15 MOST IMPORTANT SPAIN NEWS
FEBRUARY 2026
January and early February 2026 in Spain have been incredibly eventful. We've gathered 15 key events that have changed or will change the lives of millions of people. Among them is a world-scale event being discussed from Barcelona to Washington.
1. MINIMUM WAGE INCREASED BY 3.1%
On January 7, 2026, the Spanish government approved a minimum wage increase. It now stands at €1,221 per month(with 14 payments) or €1,425 per month (with 12 payments). That's €17,094 per year — €37 more than in 2025.
Who this affects:
The increase will impact 2.5 million workers in Spain. And it's applied retroactively — from January 1, 2026. Important detail: the minimum wage remains exempt from income tax (IRPF).
Historical context:
Let's look at the trajectory. In 2018, the minimum wage was €735.90. In 2025 — €1,184. Over 7 years it grew by 66%!These aren't just numbers on paper — this is the purchasing power of millions of people.
The Ministry of Labor emphasized: the minimum wage must reach 60% of the average national salary. This is part of the European social policy directive, and Spain is consistently moving toward this goal.
What this means for expats:
If you work in Spain under contract — this directly affects you too. And for those planning a nomad visa, there's an important update: the new minimum income for the Digital Nomad visa is now €2,849/month (instead of €2,764). For families, add €1,070 for a spouse and €357 for each child.
Our advice: if you're planning a nomad visa — better hurry before the exchange rate changes and requirements grow even more.
2. SPAIN WELCOMED RECORD 97 MILLION TOURISTS
On January 15, Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu announced: Spain set an absolute record. In 2025, the country was visited by 97 million foreign tourists — a 3.5% increase compared to 2024 (94 million).
Impressive numbers:
Tourists spent €135 billion in Spain — that's a 6.8% increase! The minister commented: "Spain is a country that seduces the world." And the numbers confirm it.
Who's coming:
Half of tourists are British, Germans, and French — traditional lovers of Spanish sunshine. But the fastest-growing market is the USA. In 2025, Spain was visited by over 4 million Americans, and they spend more and stay longer than Europeans.
Regional leaders:
Catalonia continues to hold first place — over 20 million tourists (a historic record for the region!). The Canary and Balearic Islands traditionally remain strong and continue attracting millions of vacationers.
But there's a problem:
Tourism brings money but creates headaches. Locals increasingly protest against overtourism: housing prices rise, historic neighborhoods change, infrastructure is overloaded.
What's the government doing? In 2025, they removed 54,000 illegal tourist apartments from Airbnb and Booking. Barcelona and Malaga are introducing strict restrictions on short-term rentals. Strategy 2030 focuses on sustainable tourism, not tourist quantity.
2026 forecast:
In the first 4 months of 2026, 26 million tourists are expected (+3.7%). Spain could reach the magical threshold of 100 million tourists within the next 2 years.
Interesting fact: Spain is the second most visited country in the world after France. Tourism accounts for 13% of the country's GDP — that's a serious part of the economy.
3. LESS TAXES AND BUREAUCRACY FOR AUTÓNOMOS
The autónomos association (ATA) presented the government with a package of 10 measures to reduce the burden on entrepreneurs. And you know what? Some of these proposals look genuinely reasonable.
Key proposals:
ATA President Lorenzo Amor says it straight: "Autónomos are a third of Spain's economy, but they're the ones drowning in bureaucracy and contributions." And he's right. Currently, an autónomo pays €300-400/month in social security regardless of income, plus quarterly declarations, plus annual reporting. It's tough, especially at the start.
Important: These are proposals for now, not adopted laws. But if even half pass — entrepreneurs' lives will get easier. We're watching developments.
4. FASTER DIPLOMA RECOGNITION
Great news for professionals with foreign education! The government launched an accelerated diploma recognition procedure.
Who this affects:
Professionals with foreign education, especially in sectors with labor shortages: IT, medicine, engineering, education.
What's needed:
Goal:
Reduce bureaucracy and faster integrate international talent into the Spanish labor market. Previously, homologation could take a year or more. Now the government promises to speed up the process for in-demand specialties.
