KEY POINTS: Everything that changes about life in Spain in April 2025

Local Spain

21-03-2025

La renta - Spain's yearly income tax campaign opens
Spain's annual income tax return is called ' la declaración de la renta ' or just la renta for short, and this year the period in which to file it starts from April 2nd. Next month you must file your taxes for the previous financial year, which means for 2024. From April 2nd, you can present your taxes online, but you'll need to wait a little longer if you want to do it by phone. Take a look at our calendar of dates below.
The campaign this year runs until June 30th which means that you have a little less than three months to get your papers in order and submit your returns. Many foreigners in Spain (and even Spaniards) opt for the services of a gestor to help them through as it can be quite complicated.
Spain's golden visa to come to an end
Previously one of the easiest visas for non-EU nationals to move to Spain was the golden visa, but from April 3rd, this option will finally come to end. The golden visa granted residency to those who bought either one or more properties worth €500,000, or invested €1 million in shares in Spanish companies, €2 million in government bonds, or transferred €1 million to a Spanish bank account.
The Official State Bulletin (BOE) specifies that those who have sent in their application and corresponding documents before that deadline will still be able to have their Spanish golden visas granted, if they meet the criteria.
But remember, if you are already a golden visa holder or a direct family member living in Spain, you will still be able to hold onto your residency rights when it comes to renewing, despite the scheme coming to a close.
Rules for tourist lets in buildings in Spain change
From April 3rd 2025, there will be a new rule regarding vacation rentals across the whole of Spain. It will mean that if a rental is located a residential building shared with others, owners will now need permission from the building's homeowners' association (comunidad de vecinos) in order to legally operate, as well as to obtain a tourist licence.
The new law states: "You must previously obtain the express approval of the community of owners," and clarifies that the decision must be made with the support of at least three-fifths of the owners. Previously, neighbourhood associations had some say in the matter, but this now gives them more power.
Spain's new rubbish tax to come into force
A new rubbish tax with come into force from April 1st and is set to affect millions across the country. It means that from next month, municipalities must implement European waste regulations, meaning they will have to charge residents a garbage collection fee. It's important to note that it will only affect municipalities with more than 5,000 inhabitants.
In some parts of Spain, there's already a rubbish collection charge, but the new rule means that those locations where it's already enforced will likely increase them.
The main aim of the waste tax is to cover the real cost of waste management and establish a circular economy model in line with EU guidelines. Fees are likely to vary considerably from one municipality to another and also depending on the size and cadastral value of your property or commercial premises. It's estimated that the average fee for a normal property could range from €50-€150 per year.
Easter celebrations take place
This year Easter falls on Sunday April 20th, which means that Semana Santa or Holy Week runs from April 13th to the 21st, which is Easter Monday. It's an important holiday in much of Spain, which many people taking holidays from work and celebrations taking place in cities across the country.
Some of the best and most colourful Holy Week celebrations take place in Seville, Málaga, Granada, Zamora, Valladolid, Toledo and Cuenca. It typically involves groups of religious brotherhoods parading through the city streets carrying elaborate floats known as pasos featuring statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
Día de Sant Jordi or San Jorge
April 23rd marks St George's Day. It's not celebrated all over the country, but for certain regions it's a very important festival. In Catalonia, Día de Sant Jordi is a celebration of the region's patron saint and is marked by the gifting of books and roses. Many towns and cities will be draped in the traditional red and yellow stripes of the La Senyera (the Catalan flag). Dragons and roses will also decorate shop windows and plazas.
April 23rd is also the Día de Aragón and a public holiday there. Like Catalonia, San Jorge is also the patron saint of Aragón. They celebrate with flower displays, cultural performances and meals with family. St George's Day is also recognised in the Balearic Islands and some places in Valencia and is marked with similar celebrations to Aragón and Catalonia.
Día del libro
Not only is April 23rd St George's Day, but it also coincides with UNESCO's World Book Day (Día del libro), as it celebrates the anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare and famed Spanish author of Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes one day earlier on April 22nd.
Interestingly, it is international event, but originally started in Spain. The idea of celebrating Book Day came from Catalonia and Valencia. Valencian writer Vicente Clavel Andrés proposed it at Barcelona's Chamber of Books in 1923 and it was later approved by King Alfonso XIII in 1926.