FRESH NEWS FROM SPAIN IN MARCH 2025

Emigration of Americans to Spain: What Attracts Them?

In recent years, more and more Americans are deciding to emigrate to Spain to improve their quality of life. The number of Americans moving to this sunny country has increased by 60%. Spain is becoming a true "Promised Land" for those who want to escape political instability in their home country and find a calmer life in Europe.

Who chooses Spain and why?

One of the main reasons why Americans choose to move to Spain is the desire to live in a safer and more stable environment. This is especially true for members of the LGBTQ+ community, who fear a deterioration of their legal rights in the U.S. The victory of Donald Trump in the 2016 election was a turning point for many who decided to leave the country in search of better conditions. Among the emigrants are not only celebrities like Richard Gere but also middle-class people, retirees, and, of course, digital nomads.

Spain attracts Americans with its high standard of living, excellent healthcare system, and the absence of mass shootings in the streets, which have become increasingly frequent in the U.S. A nice bonus for digital nomads is the opportunity to work remotely in some of the most beautiful corners of the country.

Among the Americans who have chosen Spain, you can find a wide range of people. For example, wealthy retirees who have invested millions of euros in real estate, and nomads earning more than 120,000 euros per year. Most of them choose prestigious neighborhoods in Madrid and Valencia, as well as the popular Costa del Sol coastline. However, some also opt for less known parts of Spain, such as Asturias and La Rioja, in an effort to better understand Spanish culture and integrate into local society.

One of the main reasons for this choice is the high cost of medical services in the U.S. For many, moving to Spain offers the opportunity to receive quality healthcare at more affordable prices.
The political situation in the U.S. also plays a significant role. Ahead of the next U.S. elections, interest in Spanish visas has risen significantly, and many Americans see emigration to Europe as a way to avoid political instability and protect their personal rights and freedoms.


Spain and the Fight Against Drought: Much-Needed Rains

The recent March rains in Spain have been a true salvation for the country, which has been suffering from drought. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) confirmed that the meteorological drought, which has lasted for the past few years, has finally ended.

In just one week, water levels in reservoirs increased by almost 3%, marking an important step toward restoring the country’s water resources.
Drought has become a significant problem for Spain, especially for agriculture and hydroelectric energy production. Restrictions on water consumption and reduced energy production have had a serious impact on the country’s economy. However, thanks to the ongoing rains throughout March, there is now hope for an improvement in both the short-term and long-term outlook.


Golden Gamers in Nursing Homes: Video Games to Improve Elderly Health

In Madrid, at the Centro de Día Florencia III nursing home, a program called Golden Gamers has been implemented, using video games to stimulate the cognitive, physical, and emotional functions of elderly people. This initiative is aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults, including those suffering from cognitive impairments and varying levels of dependence.

Gaming sessions using video games help elderly individuals develop mental abilities and maintain emotional balance, which greatly improves their daily lives. This project has become a great example of how innovation can contribute to elderly care.


Moroccans in Spain: Changes in the Workforce

A new wave of migration to Spain comes with an increase in the number of Moroccans. There are over 340,000 Moroccans in Spain, surpassing the Romanians, who had led this ranking in recent years. A third of them work in rural areas and are not involved in higher-paying occupations.

For decades, Spain has been one of the main destinations for labor migration. For many years, Romanians topped the list of foreign workers involved in the social security system. However, recent data shows a significant shift: Moroccans have now taken the lead.

The number of Romanian workers has not decreased. However, the number of Moroccans has sharply increased. In January, the social security service reported 343,188 Moroccan nationals, 24,400 more than in January 2024, 90,200 more than in 2019, and 158,500 more than ten years ago.

Of the total number of Moroccan social security workers, only 26% are women.
Another interesting fact: after Morocco and Romania (329,809), the countries with the largest number of branches in Spain are Colombia (217,070), Italy (189,975), and Venezuela (176,333). In other words, four out of every ten jobs created in 2024 were created by foreigners.

However, the working conditions are not the best: 33% of Moroccans working in the social security system are employed in agriculture, livestock, and fishing—one of the lowest-paying sectors of the economy.


Madrid – One of the Tastiest Cities in the World: The Culinary Wonder of the Spanish Capital

Madrid’s gastronomy is not just about food; it’s a true culture that blends tradition and innovation. In 2025, the Spanish capital ranked fifth in the prestigious gastronomic ranking of Time Out magazine, confirming its status as one of the tastiest cities in the world. But what lies behind this recognition, and why has Madrid become a mecca for food lovers from all over the world? Let’s find out.