5. NEW PENSIONS APPROVED
The government approved a decree on pensions and social protection — this is part of the "social shield" that continues operating in 2026.
What changed:
Pensions in Spain for 2026 are increasing by 2.7% overall for insurance and passive classes. But there are categories that received higher increases — from 7% to 11.4%:
The minimum old-age pension with a dependent spouse is €17,592.40 per year. The maximum pension is nearly €3,360 per month.
This is an important social support measure, especially given rising housing and food prices.
6. COLOMBIANS BECOMING THE LARGEST MIGRATION GROUP
A historic shift is brewing in Spain. People from Colombia have already exceeded 1 million and in 2026 may overtake Moroccans for the first time in numbers among those born outside the country.
Important clarification:
This refers specifically to origin, not citizenship. Colombians obtain Spanish passports faster and "drop out" of foreigner statistics, so there are actually even more Colombians in Spain.
Impressive numbers:
Since 2022, their number has nearly doubled, and the number working and paying contributions has grown nearly threefold!
Why they're coming:
Economists note: migration has become one of the key drivers of the country's economic growth today. Colombians integrate quickly, speak excellent Spanish, work actively, and open businesses.
This is a living example of how migration can be win-win: migrants find a better life, the country gets labor and economic growth.
7. MASS REGULARIZATION 2026 — WORLD-SCALE EVENT
And now — the main news. Not just for Spain, but one of the world's major migration news stories in 2026.
On January 27, Pedro Sánchez's government published a mass legalization project for undocumented residents of Spain.
Historical context:
Regularizations in Spain aren't new. Over the past 40 years, the country has conducted such processes multiple times. And both left and right governments have done this:
As you can see, when social reality outpaces bureaucracy — governments act. This isn't one party's policy. This is Spanish migration management practice.
What makes 2026 regularization special:
This is the softest legalization in all of Spain's history. Let's break down the details.
Who can apply:
In the past, they required a contract for minimum 6 months, mandatory empadronamiento, strict proof of work. Now — it's enough to prove presence: transport tickets, medical certificates, any documents. Even a certificate that you received help from social services will work.
Absence of criminal record can be confirmed by self-declaration — if after a month of requesting, the certificate from your country hasn't arrived, you submit a self-declaration, and it's accepted.
This is the easiest in 40 years. Really.
Who this is important for:
While America is deporting immigrants, shooting their defenders, and separating families, Spain is legalizing them. España es rica, es diversa, y es acogedora — Spain is rich, diverse, and welcoming.
Why this is visa number 1:
Because it affects hundreds of thousands of people ALREADY in Spain. For them, this is a chance to come out of the shadows. Legally. Quickly. With the right to work. And this is happening RIGHT NOW.
What to do if this is about you:
If you've been in Spain 5+ months before December 31, 2025 — prepare documents NOW:
Full video with breakdown of all requirements and nuances — on our channel.
On January 7, 2026, the Spanish government approved a minimum wage increase. It now stands at €1,221 per month(with 14 payments) or €1,425 per month (with 12 payments). That's €17,094 per year — €37 more than in 2025.
Who this affects:
The increase will impact 2.5 million workers in Spain. And it's applied retroactively — from January 1, 2026. Important detail: the minimum wage remains exempt from income tax (IRPF).
Historical context:
Let's look at the trajectory. In 2018, the minimum wage was €735.90. In 2025 — €1,184. Over 7 years it grew by 66%!These aren't just numbers on paper — this is the purchasing power of millions of people.
The Ministry of Labor emphasized: the minimum wage must reach 60% of the average national salary. This is part of the European social policy directive, and Spain is consistently moving toward this goal.
What this means for expats:
If you work in Spain under contract — this directly affects you too. And for those planning a nomad visa, there's an important update: the new minimum income for the Digital Nomad visa is now €2,849/month (instead of €2,764). For families, add €1,070 for a spouse and €357 for each child.
Our advice: if you're planning a nomad visa — better hurry before the exchange rate changes and requirements grow even more.
