Covid flashbacks haunt Spain's Canary Islands as hantavirus ship docks

Mon, 11 May 2026 09:09:43 +0200

Six years after registering Spain's first Covid case, locals in the Canary Islands are both worried and angry about the arrival of a cruise ship struck by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, reviving painful memories.


Today in Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Monday

Mon, 11 May 2026 08:55:31 +0200

and more news on Monday, May 11th.


US citizen on hantavirus ship that docked in Spain tests positive

Mon, 11 May 2026 08:35:25 +0200

The operation to repatriate passengers of the cruise ship at the centre of a deadly hantavirus outbreak continued into Monday, as US officials said an American had tested positive for the virus.


Evacuation of hantavirus-hit ship begins in Spain's Canary Islands

Sun, 10 May 2026 08:59:02 +0200

The occupants of a cruise ship struck by a deadly hantavirus outbreak began leaving the vessel in Spain's Canary Islands on Sunday, amid growing international concern about the rare disease.


GUIDE: How to complete Spain's annual tax return

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 16:09:22 +0200

You must complete your 2025-2026 'Declaración de la Renta' (annual income tax return) before June 30th 2026. This step-by-step guide can help you complete the process.


EU issues ultimatum to Spain over non-resident property tax

Mon, 04 May 2026 15:08:39 +0200

Brussels has again called out Madrid for taxing second home owners in Spain unfairly, giving them two months to take action or face litigation from the European Court of Justice.


WHO chief tells Spain's Tenerife that risk from hantavirus-hit ship 'low'

Sat, 09 May 2026 08:19:50 +0200

The WHO chief told the people of Tenerife Saturday that the risk to them from an arriving cruise ship hit with a deadly hantavirus outbreak was "low".


Two Spanish civil guards killed in drug chase crash

Sat, 09 May 2026 10:33:37 +0200

Spain's Civil Guard said two of its officers were killed on Friday after their boats collided while chasing suspected drug traffickers in the Atlantic.


Inside Spain: What the UK Embassy says about Brits' residency card renewal

Sat, 09 May 2026 10:19:38 +0200

In this week’s Inside Spain, we delve further into the problem of Brits being turned away when trying to renew their residency cards before expiry, what the UK Embassy has to say about it and how Spain isn't the only country struggling with this.


EU Commission clarifies flight compensation rights amid travel disruption

Sat, 09 May 2026 09:32:59 +0200

The European Commission on Friday clarified rules on air passenger rights given possible fuel shortages and travel disruption amid conflict in the Middle East.


How does Spain's tax agency detect fraudulent declarations?

Thu, 15 May 2025 17:21:59 +0200

If you live in Spain, you’ll need to be fully aware of all the tax implications and make sure you adhere to the rules, otherwise you may be fined or worse. Here's how the Spanish tax agency finds out if you're not declaring properly.


Spain finds suspected hantavirus case in Alicante

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:15:02 +0200

Spanish authorities said Friday a woman had been tested for suspected hantavirus after travelling on the same flight as a Dutch woman who stayed on the MV Hondius cruise ship and later died from the virus.


Americans in Spain: Digital Nomad Visa changes and celebrating US independence

Fri, 08 May 2026 08:55:08 +0200

In this latest edition of our Americans in Spain newsletter we cover positive changes for Americans wanting to apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa and Spain’s summer plans to celebrate its role in 250 years of American independence.


How Spain has changed its laws to give children of all ages a voice

Fri, 08 May 2026 10:51:16 +0200

Spain’s Law on the Protection of Minors against Violence has undergone a reform with several key changes announced, including the fact that all children must now be heard in legal proceedings.


Flamenco, horses and sherry: Jerez's Feria del Caballo

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 09:19:14 +0200

The swish of a flamenco skirt, the soft beat of hooves drumming on the roads and the smell of sweet sherry, these are the senses you'll experience at Jerez de la Frontera’s Feria del Caballo in May, a worthy alternative to Seville's busy April Fair.


Why are Ceuta and Melilla Spanish?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:35:45 +0200

As Ceuta and Melilla are brought back into the international spotlight via a US Congress report, The Local considers how these two cities in North Africa became Spanish and why do they remain so to this day?


Will Trump threaten Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla?

Fri, 08 May 2026 09:22:44 +0200

Whether it be US Congressional budget reports, Israeli newspaper columns or shifting geopolitics, there are some suggesting that Spain's sovereignty claims on its two autonomous cities in North Africa could be coming under threat.


How long are waiting times for Spanish citizenship in 2026?

Fri, 08 May 2026 08:42:08 +0200

Have you applied for Spanish citizenship recently and are awaiting a response, or are you considering applying this year? Find out how long it might take to get an answer in 2026.


What would be the impact on Spain if the US military left?

Thu, 07 May 2026 15:58:33 +0200

US President Donald Trump is withdrawing troops from Germany and has threatened to do the same in Spain. The impact of such an exit would be considerable, especially where the US military is stationed, but is it likely to ever happen?


American tourist seeks asylum in Spain due to 'genuine fear' of Trump

Thu, 07 May 2026 12:58:15 +0200

An American citizen has applied for political asylum in Spain's Balearic Islands, claiming that he fears returning to the US due to his politics.