Living in Spain

If you are considering buying property in Spain, you may come across the term VPO. It appears frequently in listings, legal documents, and urban planning information, but many international buyers are unsure what it actually means.So, what is VPO in Spain?

Spain has long been a favourite retirement destination for people from the UK, US, Germany and across Northern Europe.

Spain has taken a major step in reshaping its migration policy after the government approved a decree that will allow around 500,000 undocumented migrants and asylum seekers to legalise their status.The measure, expected to come into force in April, targets people who have been living in Spain witho

Spain is famous for flamenco, tapas, and sunny beaches—but did you know it’s also home to some of the strangest laws in the world? From fines for sleeping in your car to banning certain baby names, these rules are as bizarre as they are real.

Galera is a small village in northern Granada province, with just over 1,130 people on the books. What sets it apart locally is that it’s growing, while nearby villages are quietly emptying out.

Whether you're moving to Spain permanently, buying property, or spending extended periods there, having a local bank account is essential for day-to-day life.

Andalusia’s new Housing Law has now come into force, through which the government of Juanma Moreno aims to ease the housing crisis and reduce the region’s housing shortfall, estimated by the Bank of Spain at 90,000 homes.Law 5/2025, approved by the Andalusian Parliament on 16 December and announced

On the evening of Sunday, 18 January 2026, southern Spain was shaken by one of the deadliest railway disasters in recent years. Near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province, two high-speed trains collided in a catastrophic accident. The scale of the disaster, combined with ongoing rescue efforts and emerging safety concerns, has left the nation deeply affected.

Spain has overhauled leave for new parents over the past few years, moving to a unified, gender‑neutral system officially called birth and childcare leave (permiso por nacimiento y cuidado del menor).

If you’ve ever opened a council bill here and wondered what on earth the “tasa de basuras”, or rubbish tax in Spain, actually covers, you’re not alone.

Buying a house in Spain as a foreigner in 2026 is perfectly possible, but it comes with its own admin trail: legal checks, a NIE number, a Spanish bank account and a notary appointment, usually in that order.

Today, video surveillance cameras that allow recording or live viewing are available at relatively low cost. However, in a homeowners’ association, installing CCTV in common areas – such as hallways, courtyards or car parks – requires the formal approval from the association. Anyone wishing to place cameras on their façade that might capture images of communal spaces must therefore first obtain the consent from their neighbours.

When moving to Spain, obtaining your NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is one of the first and most important steps.

As of 1 January 2026, the V-16 beacon is mandatory on Spanish roads to signal breakdowns and accidents.

This small Balearic island is all turquoise coves, dusty tracks and lazy sunsets, but living in Formentera full-time is a very different story from a week’s holiday.

This volcanic Canary Island is all black lava, whitewashed villages and Atlantic light, with a climate that stays pleasantly mild most of the year.

Relocating to Spain can be an exciting adventure, with its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich culture. However, moving abroad can also be expensive if you’re not careful. From transportation costs to housing and everyday living expenses, spending can quickly add up.

In a market where housing prices keep climbing, prefabricated homes are emerging as an affordable alternative for those seeking space, comfort and thoughtful design without overspending.

Spain is a young democracy located at the heart of Western Europe.

Melilla is a compact Spanish city on the Moroccan coast with sandy urban beaches and handsome modernist façades. With Melilla's population around 87,000, the city boasts a layered mix of Spanish, Amazigh and Moroccan culture.

Living in Ceuta means settling in a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast at the mouth of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Less than an hour from Valencia lies Chelva, a picturesque village renowned for its striking blue houses and rich historical heritage. Steeped in a Berber past, the village has been named a Site of Cultural Interest.

Exploring Spain by car is one of the best ways to discover its sun-drenched beaches, historic towns, and scenic mountain routes. If you hold a UK driving licence, it’s important to understand the rules before you get behind the wheel.

Legal uncertainty from the Housing Act and the failed Land Act has defined Isabel Rodríguez’s tenure, as she pushes for more public housing and defends rent intervention.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will present in Brussels a proposal to abolish the seasonal clock change, a practice that for decades has marked the start of winter time in October and summer time in March.The measure will be debated at the European Council, to bring it into force in 2026 if me