2. SPAIN WELCOMED RECORD 97 MILLION TOURISTS
On January 15, Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu announced: Spain set an absolute record. In 2025, the country was visited by 97 million foreign tourists — a 3.5% increase compared to 2024 (94 million).
Impressive numbers:
Tourists spent €135 billion in Spain — that's a 6.8% increase! The minister commented: "Spain is a country that seduces the world." And the numbers confirm it.
Who's coming:
Half of tourists are British, Germans, and French — traditional lovers of Spanish sunshine. But the fastest-growing market is the USA. In 2025, Spain was visited by over 4 million Americans, and they spend more and stay longer than Europeans.
Regional leaders:
Catalonia continues to hold first place — over 20 million tourists (a historic record for the region!). The Canary and Balearic Islands traditionally remain strong and continue attracting millions of vacationers.
But there's a problem:
Tourism brings money but creates headaches. Locals increasingly protest against overtourism: housing prices rise, historic neighborhoods change, infrastructure is overloaded.
What's the government doing? In 2025, they removed 54,000 illegal tourist apartments from Airbnb and Booking. Barcelona and Malaga are introducing strict restrictions on short-term rentals. Strategy 2030 focuses on sustainable tourism, not tourist quantity.
2026 forecast:
In the first 4 months of 2026, 26 million tourists are expected (+3.7%). Spain could reach the magical threshold of 100 million tourists within the next 2 years.
Interesting fact: Spain is the second most visited country in the world after France. Tourism accounts for 13% of the country's GDP — that's a serious part of the economy.
3. LESS TAXES AND BUREAUCRACY FOR AUTÓNOMOS
The autónomos association (ATA) presented the government with a package of 10 measures to reduce the burden on entrepreneurs. And you know what? Some of these proposals look genuinely reasonable.
Key proposals:
- Exempt from Social Security contributions from the first day of sick leave (currently you pay even when sick)
- Exempt from VAT those earning up to €85,000/year
- Reduce declarations from 4 to 1-2 (less paperwork)
- Allow receiving 100% pension while continuing to work (currently not allowed)
- Simplify access to cese de actividad (unemployment benefit equivalent for autónomos)
- Automatically refund overpaid contributions for pluriactivity
ATA President Lorenzo Amor says it straight: "Autónomos are a third of Spain's economy, but they're the ones drowning in bureaucracy and contributions." And he's right. Currently, an autónomo pays €300-400/month in social security regardless of income, plus quarterly declarations, plus annual reporting. It's tough, especially at the start.
Important: These are proposals for now, not adopted laws. But if even half pass — entrepreneurs' lives will get easier. We're watching developments.
4. FASTER DIPLOMA RECOGNITION
Great news for professionals with foreign education! The government launched an accelerated diploma recognition procedure.
Who this affects:
Professionals with foreign education, especially in sectors with labor shortages: IT, medicine, engineering, education.
What's needed:
- Employment contract or job offer
- Employer statement about the need for recognition
- Confirmation that diploma recognition is necessary for the job
Goal:
Reduce bureaucracy and faster integrate international talent into the Spanish labor market. Previously, homologation could take a year or more. Now the government promises to speed up the process for in-demand specialties.
5. NEW PENSIONS APPROVED
The government approved a decree on pensions and social protection — this is part of the "social shield" that continues operating in 2026.
What changed:
Pensions in Spain for 2026 are increasing by 2.7% overall for insurance and passive classes. But there are categories that received higher increases — from 7% to 11.4%:
- Minimum pensions
- Widowhood pensions with dependents
- Non-insurance pensions (IMV)
The minimum old-age pension with a dependent spouse is €17,592.40 per year. The maximum pension is nearly €3,360 per month.
This is an important social support measure, especially given rising housing and food prices.
6. COLOMBIANS BECOMING THE LARGEST MIGRATION GROUP
A historic shift is brewing in Spain. People from Colombia have already exceeded 1 million and in 2026 may overtake Moroccans for the first time in numbers among those born outside the country.
