The way Spain’s Social Security system manages its annual updates to contribution bases, the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI), and contribution bases has become a clear example of how a lack of planning gradually turns into an accepted feature of the system. The issue is not that these changes are wrong, in fact, they are necessary … Read more
Spain has recorded a historic high in overall Social Security affiliation, with the number of contributors reaching new all‑time peaks in mid‑2025. In July 2025, total affiliation reached around 21.86 million contributors, the highest figure on record in the series available. These figures also reflect significant growth in the number of young workers under 30 … Read more
In our February 2025 piece about housekeepers, we explained the basic obligations of household employers: registering staff with Social Security, providing a written contract, respecting working hours, paying the correct salary, and ensuring a safe working environment. One key duty, the workplace risk assessment, became fully mandatory on the 14th of November 2025. The obligation … Read more
From this year, high-earning employees in Spain are required to pay an additional Social Security contribution, a measure introduced to strengthen the financial sustainability of the system. Unlike standard contributions, this extra payment does not increase future pension entitlements but directly supports the national Social Security fund. The contribution applies to salaries exceeding the maximum … Read more
The Spanish Government has taken a decisive step in addressing one of the greatest labour and public health tragedies of the last century. The new Royal Decree sets out the procedure and conditions for victims of asbestos, and, in certain cases, their families, to receive financial compensation for the damage caused by exposure to this … Read more
The Line 2 grant programme for self-employed professionals in Andalucia, which started in 2023, has been renewed until the 30 June 2026. The grant is designed to support self-employed individuals in developing their economic and professional activities, providing a financial boost that can make a significant difference when starting or consolidating a business project. This … Read more
On 31 July 2025, Royal Decree-Law 9/2025 came into effect, introducing important changes to the system of birth leave (formerly maternity or paternity leave) and parental leave. The purpose of this legislation is to allow families to spend more time together and to provide greater flexibility in balancing work and childcare. Birth leave Up to … Read more
Five years after the outbreak of the pandemic, thousands of self-employed individuals in Spain are now being asked to repay the financial aid they received during the health crisis. What was initially a lifeline to keep their businesses afloat has turned into an administrative and financial nightmare. In 2020, the Spanish government approved a cessation-of-activity … Read more
For many British nationals who have chosen to live and work in Spain, or have built careers across several countries, retirement planning can be complex. Questions about how different Social Security systems interact, whether foreign contributions count toward UK or Spanish pension entitlements, and how to claim pensions across borders are increasingly common. Fortunately, a … Read more
Living in Spain as an expat comes with sunshine, tapas, and a laid-back lifestyle — but what happens when your job unexpectedly ends? Losing your income can be daunting! Fortunately, Spain offers a robust unemployment benefits system — known as el paro — that provides a financial cushion while you look for new work. Whether … Read more
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