Esme Fox

1 week ago | thelocal.es | Alex Dunham |Esme Fox

Spain faces a dilemma when it comes to its popularity among foreigners. For decades, they've boosted the Spanish service-based economy as tourists, second home owners and new residents from overseas spent big. But spiralling rents and property prices in recent years have led many Spaniards to consider whether they've become second-class citizens in their own country, outpriced by outsiders with more purchasing power.

1 week ago | thelocal.es | Esme Fox

If you're planning on moving to Spain it's important to know how much to budget for your weekly shop, so you can have an idea of how much you have left for everything else. Or perhaps you've recently moved here and you’re finding your shopping bills are high because you’re buying lots of imported products and trying to eat and cook the same as you did back home.

1 week ago | thelocal.es | Esme Fox

Why do I have to pay more social security when I already pay every month? In 2023, the Spanish government changed the system for autónomos or self-employed so that they would begin pay social security based on real earnings rather than a flat fee for everyone. Instead of there being a fixed rate of €294, the fee now goes down progressively to €200 a month for lower earners and progressively higher - up to €590 a month - for higher earners.

1 week ago | thelocal.es | Esme Fox

Spain has long been a popular country for Europeans to retire to due to its great climate, relatively low cost of living, vibrant culture and strong social communities. Now a new study from Global Citizen Solutions, an investment migration consultancy firm, classes Spain as the top country for US nationals to retire to as well. The study is based on the firm’s Global Intelligence Unit’s Retirement Index which looks at factors such as living expenses, healthcare and retirement visa options.

1 week ago | ca.news.yahoo.com | Esme Fox

Quaint coastal villages, snow-capped mountain peaks and verdant valleys – this is Cantabria. One of Spain’s smallest regions, Cantabria lies sandwiched up against the country’s wild north coast, in an area known as “green Spain”. One of the best ways to experience it is through the delicious food, seeking out local specialities and connecting with the people through age-old culinary traditions, while exploring some of its best destinations.