Important clarification:
This refers specifically to origin, not citizenship. Colombians obtain Spanish passports faster and "drop out" of foreigner statistics, so there are actually even more Colombians in Spain.
Impressive numbers:
Since 2022, their number has nearly doubled, and the number working and paying contributions has grown nearly threefold!
Why they're coming:
- Crisis in Colombia (economic and social)
- Language (Spanish is native)
- Cultural proximity
- Flexible migration policy in Spain
Economists note: migration has become one of the key drivers of the country's economic growth today. Colombians integrate quickly, speak excellent Spanish, work actively, and open businesses.
This is a living example of how migration can be win-win: migrants find a better life, the country gets labor and economic growth.
7. MASS REGULARIZATION 2026 — WORLD-SCALE EVENT
And now — the main news. Not just for Spain, but one of the world's major migration news stories in 2026.
On January 27, Pedro Sánchez's government published a mass legalization project for undocumented residents of Spain.
Historical context:
Regularizations in Spain aren't new. Over the past 40 years, the country has conducted such processes multiple times. And both left and right governments have done this:
Year | President | Party | Legalized |
1986 | Felipe González | PSOE | 38,294 |
1991-92 | Felipe González | PSOE | 114,423 |
1996 | Felipe González | PSOE | 21,294 |
2000 | José María Aznar | PP | 264,153 |
2001 | José María Aznar | PP | 239,174 |
2005 | José Luis R. Zapatero | PSOE | 576,506 |
2026 | Pedro Sánchez | PSOE | 500,000 (estimate) |
As you can see, when social reality outpaces bureaucracy — governments act. This isn't one party's policy. This is Spanish migration management practice.
What makes 2026 regularization special:
This is the softest legalization in all of Spain's history. Let's break down the details.
Who can apply:
- Been in Spain minimum 5 months before December 31, 2025
- No criminal record (or a record that can be expunged)
- PLUS one of three:
- Contract OR proof of past work
- Family in Spain (children in school, parents)
- Vulnerable situation (undocumented status = automatically qualifies!)
- 1-year residence permit
- Right to work FROM THE MOMENT OF APPLICATION! (within maximum 15 days after application you can start working — no need to wait for final decision)
- Work anywhere, as anything (employed or autónomo)
- Children get 5 years! (not 1 year, but 5 years independent of parents' status — this is huge protection for children)
- Application: April - June 30, 2026
- Processing: up to 3 months
- Scale: 500,000 people will be able to legalize
In the past, they required a contract for minimum 6 months, mandatory empadronamiento, strict proof of work. Now — it's enough to prove presence: transport tickets, medical certificates, any documents. Even a certificate that you received help from social services will work.
Absence of criminal record can be confirmed by self-declaration — if after a month of requesting, the certificate from your country hasn't arrived, you submit a self-declaration, and it's accepted.
This is the easiest in 40 years. Really.
Who this is important for:
- Venezuelans
- Colombians
- Ukrainians
- Latin Americans
- Those who can't apply for arraigo (it requires 2 years, here — 5 months)
- Asylum seekers whose cases are being reviewed for years
While America is deporting immigrants, shooting their defenders, and separating families, Spain is legalizing them. España es rica, es diversa, y es acogedora — Spain is rich, diverse, and welcoming.
Why this is visa number 1:
Because it affects hundreds of thousands of people ALREADY in Spain. For them, this is a chance to come out of the shadows. Legally. Quickly. With the right to work. And this is happening RIGHT NOW.
What to do if this is about you:
If you've been in Spain 5+ months before December 31, 2025 — prepare documents NOW:
- Request criminal record certificate (this takes time, start today)
- Gather proof of stay: padrón, water/electricity bills, rental contracts, tickets, medical certificates, bank statements, receipts — everything showing you're here
- If you have work — request a contract or certificate from employer
- If you have family — prepare children's documents (school certificates, birth certificates)
Full video with breakdown of all requirements and nuances — on our channel.
8. TEMPORARY PROTECTION FOR UKRAINIANS — WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Important news for Ukrainians on temporary protection (Protección Temporal).
