Everything That Changes In Spain In December 2024

Christmas celebrations, and Christmas markets and entertainment, dominate December in Spain but there are lots of other changes happening this month that you need to know about too!

Here’s everything that changes in Spain in December 2024:

The Introduction of New Traveller Registration Rules

This is big news for travellers visiting Spain as well as anyone working within the hospitality industry. Travel companies will be legally required to ask for significantly more personal information from tourists. This will increase from 9 pieces of personal date to 13 pieces of personal data. Many businesses will already be prepared for this change.

From the perspective of tourists, it means that all guests over 14 years of age must sign the entry form and fill out their data. It doesn't matter how long you’re staying in the country for, you’ll still need to share this data if you want to visit Spain.

Increased Workplace Protection For Spanish Employees

New laws promoting workplace protection will be introduced in Spain on 4th December. The aim of these laws is to offer increased protection to employees who defend their employment rights against their employers. Employers will no longer be able to retaliate against employees who take legal action against them.

The new law guarantees that workers may not be dismissed or sanctioned unfavourably as a result of having filed labour claims. This means that, if they have a right to make a claim, then more employees will feel safe coming forward and taking legal action against their employers.

Spanish Transport Workers To Strike

If taking the bus is your preferred mode of transportation in Spain then we have bad news. Throughout November and December there will be a bus driver strike across Spain.  The aim of the strike is to reduce the retirement age for bus drivers in the country.

Workers unions UGT and Confebus agreed to call off the walkout, but the CC OO distanced itself from the talks and has said the strike days will go ahead. Unless they are cancelled at a later date then these strike days are currently planned for November 28th and 29th, December 5th, 9th and 23rd.

The Price Of Olive Oil Will Go Down

Olive oil is a store cupboard staple in Spain so watching its price is something of a national hobby. Since October 2023, olive oil prices have soared by almost 50%. But in December they’re finally forecast to drop a little.

Expect to pay between €5 and €6 in supermarkets in December. Olive oil in supermarkets is currently priced at  €9 per liter, which is quite a big decrease in price. The country has seen a good, robust olive oil harvest this year and the more olive oil that’s produced, the cheaper the price of the product will be.  

December Is The Time To Fix Your Mortgage?

If you currently have a variable rate mortgage then December is your last chance to fix your mortgage in 2024 and make a big cost saving. Variable rate mortgage holders have struggled this year thanks to increasing interest rates and monthly payments. The Spanish government understands that increasing mortgage rates are putting pressure on homeowners so in 2023 they introduced measures called the  Code of Good Practices which forces banks to eliminate the commission charges to their clients if they change their mortgages from a variable rate to a fixed or mixed rate. However on 31st December this Code is due to end – so if you want to fix without commission, you should do this now.

It’s Holiday Season

It goes without saying that there are a lot of public holidays in Spain in December, but here‘s a quick refresh of the dates you need to know about!  Every region of Spain will get a holiday on 6^th December for Constitution Day. 25^th and 26^th December are both Christmas public holidays nationwide.

8^th December is also a public holiday, known as Immaculate Conception day. As it falls on a Sunday this year, some regions will have Monday 9th December as a holiday instead. These regions are Aragón, Andalusia, Asturias, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Murcia and Melilla.

Be aware that between 6^th-8^th December, many people will take an extra day off to create a bridge holiday and enjoy a winter getaway. This means that this will be a very busy time of the year on the roads and in the airports in Spain, which is something to consider before you travel.

December Weather Information

The weather forecast in December is expected to be calm and pleasant. Good news for those who enjoy spending time outdoors! As is inevitable at this time of year, there will be some rain during the middle of the month, but this should stop in time for Christmas.

In more good news, between 25th November and 1st December, temperatures will be much higher than average.  And even in the north of the country where the weather is cooler, there will be no snowfall before Christmas this year.

Don’t Forget The IRNR Deadline

If you’re not a Spanish tax resident but you do own a property in Spain then this one is something you need to pay attention to! You’ll need to submit your annual non residents income tax return before December 31st 2024. Your considered a non-resident if you spend less than 183 days in Spain.

Some of the taxes the Spanish government may expect you to pay (depending on your individual circumstances) include property rental income tax, inheritance tax, wealth tax and capital gains tax.

New Low-Cost Rail Service In Andalucia

Finally, if you’re a regular train user then there’s good news. Budget train operators Ouigo, Avlo and Iryo are expanding their services in Andalusia from December. You can visit more than one city to do your Christmas shopping thanks to improved services between Córdoba, Seville, Malaga, Madrid and Barcelona.

Are you thinking of moving to Spain? Looking to escape the cold and rainy weather in the UK and make an escape to the sun? Then why not get in touch with our local property experts, who are perfectly placed to help you buy the Spanish home of your dreams. We’re excited to help you make your next move your best move!