Spain to close 'express track' for Venezuelan residency on June 12
The government will end the humanitarian residency mechanism linked to asylum applications for Venezuelans as of June 12. This policy had helped approximately 240,000 people obtain residency through an automatic conversion of denied asylum claims. From June, affected individuals must meet stricter requirements, including a minimum two-year stay in Spain and a work contract, to qualify for ordinary residency via 'arraigo' (social, labor, or family roots).
Repsol warns of petroleum supply 'complexity' in Europe following Hormuz crisis
Repsol CEO Josu Jon Imaz warned of 'periods of supply complexity' for petroleum products in Europe in the coming weeks and months, due to the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, which has cut 11–12 million barrels per day (about 11% of global supply). He emphasized that Spain is relatively well-prepared due to its refineries and Repsol's €1.5 billion investment to secure kerosene supplies since March 1.
Sky-high prices push more housing supply onto market in Spain's big cities
Home supply in major Spanish cities rose in the first quarter of 2026, with Madrid up 17% and Valencia 13% according to Idealista, as soaring prices priced out many buyers. This contrasts with a national decline in inventory, suggesting a cooling market driven by affordability constraints.
VAT on electricity and gas to return to 21% in June as inflation moderates
Spain's annual inflation slowed to 3.2% in April, triggering the scheduled end of reduced VAT rates on electricity and natural gas, which will return to 21% on June 1. The government had linked the tax relief to inflation staying below a certain threshold. As a result, domestic energy bills are set to increase.
Spain admits risk from Russian 'ghost fleet' with 50 tankers weekly near Canarias
Spain's National Security Report acknowledges the threat from Russia's shadow fleet, with about 50 tankers detected each week near the Canary Islands, raising risks of accidents, pollution, or damage to underwater infrastructure. The government is increasing naval surveillance and port controls.
UGT calls indefinite truck and bus driver strike from June 8 over early retirement
UGT has called an indefinite general strike for truck and bus drivers starting June 8 unless the Social Security Ministry provides clear information on early retirement coefficients. The union says it has waited 20 years for this measure and accuses the government of administrative silence.
Tax expert: reinvesting sale proceeds in new home can exempt you from capital gains tax
Economist José María Páez highlights that homeowners who sell their primary residence and reinvest all proceeds into a new main home can avoid paying capital gains tax on the profit. This exemption requires strict compliance, so sellers must plan carefully.
Norovirus-stricken cruise ship may still dock in Spain after cancelling Ferrol
The cruise ship Ambition, hit by a norovirus outbreak off Bordeaux where a 90-year-old British passenger died, has canceled its stop in Ferrol but may still call at Gijón and Bilbao. Spanish health authorities remain on alert.
DGT driving test to include video-based hazard perception questions
Spain's traffic authority (DGT) is reforming its driving test by adding video-based hazard perception questions alongside the traditional multiple-choice format. The change aims to shift from rote memorization to real-world assessment of risks.
King Felipe and VP Cuerpo to visit Canada to boost trade ties
King Felipe VI and Vice President for Economy Carlos Cuerpo will travel to Canada next week to deepen trade relations and attract strategic investments. The mission seeks to reduce Spain's dependence on the US amid shifting geopolitical alliances, with trade already totaling €7 billion.