Key points:
Years on temporary protection DON'T count:
Modification impossible:
With temporary protection, you can't modify to another type of residence permit. Moreover, after its cancellation, arraigo (settlement) will also be unavailable since time on temporary protection doesn't count.
What happens after 2027:
Don't panic. The EU has already issued a directive requiring member countries to adapt a new type of residence permit for those who can't extend temporary protection. Spain will be obliged to either introduce a separate residence permit or officially indicate what status one can transition to after Protección Temporal ends.
Leave temporary protection now or wait until 2027:
There's no definitive answer — it all depends on your situation, plans, and goals: work, business, family, citizenship prospects.
But: The 2026 regularization could be a chance for many Ukrainians to move to a regular visa that counts toward permanent residence and citizenship. Worth considering.
9. AUTOMATIC FINGERPRINT APPOINTMENT IN HOSPITALET
Finally, good news about bureaucracy! Imagine: you get residence permit approval — and immediately, automatically, you get a fingerprint appointment.
Pilot project:
Residents of Hospitalet de Llobregat in Catalonia no longer need to spend hours refreshing the website looking for cita. After receiving approval, they automatically get an appointment within 15 days for fingerprinting.
Who this works for:
The measure applies to applicants who don't need to perform additional preliminary actions (like registering in the social security system).
What's next:
This is a pilot project currently implemented in one city. If the experience is deemed successful — it will be implemented in other regions.
We really hope this becomes the standard throughout Spain. The hunt for cita is one of the most stressful moments of getting residence. If this goes away — it'll be wonderful.
10. V16 EMERGENCY BEACON NOW MANDATORY
Starting in 2026, every car in Spain must have a V16 emergency beacon, replacing the old triangle.
Why this matters:
You can buy at any auto shop or on Amazon. Price — about €20-40. Fines for not having one — up to €200.
If you haven't bought one yet — now's the time. From 2026, it's mandatory.
11. TRAIN TRAGEDY IN ADAMUS
The only sad news we must report.
What happened:
On January 18, 2026, two trains collided in the municipality of Adamus, Córdoba province. An Iryo train (Málaga — Madrid) derailed and flew onto the oncoming track, where an Alvia train from Renfe (Madrid — Huelva) crashed into it.
Casualties:
As of February 10, 2026, the death toll reached 46 people. The last victim died in the hospital. This is one of the most severe railway disasters in modern Spanish history.
Causes:
The main investigative version — rail welding defect. Railway workers' unions held a strike demanding improved safety conditions. They recently reached an agreement with the government, and the strike was cancelled.
Public reaction:
According to a 40dB poll for Cadena SER, society is extremely dissatisfied with authorities' actions after the disaster. Many believe the response was insufficiently quick and transparent.
Political consequences:
This tragedy has political resonance. The government is trying to appease Catalans by transferring some migration powers to the Generalitat. The transport collapse in Catalonia became one reason why the Catalan party Junts intensified pressure on Pedro Sánchez.
Everything's connected. The rail tragedy led to a political crisis, which in turn influenced migration policy.
12. BARCELONA-MADRID TICKETS NO MORE THAN €99
After AVE train problems, the government required Iberia to cap prices on Barcelona-Madrid flights.
What this means:
Maximum ticket price on this route — €99. This is a temporary measure introduced due to cancellation of some AVE trains after the Adamus tragedy.
How long:
The measure will remain in effect until rail service is fully restored.
If you're flying between Barcelona and Madrid — now's a good time. Silver lining in the clouds of tragedy.
13. SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR TEENS?
The government is considering banning social media for teens under 16. Goal — protect children from the "digital wild west" (salvaje oeste digital).
How this will work:
Discussion ongoing, law not yet passed. But the trend is obvious — Europe is tightening control over social media and child protection online.
France, Germany, Netherlands are already introducing similar measures. Spain is following their example.
14. BITTER ORANGE COLLECTION IN BARCELONA
And now — a sweet and kind news story.