Madrid: The Capital of Taste

In recent years, Madrid has been experiencing a true gastronomic renaissance. The city has become a place where ancient recipes harmoniously blend with new culinary trends, attracting not only locals but also tourists eager to explore the diversity of Spanish cuisine.

What Makes Madrid's Gastronomy Unique?

Madrid is a city where you can find both traditional tapas and surprising dishes that turn the usual perception of Spanish cuisine upside down. In the capital, you can find restaurants that experiment with ingredients and use innovative cooking techniques. This makes the city’s gastronomic scene dynamic and diverse, ideal for those seeking something new and unusual.


Madrid in the Time Out Gastronomic Ranking

According to Time Out, 90% of locals highly rated the city's restaurants and gastronomic environment, which contributed to the city’s placement in the top 5 best gastronomic destinations in the world. This recognition is no accident. Madrid has truly become a laboratory for culinary experiments, where cuisines from around the world meet deep Spanish traditions.

Best Restaurants in Madrid to Visit
Madrid is home to several establishments that have become symbols of the city's gastronomic culture. Here are a few of them:

El Invernadero — Recognized as the best plant-based restaurant in the world by the Green Guide. It focuses on plant-based cuisine, offering dishes that highlight the taste and texture of fresh vegetables.

La Tasquería — a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in offal dishes. This establishment became popular due to its ability to transform less prestigious ingredients into true culinary masterpieces.

Corral de la Morería — a unique venue that combines high-end dining with flamenco tablao. It is not only a place for food lovers but also for those who wish to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Spanish culture.


Spain Introduces New Measures for AI Content Control

Spain continues to actively move towards digital innovation and social change by implementing important laws and approving key steps in various fields. Recently, significant decisions have been made regarding the regulation of artificial intelligence, migration, and cryptocurrency operations. Let’s break down what is happening in Spain and how it may impact the lives of citizens and businesses.
Strict Measures Against Unmarked AI Content

Spain has become one of the first countries to introduce a law that requires companies to mark content created using artificial intelligence (AI).
This move is part of efforts to combat misinformation and protect democratic values.

Key Provisions of the Law:

• Fines up to 35 million euros: Companies that fail to mark AI-generated content may face large fines — up to 35 million euros or 7% of the company's annual turnover.
• Protection against misinformation: The law's main goal is to reduce the number of deepfakes — fake videos, photos, or audio created by AI and passed off as real.
• Prohibited Practices: The law includes a ban on using AI for covert influence on people’s subconscious, especially vulnerable groups such as those addicted to gambling, as well as using biometric data for providing benefits or assessing risks.
• Oversight: A new agency for AI oversight (AESIA) will monitor compliance with these requirements.

These measures are based on the EU regulation adopted in 2024 and position Spain at the forefront of countries actively regulating the use of AI.


BBVA Receives Approval for Cryptocurrency Trading

Spanish bank BBVA has received official approval from the national securities regulator to launch cryptocurrency trading services, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. This allows BBVA clients to buy, sell, and manage their cryptocurrency assets via the BBVA mobile app.

What does this mean for clients and the cryptocurrency market?

• Launch of the New Service: BBVA clients can now safely trade cryptocurrencies directly through the bank’s app, integrating digital assets into traditional banking.
• Cryptocurrency Regulation: This step is also linked to the implementation of the European regulation Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), which sets unified rules for working with crypto-assets. The regulation aims to protect consumers and increase transparency in the cryptocurrency market.
• Security: BBVA will use its own platform for storing cryptographic keys, ensuring a high level of security for users.

This decision opens new opportunities for integrating cryptocurrencies into everyday financial life and could serve as an example for other Spanish banks.
Salaries in the Spanish Army: How Much Does a Sergeant Earn in 2025?
In 2025, the salaries of military personnel in Spain have been increased. The average salary for a sergeant in the Spanish army is 2,095 euros gross per month, but with various allowances, the total amount can exceed 3,000 euros.

Key Payments and Allowances:

• Base Salary: 2,095 euros per month.
• Allowances:
• Position allowance: 404.52 euros.
• Special bonus: 522.34 euros.
• Seniority allowance: 37.78 euros for every three years of service.
• Service location allowance: 1,624.30 euros (depends on the region and unit).

