Lifestyle

14 October 2026

10 Things prohibited at home by law in Spain (with fines up to €6,000)

Flushing wet wipes down the toilet or carrying out building work without a licence lead the list of home offences, with fines of up to €6,000, according to municipal data compiled by Fotocasa. The Animal Welfare Act sets fines ranging from €500 to €10,000 for leaving dogs alone for more...

07 October 2026

Home decor trends for houses in Spain in 2026: a complete guide for your second home

Interior design in Spain in 2026 prioritises quiet luxury, natural harmony, and structural durability. The "emotional palette" trend leaves cool tones behind to focus on terracotta, clay, sand, and olive green that enhance Mediterranean light. Home decor trends for 2026 consolidate continuous...

22 September 2026

How to get the certificate of empadronamiento in Spain as a foreigner: Step-by-Step guide

Law 4/1996 requires anyone residing in Spain to register on the municipal census (padrón), regardless of their legal or administrative status. The census certificate (certificado de empadronamiento) is free and requires a valid ID along with property deeds, a tenancy agreement, or signed...

17 September 2026

How to meet people in Spain if you are an expat

Language exchanges and group activities are the quickest ways to connect with locals and expats in Spain, according to expat community feedback. Daily routines in local neighbourhood shops and shared housing spark everyday conversations that speed up cultural adaptation. Local volunteering...

16 September 2026

Living in Spain: 20 things you need to know before packing your bags

In Spain, the main meal is lunch, and dinner is rarely eaten before 9:00 PM. The National Health System (SNS) ranks among the top 20 worldwide according to The Lancet, accessible via Social Security contributions or private insurance. Key administrative procedures such as the padrón, NIE,...

16 September 2026

Moving to Spain: the ultimate expat guide with everything you need to know

The Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of a minimum monthly income of approximately €2,849 and grants access to the tax benefits of the Beckham Law. Buying an 80 m² home in Spain costs an average of €253,270, according to Fotocasa data from August 2026. Obtaining the NIE, completing the...

15 September 2026

How much does it cost to live in Spain in 2026? Monthly budget by city

Spain ranks as the 3rd cheapest country in Western Europe to live in, according to international data from Expatistan in 2026. Renting an 80 m² property costs €1,596 per month in Madrid city and €1,456 in Barcelona city, according to the July 2026 Fotocasa Real Estate Index. The basic...

15 September 2026

What is it like living in Spain as an expat? Guide to the best cities in 2026

Buying an 80 sqm home in Spain costs an average of €252,308, and the average monthly rent is €1,131, according to data from the July 2026 Fotocasa Real Estate Index. Madrid city (€19.95/sqm) and Barcelona city (€18.20/sqm) record the highest rental prices, while Valencia and Malaga offer...

01 September 2026

Living with over 200 days of sunshine a year: the 8 best cities in Spain to move to if you want to escape the cold

Almería leads in sunshine hours in Spain with 3,200 annually, followed by Seville and Murcia with 3,000 hours a year, according to the Reonic insolation study from January 2026. Buying an 80 m² home in the sunniest capitals ranges from €151,273 in Almería (€1,891/m²) to €424,280 in...