Barcelona's annual bitter orange collection season has started. This is a very Barcelona tradition: ecological, social, delicious.
How it works:
Yes! The barcelonasecreta.com website has schedules and a map of collection sites. Come with family, friends — it's a great way to spend the weekend, do something useful, and try homemade marmalade.
This is the Barcelona we love: practical, social, humane.
15. GOVERNMENT WORKERS — ONLINE DATING CHAMPIONS
And the final, amusing news.
A study showed who in Spain spends the most time on dating apps. And the winners will surprise you.
Numbers:
The most time on online dating is spent by... government workers! Almost 6 hours/month. For comparison: in tourism and logistics — about 5 hours.
Apparently, the work is steady, there's plenty of time 😄
By age:
Most active are people roughly 30 to 45 years old — they spend almost 5 hours/month in apps. But youth under 25 log in less frequently and don't stay long.
Market leaders:
Among services, Tinder leads in user numbers, and Grindr confidently wins in time spent in the app.
Conclusion:
Online dating is increasingly becoming a normal part of life — like morning coffee or scrolling through news feeds. For some it's a couple minutes a day, and for others, judging by statistics, it's already almost a full-fledged hobby.
And speaking of Valentine's Day:
In Barcelona from February 10-14, dozens of events for singles will take place: wine tastings, speed dating, parties in secret bars. Barcelona no longer leaves singles at home!
One of the most popular parties — "Night with Chemistry" at the underground pharmacy Pharmacy (Pau Claris, 90). This is a new viral secret: a cocktail bar hidden in a secret pharmacy. They even have "spare hearts" as cocktails for heartbreak: paracetamol and aspirin on ice, mini-bottles with oxygen and gin, shot syringes.
And if things get too serious — they have a wheelchair to wheel you out to the street and put you in a taxi
💝 SPECIAL OFFER: DREAM FOR TWO
And at DreamLife Spain — we have our own Valentine's promotion.
From February 14-28: order relocation for yourself — relocation for your significant other is FREE!
How it works:
You choose any relocation program:
Visas, documents, housing, consultations, support — everything included. For two. Price of one.
Who it's for:
You've already found love — and we'll make your dreams come true ❤️
💼 WE'RE EXPANDING: JOBS AT DREAMLIFE SPAIN
We're looking for team members:
👥 LOOKING FOR PARTNERS
At DreamLife Spain we already have over 100 partners throughout Spain. In 2026 we want to double that number.
Who we're looking for:
CONCLUSION
These were the 15 most important Spain news stories of early 2026.
Among them — economic changes (minimum wage increase, simplifications for autónomos), record tourism, migration shifts (Colombians overtaking Moroccans), railway tragedy, and of course, the world-scale event mass regularization 2026, which will give half a million people a chance to come out of the shadows and legalize.
Spain continues to be a country of contrasts: tourism boom and local protests, strict rules for social media and liberal migration policy, tragedies and social initiatives like orange collection.
But the main thing: Spain remains a country that gives chances. A chance to build a new life. A chance to legalize. A chance to start with a clean slate.
España es rica, es diversa, y es acogedora Spain is rich, diverse, and welcoming.
Full video with these news stories on our YouTube channel. Subscribe so you don't miss important updates!
Have questions? Write in comments I'll answer everyone.
¡Hasta luego! 👋
Important news for Ukrainians on temporary protection (Protección Temporal).
Key points:
Years on temporary protection DON'T count:
- Not for permanent residence
- Not for citizenship
Modification impossible:
With temporary protection, you can't modify to another type of residence permit. Moreover, after its cancellation, arraigo (settlement) will also be unavailable since time on temporary protection doesn't count.
What happens after 2027:
Don't panic. The EU has already issued a directive requiring member countries to adapt a new type of residence permit for those who can't extend temporary protection. Spain will be obliged to either introduce a separate residence permit or officially indicate what status one can transition to after Protección Temporal ends.
Leave temporary protection now or wait until 2027:
There's no definitive answer — it all depends on your situation, plans, and goals: work, business, family, citizenship prospects.
