⚠️ 2025 income tax deadline is June 30
The deadline to file Spain's 2025 income tax return (declaración de la renta) is this Tuesday, June 30. The Tax Agency expects 25.25 million declarations, with 62.2% resulting in refunds worth a total of €13,271 million, while 31% will owe a combined €24,628 million. Appointments for in-person or phone filing can be requested through June 29; the direct debit payment option closed on June 25. Failing to file on time can result in penalties for all tax residents.
Transfers over €10,000 to family must be declared
Under Spanish tax rules, donations exceeding €10,000 to family members must be declared to the Tax Agency. Separately, any bank transfer above €6,000 is monitored for anti-money laundering purposes. Penalties for failing to declare a donation start at €600 and can reach 50% of the gift's value. The rules, set out in Law 10/2010, affect anyone sending money to relatives, including those sending funds abroad.
Spain vs Austria: first World Cup meeting in 48 years
Spain will take on Austria in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The match marks their first World Cup encounter since 1978, and Austria's first appearance in the tournament since 1998. It is a crucial early knockout-stage test for Spain's campaign.
Room rents top 25% of salary in priciest provinces
A study by Fotocasa and Infojobs shows that the average monthly room rent in Spain is €521, equal to 23% of the average gross salary (€2,278). That is €616 less than renting an 80-sq-m apartment, which costs €1,137 and consumes 50% of income. In the most expensive provinces, even a room surpasses the 25% mark, forcing many sharers beyond the recommended 30% salary threshold.
Spain removes Gibraltar from tax haven list, adds Russia
Spain has taken Gibraltar off its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions after 35 years, while simultaneously adding Russia. The ministerial order was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on Saturday. The change alters tax reporting obligations for anyone with financial ties to Gibraltar or Russia, including residents holding assets, income, or business interests in either territory.
Cheap Spanish mortgages under investigation over tied products
Spain offers some of Europe's cheapest mortgages, but the competition regulator CNMC has opened an investigation into six Ibex-35 banks for possible anticompetitive practices linked to bundled products. Tied offers — such as requiring home insurance or pension plans — are among the strictest in the EU and can significantly increase the real cost of a home loan. Foreign buyers are advised to scrutinize these conditions when shopping for a mortgage.
Low salaries threaten social welfare system, CES warns
Antón Costas, president of Spain's Economic and Social Council (CES), has cautioned that without good salaries, pressure on income redistribution will fracture the state. He described pension reforms based exclusively on demographic projections as a 'fatal error'. He also noted that the economy has shown resilience, although housing costs and the cost of living remain acute problems.
Renfe cancels 320 trains on Monday due to strike
A strike called by the Sindicato Ferroviario has forced Renfe to cancel 98 AVE and long-distance services (73% of scheduled services operating) and 222 medium-distance trains (65% running). Commuter services (Cercanías) will run at 75% during peak hours and 50% at other times. A second strike day is planned for July 15. Passengers should confirm their travel before heading to stations.
Forest owners fear another severe wildfire season
Private forest owners warn that Spain risks a repeat of last year's devastating wildfires because little preventive work has been carried out. About 72% of Spain's forest land is privately held — 20 million hectares owned by 3.5 million individuals — and owners report bureaucratic delays and insufficient public resources. They say the cycle of emergency funding followed by neglect when fires are absent leaves the land vulnerable each summer.
Nine Spaniards killed in Venezuela earthquakes, 131 missing
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that nine Spanish citizens have died and 131 remain missing after the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Emergency consular lines remain open for families seeking information. Search and rescue efforts continue amid widespread damage.
🛒 Mercadona is closed today, but not everywhere!