How Salaries Change by Rank
Soldier – from €1,340
Sergeant – from €2,095
Senior Sergeant – from €2,850
Lieutenant – around €2,750
Colonel – up to €3,730
General – over €5,400

Military salaries also vary depending on rank, with the highest income going to generals (up to 5,400 euros per month).
These changes highlight the importance of public service and offer good conditions for a career in the military.


What Will Change in Spain in 2025: New Taxes, Sick Leave, Pensions, and Innovations in Social Welfare

The year 2025 in Spain will bring not only changes in taxation and the social sphere but also significant steps towards innovation and technology. Let’s look at the key changes that will impact the daily lives of citizens.
New Income Tax Rates (IRPF) in 2025

Income tax in Spain, or IRPF, will remain progressive in 2025, meaning the tax rate will increase as income rises. New income brackets have been introduced to more accurately account for the financial situation of each citizen.

Income tax rates for 2025:

• Up to €12,450 — 19%
• From €12,450 to €20,200 — 24%
• From €20,200 to €35,199 — 30%
• From €35,200 to €59,999 — 37%
• From €60,000 to €299,999 — 45%
• Above €300,000 — 47%

It is important to note that in addition to these federal rates, regional taxes will be taken into account, depending on the autonomous community in which you reside.


Average Pension in Spain in 2025: Record Growth

The average pension in Spain in 2025 has for the first time exceeded €1,500 per month, marking a significant increase compared to last year. The February pension payments showed a 2.8% growth, while minimum pensions increased by 6-9%.
What has changed?

• Average pension: €1,500.7 — a 4.4% increase from February of last year.
• Total pension spending: Spain spent €13.45 billion on pension payments, which is 6.2% more than in 2024. The majority of this amount (€9.85 billion) is directed towards old-age pensions.
• Currently, there are more than 9.3 million pensioners in Spain receiving over 10.29 million pensions.

What does this mean for citizens? This pension increase is especially important for the elderly, helping to improve their quality of life amid inflation and rising prices. Such measures contribute to the improvement of social welfare.


Robots to Help Elderly People in Barcelona

Barcelona is launching an innovative project to care for the elderly. The city council has approved the use of social robots called ARI to assist people with early-stage cognitive impairments.

Functions of ARI robots:

• Emergency alerts: The robots can send an alarm signal in case of a fall, loss of consciousness, or other emergencies.
• Reminder management: The robots will remind the elderly about medication, doctor visits, and other necessary actions.
• Social interaction: The robots will help elderly people avoid depression caused by loneliness through conversations and communication.

Pilot project:
As part of the pilot project, 600 robots will be distributed: 400 of them will go to retirement homes, while 200 will be placed in shopping centers in Barcelona. The project is funded by the EU’s Next Generation program with a total budget of approximately €3.8 million.

What does this mean? The implementation of such technologies aims to improve the quality of life for the elderly and support the social system in Barcelona. It also serves as an example of how robots can help solve social problems like loneliness and caregiving.


Autonomous Air Taxi in Benidorm: The Future is Near

In Benidorm (Spain), the EH216-S autonomous air taxi has been successfully tested, marking the first step towards passenger air transport in real-life conditions. This air taxi is designed for two passengers and can fly up to 35 km.

Main features of the air taxi:

• Electric: It runs on electricity, making it environmentally friendly.
• Range: 30 to 40 minutes of flight time.
• Technology: Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL).
• Control: The flight is controlled through digital platforms of the U-space system — the European airspace management system for unmanned aerial vehicles.

This project is part of the U-ELCOME initiative, which unites 51 organizations from Spain, France, and Italy under the coordination of EUROCONTROL.

It is expected that in 4-5 years, such air taxis could become an integral part of urban infrastructure.
Benidorm, Spain, has become one of the first cities to test autonomous air taxis. This opens up prospects for eco-friendly and fast transportation solutions that could greatly improve mobility in cities.


Conclusion: So, March 2025 has been a month full of events for Spain! We have seen how the country is dealing with the aftermath of the drought, welcoming the rains that are saving the economy and agriculture. Spaniards are also actively developing innovations in the fields of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, while paying attention to important social and cultural issues. The Golden Gamers project, which helps elderly people, and the popular thyme soup have become shining examples of how unusual initiatives resonate with society.

Madrid continues to delight with gastronomic discoveries, and interest in living in Spain among Americans and migrants is only growing.

If you have any questions or need advice, we are always here to help!
Contact our company Dreamlife, and our specialists will be happy to provide you with all the necessary information and support.

Thank you all for your attention, and see you soon!