But: The 2026 regularization could be a chance for many Ukrainians to move to a regular visa that counts toward permanent residence and citizenship. Worth considering.
9. AUTOMATIC FINGERPRINT APPOINTMENT IN HOSPITALET
Finally, good news about bureaucracy! Imagine: you get residence permit approval — and immediately, automatically, you get a fingerprint appointment.
Pilot project:
Residents of Hospitalet de Llobregat in Catalonia no longer need to spend hours refreshing the website looking for cita. After receiving approval, they automatically get an appointment within 15 days for fingerprinting.
Who this works for:
The measure applies to applicants who don't need to perform additional preliminary actions (like registering in the social security system).
What's next:
This is a pilot project currently implemented in one city. If the experience is deemed successful — it will be implemented in other regions.
We really hope this becomes the standard throughout Spain. The hunt for cita is one of the most stressful moments of getting residence. If this goes away — it'll be wonderful.
10. V16 EMERGENCY BEACON NOW MANDATORY
Starting in 2026, every car in Spain must have a V16 emergency beacon, replacing the old triangle.
Why this matters:
- No need to exit the vehicle onto the highway (this is the main thing — safety!)
- Visible in any conditions: fog, rain, night
- Emergency services receive your location immediately (beacon transmits coordinates)
- Unified safety standard throughout Spain
You can buy at any auto shop or on Amazon. Price — about €20-40. Fines for not having one — up to €200.
If you haven't bought one yet — now's the time. From 2026, it's mandatory.
11. TRAIN TRAGEDY IN ADAMUS
The only sad news we must report.
What happened:
On January 18, 2026, two trains collided in the municipality of Adamus, Córdoba province. An Iryo train (Málaga — Madrid) derailed and flew onto the oncoming track, where an Alvia train from Renfe (Madrid — Huelva) crashed into it.
Casualties:
As of February 10, 2026, the death toll reached 46 people. The last victim died in the hospital. This is one of the most severe railway disasters in modern Spanish history.
Causes:
The main investigative version — rail welding defect. Railway workers' unions held a strike demanding improved safety conditions. They recently reached an agreement with the government, and the strike was cancelled.
Public reaction:
According to a 40dB poll for Cadena SER, society is extremely dissatisfied with authorities' actions after the disaster. Many believe the response was insufficiently quick and transparent.
Political consequences:
This tragedy has political resonance. The government is trying to appease Catalans by transferring some migration powers to the Generalitat. The transport collapse in Catalonia became one reason why the Catalan party Junts intensified pressure on Pedro Sánchez.
Everything's connected. The rail tragedy led to a political crisis, which in turn influenced migration policy.
12. BARCELONA-MADRID TICKETS NO MORE THAN €99
After AVE train problems, the government required Iberia to cap prices on Barcelona-Madrid flights.
What this means:
Maximum ticket price on this route — €99. This is a temporary measure introduced due to cancellation of some AVE trains after the Adamus tragedy.
How long:
The measure will remain in effect until rail service is fully restored.
If you're flying between Barcelona and Madrid — now's a good time. Silver lining in the clouds of tragedy.
13. SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR TEENS?
The government is considering banning social media for teens under 16. Goal — protect children from the "digital wild west" (salvaje oeste digital).
How this will work:
- Mandatory age verification on all platforms
- Fines for platforms that don't comply
- Access blocking for children under 16
Discussion ongoing, law not yet passed. But the trend is obvious — Europe is tightening control over social media and child protection online.
France, Germany, Netherlands are already introducing similar measures. Spain is following their example.
14. BITTER ORANGE COLLECTION IN BARCELONA
And now — a sweet and kind news story.
Barcelona's annual bitter orange collection season has started. This is a very Barcelona tradition: ecological, social, delicious.
How it works:
- Volunteers collect oranges from city trees (there are thousands in Barcelona)
- They make marmalade using old recipes
- Distribute to those in need or sell for charity
Yes! The barcelonasecreta.com website has schedules and a map of collection sites. Come with family, friends — it's a great way to spend the weekend, do something useful, and try homemade marmalade.
