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News and information from Spain
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International Edition - December 2025 |
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Welcome to the December issue of 'The Word on the Street'. This is your monthly news and information from Spain provided by Ábaco Advisers. We hope to keep you in touch with the news, events and just a little bit of gossip.
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New year, new look
As we welcome 2026 it is perhaps time for you to take a look at your home and decide if there are improvements that would make it even better for you in the new year. Alternatively, perhaps you are considering upsizing or downsizing your accommodation. Whatever your plans for the new year, you should check out what the legal situation is when making your changes: New year, new look! |
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How to pay your utilities as a non-resident
How can you make sure that your property expenses are paid promptly? If you are a non-resident do you really need to open a Spanish bank account? In this article we explain what the benefits are and what alternatives you might want to consider:
Foreign bank account: can expats in Spain use it to pay bills? |
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Cybersecurity when buying in Spain
As scamming becomes more and more sophisticated we provide our advice on what you should do to make sure you don’t become a victim of cybercrime. We cover the signs you should look out for, actions you can take and how you can make sure that you’re buying safely:
Cybersecurity in Spain when buying property |
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Looking forward to January?
The month of January can be a bit of a downer when it comes to your spirits. This is especially the case if you are resident and family and friends have gone back to your home country. We share some tips for keeping up morale and looking forward to the new year: Managing the January Feeling |
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Where is Palencia?
If you are interested in visiting different parts of Spain, then you might like to read this article from David Ruiz. Palencia is situated in Castilla y León. Surrounded by expansive plains and featuring two major rivers, it also boasts an interesting historical legacy:
Living in Palencia Spain: The Definitive Guide
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What’s happening with the V16 beacons
The new method of alerting other road users to a break down has barely left the headlines for the past few months. Previously covered by triangular warning signs – the beacon has had its share of controversy. Inflated prices, conspiracy theories and more have plagued the announcement that the beacons would now alert other road users of a breakdown. Read the latest that we could find: FACUA slams DGT over misleading V16 beacons: ‘Fraud against consumers’Spanish Traffic Law (formerly N332) continues the debate by pointing out that you should still wait outside your car for help to arrive even if you have the beacon: |
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Reminder about health cover
If you are a non-resident coming to Spain, the Brits in Spain Facebook page has some reminders for you about the healthcare you are entitled to. If you are British it is useful to follow, as they often include up-to-date and relevant information: |
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Introducing The Spanish Show
If you like to collect fun facts about Spain or, in this case, find out more about its traditions, you might like to follow The Spanish Show Facebook page. They ask followers for their opinions e.g. ‘What is the best Christmas movie of all time?’. One of their latest posts explains about Los Reyes Magos: |
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Electric scooter clampdown
They seem to be everywhere on the Spanish roads – the use of electric scooters has spiralled in the past few years to the point where you see them wherever you look. However you feel about them – there are attempts now to make them a little more regulated. Alicante Today explains what will be required from the start of the new year:
Electric scooters in Spain will need mandatory civil liability cover from January 2 |
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Ultra-processed food – Spain kicks back
The hype around the dangers of ultra-processed food has been growing and now Spain is joining in the battle to limit its reach. Spanish News Today explains what is being planned:
Spain moves to curb ultra-processed foods far beyond schools and hospitals |
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Public holidays in Spain 2026
Most Spanish bank holidays are very predictable and the days always fall on the specific date even when it is a Saturday or Sunday. This means that actually over the year, workers do not necessarily have as many as you might think. Although there are national holidays there are also regional and local ones to take account of. In this article from Think Spain, they provide the dates of the main national holidays and a brief account of their significance. You will need to search out the holiday dates for the region or locality you are in:
Public holidays in Spain in 2026 |
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Update on applying for residency from the British Government
If you are British and wondering what you would need to qualify for living in Spain, this recently released update from the British Government may answer some of your questions. It covers how to get a TIE and how to appeal if your application is denied:
Spain: registering as a resident and getting a TIE |
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Cost of living in Spain
If you have travelled or lived in Spain for a few years then you might feel that the cost of living here has gone up. However, how does it compare with other destinations? Mark Stücklin from Spanish Property Insight gives a summary of where Spain stands:
Is Spain still affordable? A closer look at the cost of living |
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Laura Hamilton shares all
Well not quite everything. Anyone who watches a Place in the Sun will recognise Laura Hamilton – for many she is at the heart of the programme. In this video she shares her tips and memories:
A Place in the Sun memories with Laura Hamilton |
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The return of Erasmus?
The news is that it looks as though the Erasmus student exchange programme could return again for students in the UK. It’s early days but many people see this as the start of a restoration of good will between the UK and Europe and are optimistic that other areas of freedom of movement will also emerge:
UK looks set to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus student exchange programme from 2027 |
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Colder inside?
Spain is chilly in winter and, in some parts, very cold. But what often comes as a surprise to people spending time here in the winter months – is that inside can often be colder than outside. This article from Healthplan Magazine, explains why this happens and also provides an overview of what you can expect from the winter in Spain:
Winter in Spain: what expats actually experience |
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We’d like to take the opportunity to thank all our readers of 2025 and wish you all the best for 2026.
Happy New Year! |
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What interests you?
We would welcome any suggestions for future themes you would like us to
cover either in the newsletter or in an article on Spain Explained. Please let us know by email at newsletter@abacoadvisers.com. Thank you! |
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