The Local Spain

Self-employed in Spain: The many ways to save money on your income tax return Tue, 08 Dec 2020 14:41:54 +0100 ‘Autónomo’ fees in Spain are notoriously high but there are a number of expenses that self-employed workers can deduct in order to cut costs on their quarterly tax returns.

Forget X here's W: The new European social network to take on Musk Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:50:29 +0200 As Europe pushes for more tech sovereignty, social network W believes it has the X-factor to win users away from other platforms: it's European.

Barcelona to raise tourist tax to €30 for short-stay cruise visitors Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:48:18 +0200 Cruise ship passengers that stay less than 12 hours in Barcelona or elsewhere in Catalonia will soon be forced to pay up to €30 in tourist taxes for their short visit, the Catalan Parliament has decided.

2025 was third warmest year on record in Spain Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:05:36 +0200 Spain registered its third-warmest year on record in 2025, with 25 single-day heat records set during the period, national weather agency Aemet said Wednesday.

Today in Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:19:48 +0200 Catalonia approves law to eradicate asbestos, Spain’s population set to reach 53 million by 2076, four arrested for selling drugs to tourists on Barcelona's La Rambla and more news from Spain on Thursday 18th June.

Pioneering US astronaut Christina Koch wins top Spanish award Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:03:51 +0200 US astronaut Christina Koch, the first woman to take part in a lunar mission, was on Wednesday named the winner of a top Spanish prize for having "helped extend the frontiers of humanity".

EU lawmakers give final approval for deportation centres outside bloc Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:42:53 +0200 European lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to tougher migration rules that will grant authorities much broader detention powers and allow for the creation of deportation centres outside the bloc.

Spain's former PM defends 'honesty' after corruption hearing Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:43:43 +0200 Former Spanish prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero on Wednesday defended his "decency and honesty" after making an unprecedented court appearance on suspected influence peddling, the latest corruption affair threatening the leftist government.

What are Spain's gun ownership laws? Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:22:30 +0200 Spain has some of Europe's strictest gun laws but there are many weapons - both legal and illegal - in the country. Here is a breakdown of the rules and reality of gun ownership in Spain.

How to talk about football and the World Cup in Spanish Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:07:12 +0200 Want to learn to talk about football like a Spaniard? Whether it's hurling mild abuse at refs, talking tactics or just knowing the basics, we've got you covered so you can speak and understand everything relating to 'el fútbol' more confidently.

How the requirements for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa are getting stricter Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:04:35 +0200 If you're thinking of applying for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa this year, here's what you need to know about what's changing and what's getting stricter.

How Spain plans to eradicate gender bias in women's health research Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:42:33 +0200 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced a new plan to triple the research funding for a wide range of medical conditions that affect women specifically, from endometriosis to the negative impacts of menopause on female health.

PROFILE: Zapatero, titan of Spanish left under suspicion Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:55:33 +0200 José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero spearheaded landmark social reforms during a seven-year premiership that endeared him to the Spanish left - but recent suspicions of corruption have tarnished his once spotless reputation.

Spanish actor Javier Bardem leaves his mark on Hollywood Boulevard Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:48:45 +0200 Spanish star Javier Bardem made his mark in Hollywood on Tuesday, leaving his hand- and foot-prints in the cement outside the Chinese Theatre, alongside movie legends like Marilyn Monroe and Jack Nicholson.

Today in Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:40:26 +0200 Snap election proposal rejected, man in Valencia arrested on suspicion of murdering son's speech therapist, students in Bilbao protest low score in Basque exam and more news from Spain this Wednesday June 17th.

Most beaches in Europe offer 'excellent' water quality, study says Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:22:00 +0200 The vast majority of Europe's beaches offer "excellent" water quality for swimming, the EU environment agency said on Tuesday ahead of the summer season, with coastal nations and inland Austria topping the list.

Spain's Asturias to lose only direct flight to the UK Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:21:32 +0200 Budget airline Vueling has announced it will discontinue its route between London Gatwick and Asturias, the only direct flight between the United Kingdom and the northern Spanish region.

Why does Catalonia want undercover police in its schools? Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:13:27 +0200 A row is brewing in Catalonia over a pilot programme to deploy police officers in 13 secondary schools in the region with a track record of violence. Many teachers and parents are against the plan, but the regional government considers it necessary.

What Europe's new deal for airline passenger rights means for you Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:31:49 +0200 EU countries have finally agreed on a raft of reforms around air passenger rights that covers everything from compensation for disruption to seating rules for those travelling with children. So how will the changes impact you and why have airlines reacted angrily?

Spain set to experience first heatwave of the summer this week Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:57:34 +0200 Meteorologists have forecast the first official heatwave of the summer this week with temperatures expected to exceed 40C in some areas.