This is the Barcelona we love: practical, social, humane.
15. GOVERNMENT WORKERS — ONLINE DATING CHAMPIONS
And the final, amusing news.
A study showed who in Spain spends the most time on dating apps. And the winners will surprise you.
Numbers:
- 5 million Spaniards regularly use dating sites and apps — that's one in eight internet users
- Over the past two years, their number grew by 21%
- On average, Spaniards spend about 4 hours/month on dating apps
The most time on online dating is spent by... government workers! Almost 6 hours/month. For comparison: in tourism and logistics — about 5 hours.
Apparently, the work is steady, there's plenty of time 😄
By age:
Most active are people roughly 30 to 45 years old — they spend almost 5 hours/month in apps. But youth under 25 log in less frequently and don't stay long.
Market leaders:
Among services, Tinder leads in user numbers, and Grindr confidently wins in time spent in the app.
Conclusion:
Online dating is increasingly becoming a normal part of life — like morning coffee or scrolling through news feeds. For some it's a couple minutes a day, and for others, judging by statistics, it's already almost a full-fledged hobby.
And speaking of Valentine's Day:
In Barcelona from February 10-14, dozens of events for singles will take place: wine tastings, speed dating, parties in secret bars. Barcelona no longer leaves singles at home!
One of the most popular parties — "Night with Chemistry" at the underground pharmacy Pharmacy (Pau Claris, 90). This is a new viral secret: a cocktail bar hidden in a secret pharmacy. They even have "spare hearts" as cocktails for heartbreak: paracetamol and aspirin on ice, mini-bottles with oxygen and gin, shot syringes.
And if things get too serious — they have a wheelchair to wheel you out to the street and put you in a taxi
💝 SPECIAL OFFER: DREAM FOR TWO
And at DreamLife Spain — we have our own Valentine's promotion.
From February 14-28: order relocation for yourself — relocation for your significant other is FREE!
How it works:
You choose any relocation program:
- Dream Nomad (Digital Nomad visa)
- Dream Student (Student visa)
- Dream Relax (Non-Lucrative visa)
- UA Dream Life (for Ukrainians)
- Dream High (Work visa)
- Euro Dream (full package)
Visas, documents, housing, consultations, support — everything included. For two. Price of one.
Who it's for:
- Spouses (official marriage)
- Partners (civil marriage)
- Official family members
- Promotion only until February 28
- Limited spots
- Children paid separately
You've already found love — and we'll make your dreams come true ❤️
💼 WE'RE EXPANDING: JOBS AT DREAMLIFE SPAIN
We're looking for team members:
- Client Relations Managers
- Sales manager
- Work from anywhere in the world
- We help with relocation to Spain
- Flexible schedule
- International team
👥 LOOKING FOR PARTNERS
At DreamLife Spain we already have over 100 partners throughout Spain. In 2026 we want to double that number.
Who we're looking for:
- Tax experts
- Insurance specialists
- Accountants
- Medical consultants
- Real estate agents
- Lawyers
- Educational consultants (schools, universities)
- Access to client base (1,600+ over 3 years)
- Opportunity to share expertise in our videos
- Joint projects
- Work in Russian, English, Spanish
CONCLUSION
These were the 15 most important Spain news stories of early 2026.
Among them — economic changes (minimum wage increase, simplifications for autónomos), record tourism, migration shifts (Colombians overtaking Moroccans), railway tragedy, and of course, the world-scale event mass regularization 2026, which will give half a million people a chance to come out of the shadows and legalize.
Spain continues to be a country of contrasts: tourism boom and local protests, strict rules for social media and liberal migration policy, tragedies and social initiatives like orange collection.
But the main thing: Spain remains a country that gives chances. A chance to build a new life. A chance to legalize. A chance to start with a clean slate.
España es rica, es diversa, y es acogedora Spain is rich, diverse, and welcoming.
Full video with these news stories on our YouTube channel. Subscribe so you don't miss important updates!
Have questions? Write in comments I'll answer everyone.
¡Hasta luego! 👋