Live News From Spain As It Happens

Driven by a search for a better quality of life and new visa opportunities, a record number of Americans are choosing Spain as their new home. New Eurostat data shows Spain issued the most first-time residency permits to U.S. citizens in the EU in 2024, an unprecedented number that more than doubles the figure from 2015. For many, the decision is fueled by a desire to escape political fatigue and the high cost of living in the U.S.

According to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), the number of U.S. citizens living in Spain reached 50,623 as of January 1, 2024—a 26% increase in just two years. Data shows the surge is not primarily driven by retirees but by a younger demographic, with a significant number in the 20 to 39 age bracket, many of whom are utilising the country's Digital Nomad Visa.

The lure of lifestyle and affordability

For many Americans, Spain offers a compelling antidote to the pressures of modern life in the United States. Expats report a more relaxed pace, a welcoming Mediterranean climate, and a significantly lower cost of living. A strong U.S. dollar against the euro has increased purchasing power, making real estate more accessible to American buyers.

Real Estate Boom: U.S. property purchases in Spain increased by 57% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, with Americans becoming the fastest-growing foreign buyer group.

Cost of Living: Many expats find that daily expenses in Spain are approximately 30% lower than in the U.S., including more affordable housing and fresher, less expensive food.

Political Fatigue: For some, the decision is a direct response to political polarisation in the United States, which gained momentum following the 2024 presidential election.

Digital Nomads and new residency pathways
The recent surge was significantly influenced by Spain's introduction of a Digital Nomad Visa, which streamlines the residency process for remote workers. While Spain officially ended its Golden Visa program for property investors in April 2025, other pathways, including the non-lucrative visa for those with passive income, have continued to attract long-term residents.

This new wave of expats is also spreading out geographically, settling beyond traditional hubs. While Madrid and Barcelona remain popular, other cities like Valencia and Málaga have become major draws for remote workers and those seeking a more authentic Spanish experience.

The economic and social impact
The influx of high-earning Americans, especially remote workers and investors, brings new purchasing power to the Spanish economy. However, this trend also fuels concerns about the potential for rising real estate prices and inflationary pressures in popular areas, a concern voiced by some Spanish citizens. Despite this, the economic injection and cultural exchange are widely seen as a boon for the country.

Looking ahead
The data indicate that this trend is likely to continue. With a strong U.S. dollar, supportive visa policies, and a culture that appeals to those seeking a better work-life balance, Spain remains a top destination. As more Americans discover the benefits of life on the Iberian Peninsula, the cultural and economic exchange between the two nations is set to grow even stronger.

Spain’s summer of 2025 has cemented its place in the history books, ranking as one of the two hottest on record, nearly matching the historic summer of 2022. This extreme heat has been driven by extended periods of high temperatures, which have intensified wildfire risks and posed significant threats to public health across the country.

According to Spain's national meteorological agency, AEMET, the summer’s defining feature was a historic August heatwave that set a new record for intensity. With a temperature anomaly of 4.6°C, this event surpassed the previous record set in July 2022. The heatwave lasted 16 days, making the period from August 1st to 20th the warmest of its kind in Spain since at least 1961. The ten-day stretch from August 8th to 17th was the hottest ever recorded in the country.

The persistent heat has made 2025 the second-warmest year on record from January to August, trailing only 2024. This marks a concerning trend, as the last four years have all ranked among the hottest ever recorded, clearly surpassing previous historical benchmarks. While March was notably cold and May was near average, all other months of the year have been classified as warm, very warm, or extremely warm.

The Rising Threat of Climate Change

The trend of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves is a direct consequence of climate change. AEMET data shows that the average temperature in Spain has risen by 1.69°C between 1961 and 2024. Scientific evidence confirms that heatwaves are becoming longer, more widespread, and more severe. While Spain has always experienced hot summers, recent years have seen an alarming increase in both daytime and nighttime temperatures.

The most intense heatwaves are becoming more frequent. The fact that five of the 20 warmest periods on record occurred during the recent August heatwave, and 15 have happened since 2022, underscores this trend. AEMET emphasised on social media that "The persistence of extreme heat intensifies its adversity," noting the severe impact on vulnerable populations and the escalating danger of wildfires.

A Glimpse into the Future

Climate projections suggest that by the middle of the 21st century, typical summers in the Mediterranean region could be approximately 2°C warmer than they were between 1981 and 2020. Alarmingly, the summers of 2022 and 2025 are already comparable to these mid-century conditions.

The data is undeniable: four of the five most intense heatwaves in Spain have occurred since 2019. This is not a coincidence but a clear indication of a long-term trend towards more extreme summers. While not every summer will be hotter than the last, the overall trajectory is clear and undeniable. This reality highlights the urgent need for both adaptation to and mitigation of climate change.