The Local Spain


Why are Spanish homes so cold?

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:42:59 +0100

Many foreigners who move to Spain are surprised by just how freezing Spanish winters can be, but they're equally shocked by how sometimes it's colder inside their homes than outdoors.


Venezuelans in Spain rejoice at prospect of return home

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 09:22:04 +0100

A Venezuelan woman in Madrid's city centre toasted "a new beginning" Saturday, following the US seizure of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro and the diaspora's subsequent hopes of returning home.


Calendar: The tax deadlines in Spain in 2026

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:39:36 +0100

Residents, non-residents, salaried workers, the self-employed, landlords, retirees - there are various tax deadlines throughout the year that you need to be aware depending on your status in Spain. Make sure you have these dates in your calendar for 2026.


LISTED: Visa, residency and citizenship changes in Spain in 2026

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:01:19 +0100

Changes to entry rules to Spain, higher financial requirements for Spain's main visas, tens of thousands to get new residency documents and Spanish citizenship - there are lots of changes in store for foreigners in Spain next year.


LISTED: The public holidays in Spain in 2026

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:44:19 +0100

If you're already planning ahead to 2026, here are all the official public holidays and some key tips to help you maximise the amount of time you take off from work.


Spain offers to mediate for 'peaceful solution' in Venezuela

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 12:04:03 +0100

Spain on Saturday offered to mediate in the crisis between the United States and Venezuela after US attacks on Caracas and the announced capture of President Nicolas Maduro.


Migrant entries into Spain drop over 40 percent in 2025

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 09:19:44 +0100

Migrant arrivals to Spain fell by over 40 percent in 2025, largely due to a sharp drop in arrivals along the perilous Atlantic route to the Canary Islands, official figures showed Friday.


LISTED: The big changes to travel in Spain in 2026

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:31:26 +0100

A countrywide fixed-price travel pass, tighter rules to enter the UK from Spain, lots of changes for drivers, insurance for e-scooter riders and plenty more - here's a breakdown of all the changes to travel and transport in Spain in 2026.


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.


Which motorways in Spain will have higher tolls in 2026?

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:05:35 +0100

Spain's Transport Ministry has hiked fees on certain toll roads around Spain to start 2026. Here's what you need to know.


'Don't miss out': Why Brits in Europe should upgrade their post-Brexit residence permits

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 11:23:16 +0100

It’s been five years since the end of the post-Brexit transition period and for many British citizens living in the EU this means 2026 will be the time to upgrade to a permanent residence cards. But what happens if forget or leave it late?


Spain hires 25 percent more seasonal workers

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:36:59 +0100

As other countries in Europe talk up stronger immigration controls, new data shows that Spain has bolstered its seasonal worker programme by a quarter.


Spanish woman known for failed 'Monkey Christ' fresco restoration dies

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:05:00 +0100

The Spanish woman whose failed restoration of a century-old painting of Jesus Christ captured global headlines more than a decade ago has died at 94.


Spain to give drivers grace period for mandatory V-16 emergency lights

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:04:16 +0100

From January 1st 2026, all drivers in Spain should carry a V-16 emergency light in their cars. Even though they're mandatory from that date, Spanish traffic authorities have confirmed that no fines will be issued early in the new year.


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.


12 very good reasons to be happy you live in Spain

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:01:01 +0100

Today is as good a day as any to be grateful that you live in 'España'. If you need a reminder of why, here are some very positive and life-affirming reasons for everyone.


EXPLAINED: How Americans can move to Spain

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:07:21 +0100

Moving to Spain is a dream for many US nationals who have fallen in love with 'España' and out of love with their own country, but which Spanish residency visa should Americans opt for depending on their circumstances?


Why this Spanish village celebrates New Year's Eve in August

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 09:23:34 +0100

The Andalusian village of Bérchules will not be celebrating the end of 2023 at the same time as everyone else, instead they will have their countdown and grape-eating in early August. Here's the fascinating reason why.


Two Brits in Spain awarded British Empire Medals

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:46:30 +0100

Former Calvià councillor Katherine Mentink-Duncan and Alicante firefighting commandant Terence Curran are two Britons based in Spain who this year have been awarded British Empire Medals for their services to the community.


'Brexit is not done': How Britons in Europe are still fighting for their rights

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:49:11 +0100

Five years on from the end of free movement, Britons living throughout Europe are still dealing with the consequences of Brexit. Fiona Godfrey, from British in Europe, tells The Local the battle to secure rights is still ongoing and that things could get more complicated.