The Local Spain


'Mayhem and chaos': Europe's airports demand urgent review of new border system

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:06:28 +0100

The association of European airports called on Thursday for an urgent review of the new EU border system, amid “mounting operational issues” that could affect the holiday season.


Spain to be fastest growing EU economy in 2026 but benefits not trickling down

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:32:33 +0100

Buoyed by immigration, the Spanish economy has enjoyed positive headline figures in recent years and will continue to lead the way in the bloc in 2026, but Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez admits the benefits aren't yet trickling down to locals.


El Gordo: What you need to know about Spain's Christmas lottery

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 08:40:09 +0100

Every year at Christmas, Spaniards go lottery mad, queuing for hours to buy tickets for the famous "El Gordo" - The Fat One - and this year is no exception.


Everything that changes about life in Spain in January 2026

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:02:31 +0100

Three Kings’ Day, new V-16 light for drivers, minimum wage increase, the new nationwide travel pass, these are just some of the changes and events happening in Spain during the first month of 2026.


Spain's public health system given a 'fail' for first time on record

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:54:24 +0100

Spain's public healthcare system has long been highly thought of by locals and foreigners. But following a series of scandals, a new study has revealed that Spaniards are dissatisfied with 'la sanidad pública' for the first time on record.


The new words added to the Spanish dictionary for 2026

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:36:12 +0100

'Simpa', 'turismofobia' and 'crudivorismo' are just some of the new words out of 330 added to the 2026 version of Spain's most official dictionary.


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

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:23:52 +0100

Spain evicts migrants from huge informal settlement near Barcelona, Spanish PM says EU move to ease combustion-engine ban is a 'historic mistake' and more news on Thursday December 18th.


Spain to set up network of climate shelters for heatwaves

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:17:26 +0100

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Wednesday that Spain would set up a national network of climate shelters to help people survive increasingly severe heatwaves.


How under-16s in Spain can get €100 for glasses or contact lenses

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:53:15 +0100

From Wednesday December 17th, all families with children under 16 who need glasses or contacts will be able to benefit from the government's new subsidy of €100. These are the conditions and how to apply.


19 European countries call on EU to fund migrant 'return hubs'

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:47:54 +0100

After the European Union significantly tightened its immigration policy earlier this month, 19 EU countries on Wednesday urged the European Commission to finance "return hubs" outside the bloc for failed asylum-seekers.


How Madrid's new €10 transport card for tourists works

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:11:27 +0100

Spain's capital has launched a new public transport card aimed specifically at tourists which allows for unlimited travel for a certain amount of time, starting from €10.


Where to get a real Christmas tree in Spain

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:14:32 +0100

Christmas is just around the corner, so if you haven’t got your tree yet and you want to buy a real one rather than a plastic one, here's where you can find them in Spain.


The big changes for self-employed workers in Spain in 2026

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:39:46 +0100

If you're self-employed in Spain or considering becoming 'autónomo' in 2026, there are several important changes to be aware of, from a potential increase in social security fees to the way the Spanish taxman monitors your payments.


UK set to rejoin EU's Erasmus scheme from 2027

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:46:26 +0100

Britain is set to rejoin the European Union's Erasmus student exchange programme, which it left almost five years ago following Brexit, UK media reported late Tuesday.


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

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:33:28 +0100

New Banksy exhibition in Barcelona, bereavement leave in Spain closer to being extended to 10 days and more news on Wednesday December 17th.


The essential A to Z of Spanish Christmas vocabulary

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 17:07:30 +0100

If you're going to be spending Christmas in Spain, you may want to brush up on this essential 'Navidad' vocab to show off your festive language skills.


Americans in Spain: Conservative think-thanks and the NFL's 'soft power'

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:09:48 +0100

In this month's edition of Americans in Spain, we cover their big spending habits in the Spanish real estate market, the influence being exerted by US conservative think-tanks on Spanish politics, and the NFL's arrival in Madrid.


Why Brits should use form EX23 and not EX17 for TIE renewals in Spain

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:46:00 +0100

If you're a UK national living in Spain who needs to renew their Withdrawal Agreement TIE residency card, here's why you need to use form EX23 instead of EX17 for the process.


Los Rondeles: The most enchanting fiesta before Christmas in Spain

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:25:34 +0100

In a small village in the province of Málaga, a mesmerising celebration called 'Los Rondeles' takes place on two different dates in December.


The key changes to bank transfers and money limits in Spain

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:36:30 +0100

Spain’s Tax Agency has confirmed that from January 1st 2026, it will make several reforms to how it monitors bank transfers. Read on to find out what this could mean for you.