€100 Fine for Missing ITV Sticker: How Simple Forgetfulness Turns Into a Problem. In Spain, drivers can be fined not only for an expired ITV but also for lacking the sticker on their windshield. Even if your vehicle has passed inspection, an officer can issue a €100 fine if the sticker is missing or incorrectly placed. We explain how to avoid this common mistake.
Spain’s Supreme Court Bans Reduction of Child Pension Bonus for Working Retirees. Spain’s Supreme Court has ordered Social Security to calculate the child-related pension bonus based on the full pension amount, even if the retiree continues to work. This ruling changes the rules for thousands of Spaniards who combine retirement with employment.
The 4-Month Rule for Unemployment Benefit Per Year of Work: How SEPE Actually Calculates. The widespread belief that you receive four months of unemployment benefits for each year of employment does not always match reality. SEPE uses a complex calculation system that only considers certain periods and is governed by strict conditions.
Van Life in Spain: Why the Costs Turned Out Higher Than Expected. Juanma López, a popular Spanish blogger, has published a detailed breakdown of his monthly expenses living in a van. The total exceeded €1,000, dispelling the myth of cheap van life. We explore where the money goes and why the freedom of life on wheels doesn’t always save your budget.
Key Reasons for Failures at the ITV and What This Means for Passengers. In Spain, nearly a third of buses and intercity coaches fail their technical inspection on the first attempt. The main reasons are vehicle age, wear and tear, and serious technical defects. This has a direct impact on the safety of millions of passengers.
CEU Cefas experts propose radical measures to save the pension system. Spain's pension system is facing a demographic crisis. Experts suggest raising the retirement age to 73 and encouraging birth rates to prevent a financial collapse and secure payments for future generations.
Barcelona Opens Applications for Support up to 1,650 Euros for Families with Children Under 16. Barcelona has begun accepting applications for municipal assistance for families with children under 16. The maximum payment amount is 1,650 euros, but only those who meet certain criteria can receive it. Details on the rules, deadlines, and application specifics are in the article.
Spanish Tax Agency Announces Dates for In-Person Income Tax Filing Appointments. Starting May 29, Spain will open appointments for in-person visits at tax offices to file 2025 income tax returns. In-person submission will begin on June 1 and continue through the end of June 2026. Bank payment will have a separate deadline.
SEPE Tightens Rules: What Income Disqualifies You from the Short-Term Work Subsidy. SEPE now requires all family income to be declared when applying for the short-term work subsidy. The calculation uses gross salary, and the limit is set at €915.75 per family member. Exceeding this threshold makes you ineligible for assistance.
Court Denies Woman Full Disability After Video With Broom and Neighbors. A woman from Jaén demanded €143,000 for total loss of work capacity after an accident, but the court ruled that, despite serious injuries, she is still capable of everyday activities. The key evidence was a video showing her sweeping the yard and interacting with neighbors.
Spain introduces annual payment of 525 euros for pensioners without owned housing. Pensioners who receive non-contributory old-age or disability benefits and do not own their own home can count on additional support from the government. The new annual payment is designed to partially offset rental expenses.
SEPE Demands Gross Salary to Be Considered: Who Risks Losing Benefits. When applying for the insufficient-contribution subsidy, SEPE looks not at the amount received in your account but at income before taxes. This can become an unexpected obstacle for families with children and those counting on support.
Several Minor Illnesses Can Lead to Disability Pension in Spain. Even if none of the illnesses seem serious on their own, their combined impact can prevent a person from working. The Spanish system allows for the granting of a disability pension if the overall harm to health makes it impossible to fulfill professional duties.
Young Spaniard Turns Shipping Container Into a Home to Avoid Paying Rent. Eloy from Spain chose to forgo a traditional apartment and created his own home in a shipping container. His experience highlights how bureaucracy gets in the way of new forms of housing, while high market prices push people towards unconventional solutions.
Court Orders INSS to Restore Driver’s Pension: Landmark Decision in Cantabria. A driver from Cantabria has won a court case to have his disability pension reinstated after it was suspended by the INSS due to a missed MRI. The reason was equipment failure, not any refusal by the patient. The agency is now required to pay all owed amounts.
18 Children, 600 Euros and 1,300 Cookies: Life inside Spain’s Largest Family. Rosa Pich-Aguilera runs one of the most prolific families in Europe. She explains how she manages to spend just 600 euros on groceries, why there are always 240 liters of milk in the house, and how 15 children live together under the same roof. The family’s daily routine demands strict discipline and doing without the unnecessary.
Owners of Tourist Apartments in Spain Face New Tax Risks. Renting out property to tourists in Spain now demands increased tax vigilance. New regulations and a digital registry require owners to accurately declare their rental income, as penalties for non-compliance can be substantial.
