Key Changes Being Rolled Out in Spain for 2022

As we look to the new year, there’s a lot to be optimistic about – however, the new year is going to implement both positive and negative changes for those living and removals to Spain. As such, for Spanish residents or those who typically visit the country on a regular basis, it may be worth considering how these key changes might impact the way that you live and work as standard.

Covid-19 Rules and Restrictions

One of the first changes and factors we should consider about Spanish life in 2022 is the impact that the Covid-19 rules in the country. At present, rules surrounding the wearing of face masks are only temporary; this means that Spanish residents will soon be able to return to normal without needing to wear a face mask in a relatively short-term perspective. It was generally expected that the wearing of face masks would largely be ruled out by the end of January; however, for the foreseeable future, it remains likely that residents or travellers will still need to continue wearing masks indoors.

The 1st February 2022 will see new changes to the digital Covid certificate, too. With the new changes, these certificates will only be valid for 9 months, and individuals will need to obtain a booster vaccine in order to keep their Digital Covid certificate active.

Changes to Travel

New travel rules are being implemented in 2022 for non-EU citizens, which includes individuals from the UK, the USA, Australia, and Canada, to name a few. While it won’t directly impact you, it does mean that new policing structures will be implemented at the borders for travellers looking to enter or exit Spain.

The new Entry/Exit system, dubbed the EES, will offer additional security. In addition, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, otherwise called the ETIAS, will require non-EU residents to fill out online applications in advance to remain in Spain for up to 90 days out of a 180-day period.

However, a benefit for non-EU residents has to be the changes to tax for foreign investors, which will help ensure that foreign investors are more incentivised to invest in the country. It is hoped that this change will encourage greater investment in the Spanish economy, thereby supporting the development of new job opportunities for Spanish residents.

The Last Days of Public Pay Phones

For decades now, public payphones have been a key aspect of countless countries; however, after a grand total of 93 years, the last Spanish public payphones are expected to be removed for 2022, following a decree requiring such payphones to be removed from service. The vast majority of public payphones have begun to degrade with time regardless, and only around one in five Spanish residents have ever used a public payphone at all; nevertheless, while mostly not useful in this day and age, they will likely be missed all the same.

Price Rises for Electricity

Another change – and one that likely won’t be met with much excitement – is that the price of electricity is expected to be on the up for 2022. However, in order to combat these impacts on families already struggling financially following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Spanish Government has offered extended tax discounts until April 2022 to help families adjust to the change over the colder winter months.

Changes to Vehicles and Driving in Spain

A further alteration that’s expected for 2022 comes regarding driving in Spain. Notably, new vehicles purchased in Spain will now be more expensive to buy than in previous years; this change is due to alterations in taxation. The level of tax is largely determined based on a vehicle’s CO2 emissions; with this in mind, buying a more carbon-efficient vehicle will likely come with price benefits as a result. With this in mind, the price of the change could be as much as €1000 or more, so it’s definitely worth considering if you’ve been thinking about buying a new vehicle in Spain for 2022.

A further driving change will also be implemented for British residents, who must now apply for a Spanish driving license. Though there has been an extension granted in this regard, the negotiations between the UK and Spain remain ongoing, but it is optimistically hoped that a favourable agreement will be made for 2022.  

Final Thoughts

There are countless different changes being rolled out over the coming months, and with this in mind, it’s definitely worth being on the lookout to see how these changes might impact your normal buying habits. Nevertheless, these changes shouldn’t be revolutionary, and it is still hoped that good arrangements may be made between the UK and Spain in the coming time as well. Check our guid on how to transfer of residence to Europe.