Valencia introduces fines of up to 3,000 euros for air conditioners on facades. In Valencia, installing an air conditioner on the building facade can now become an expensive mistake. City authorities require all equipment to be placed only on rooftops or in inner courtyards; otherwise, owners risk removal and fines. The new regulations are already in effect.
Bank gifts: why free gadgets and money may lead to taxes. Banks attract clients with gifts — from cash to electronic devices. But these pleasant bonuses often come with a tax obligation: the gift must be declared, and a portion of its value paid to the state. How to avoid pitfalls and what to check in advance — in our analysis.
Spanish Banks Raise Deposit Rates: Why This Worries the ECB. Interest in bank deposits is rising again in Spain, with some banks offering up to 3% per annum to attract clients. However, the European Central Bank warns that excessive savings in accounts could create problems for future pensions and the economy.
44 euros per set: how much does a beach day cost in Mallorca in summer 2026. The beach season in Mallorca has kicked off with record price variations: from 5 to 44 euros for renting a sunbed, umbrella, and additional services. The cost of a beach day can differ greatly depending on the municipality. We look into where and what you’ll have to pay for this summer.
Mallorcan Pensioners Gave Up Their Apartment to Live in a Motorhome Across Europe. Maribel and Vicente have been living in a motorhome for five years, saving on housing costs and enjoying the freedom to travel. They share how their lives have changed, what this lifestyle truly costs, and the challenges they face.
SEPE pays young unemployed up to 10 euros a day for training. Young unemployed people in Spain can receive up to 10 euros per day for attending official SEPE courses. This measure helps offset training costs and increases the chances of finding a job. The support is not available to everyone and requires meeting certain conditions.
In Andalusia, thousands of families to receive automatic heating grant of up to 400 euros. In 2026, the Andalusian authorities will launch automatic payments under the Bono Social Térmico program. The amount of assistance depends on the region's climate and the family's vulnerability. Recipients do not need to apply—the money will be transferred to their account after notification by mail.
Summer Sales 2026: Zara and Bershka Announce Dates and Discount Schedule. Zara, Bershka, and other Inditex brands are launching the 2026 summer sales at the end of June. Each brand and platform—whether mobile app or physical store—has its own start time for discounts. Find out how to catch the best deals and not miss out on what you want.
American Family Turns Down €22 Million for Land to Keep Farming. In the United States, a mother and daughter rejected an offer to sell part of their farm for €22 million. For them, the land is more than just an asset—it holds family history and provides food. Their decision has sparked interest in the conflict between agribusiness and tech development projects.
Who Can Take Partial Retirement at 62: An Overview of Conditions and Pitfalls. In Spain, some employees can reduce their working hours and receive part of their pension starting at age 62. However, eligibility for this scheme depends on work history, contract type, and employer approval. We break down the key conditions and nuances.
State to grant up to 15,000 euros to young homebuyers in small towns. A large-scale program to support young and vulnerable families with buying and renting housing is launching in Spain. The state and regions will allocate €7 billion for subsidies, renovation, and the construction of affordable housing. Key details in the report.
Horoscope for May 19: Venus and Jupiter Change the Rules for All Zodiac Signs. On May 19, Venus begins a new astrological cycle by joining forces with Jupiter. For many signs, this opens up unexpected opportunities in finances, relationships, and work. Find out what to expect and what to pay special attention to for each sign.
INCIBE warns: Scammers posing as Lidl website steal personal data. A new wave of online fraud is sweeping Spain: fake Lidl websites lure shoppers with low prices and request personal and banking information. INCIBE experts explain how to avoid falling for the scam and what to do if you've been deceived.
Unicaja offers up to 900 euros to new customers for opening an online account. Unicaja has announced a new promotion: up to 900 euros in the first year for those who open an online account, transfer their salary or pension, and set up utility payments. The offer is valid until the end of June 2026 and is available exclusively to new customers.
New benefits in Spain up to €1,795 for families with special needs children. Starting May 19, families with children requiring special educational support can apply for state assistance. The maximum benefit is €1,795. The new regulations apply to children with disabilities, autism, ADHD, severe disorders, and high intellectual ability.
Shakira wins case against Spanish tax authorities: court drops all charges. Shakira has achieved a complete dismissal of tax claims in Spain. The court found there was no evidence of her residency. The artist will be refunded tens of millions of euros.
Many Workers in Spain Risk Losing Their Pension Due to Unawareness of a Key Requirement. Thousands of Spaniards believe that 15 years of work experience is enough to qualify for a pension. However, the law requires another important condition that is often overlooked. Failing to meet this rule can deprive you of your pension rights even with the full required years of service.
How to Find Out for Free If You Are on the ASNEF List and Quickly Remove Your Data. You can end up on the ASNEF list even because of a small debt, and the consequences can be serious: loan rejection, difficulties with renting, and even issues with service providers. We explain how to check your status in the register for free and what steps to take to remove your information.
