If you’re working in Spain or thinking about working in Spain and still not quite sure how the system works, you’re not alone. In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we break down social security in Spain in a clear, straightforward way.

We cover everything from how to get your social security number to understanding your nómina (payslip) and what it really means to “cotizar” or pay into the social security system.

We talk through what you’re actually paying into the system and, more importantly, what you get in return. That includes sick leave, maternity and paternity leave, unemployment benefits, pensions, and some of the lesser-known extras like pagos extra, días de lactancia (lactating days!), and support available for over-55s.

Whether you’ve been thinking about moving to Spain, just started working in Spain, or you’ve been here a while and still have questions, this episode will help you make sense of your payslip, your contributions, and your entitlements, without the jargon!

If you have any questions about anything we covered or you want more information, just email us at [email protected]

As always, thanks for listening! We would really appreciate it if you could leave us a great review and/or subscribe if you don't already.

In this week’s episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine chat with Sarah, who moved from the U.S. to Santander in northern Spain.

She talks us through her move to Spain and why she chose Santander, a place that often gets overlooked compared to other parts of the country. They chat about what living in Santander is really like for her day to day, from the climate and pace of life to schools, family life and settling into a new routine.

Sarah also shares her experience of finding property in Spain and what employment opportunities are like in this part of Spain, along with the challenges that can come with relocating abroad. It is an honest look at life in Spain beyond the usual hotspots, and what it really takes to build a new life here.

If you are thinking about a move to Spain or are curious about living in Spain in a less typical location, this episode offers a real and relatable insight into starting fresh and making it work in Santander!

For more information about moving to Santander check out Sarah's website www.movetosantander.com

To send any suggestions or questions to Catherine and Paul email [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

This episode of Spainfully Honest looks at what Easter in Spain, or Semana Santa, is really like. Catherine and Paul talk through how it’s celebrated, focusing on the processions you see in towns and cities and how much they can differ depending on where you are.

They spend a bit of time explaining the overall feel of the processions, as this is something that often surprises people. Some are quite somber and reflective, while others feel more relaxed and easier to watch, especially if you’re going along with children. They also share some practical advice on how to find information locally and which types of processions might be better suited for families.

Food comes into it as well, as it always does. They chat about the traditional Spanish Easter foods you’ll see at this time of year, but also where you can still find the more familiar things like Easter eggs if you’re missing those traditions from home.

There’s also a bit of comparison with how Easter is celebrated in their own countries, and how that changes when you’re living in Spain full time. Overall, it’s a straightforward look at what to expect, with a few helpful insights if you’re planning to experience Semana Santa for yourself.

Here are some links to apps mentioned during the podcast :

El Penitente - Guía Cofrade de Semana Santa | Málaga y SevillasSantaZgz. Turismo de Zaragoza. Ayuntamiento de ZaragozaApps de la Semana Santa para Android: procesiones y másAnd here is the Instagram page for Olga's unique bags:

(1) InstagramThanks for watching and Happy Easter!

In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine take a close look at the huge variety of visas you can get to move to Spain.

While they cover the familiar ones like work, student, and non-lucrative visas, they also dig into lots of lesser-known options, everything from religious and artistic visas to volunteer and au pair visas. They talk through how to pick the right visa for your situation and point you to helpful resources so you can make sense of the process.

If you’ve ever wondered what options are out there beyond the usual, this episode lays it all out.

Here is the link they discussed in the episode :Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y CooperaciónHere is the link to the episode which offers more guidance about visas in Spain also discussed in the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5nzu2QRodIsaf2XSW9gUVz?si=WiKyaXstR-2iPnv2oKiRug

Email Paul and Catherine with your suggestions and questions at [email protected]

This week on Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul look at how Spain celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. From the huge Cabo Roig parade, the biggest in Europe outside of Ireland, to Madrid’s week-long Ireland celebrations, we cover how the Irish community and locals bring Irish culture to life in Spain.

They talk about the historical connections between Ireland and Spain, local traditions influenced by Irish culture, and how you can join in yourself, whether that is going to a parade, visiting Irish pubs, or taking part in cultural events.

They also share fun details like the myth of Spanish landings in Ireland, and Bloomsday celebrations you might not expect. This episode shows the history, culture, and community behind St. Patrick’s Day in Spain.

To email Paul and Catherine your suggestions, email [email protected]

For all the details about La Semana de Irlanda/Irish Week/St Patrick's Day in Spain see the following link:

⁠Programa completo Semana de Irlanda 2026 - Google Drive⁠

Happy St Patrick's Day...in Spain!

In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul chat to Ashley and her family all about their move from the United States to Zaragoza and what settling in has really been like for them. They talk through the practical side of relocating to Spain as well as the emotional side, including schooling in Spain, daily life, cultural differences, and how their expectations compared with reality.

It is an honest conversation that gives a clear picture of expat life in Zaragoza, Spain, from a family’s perspective, along with thoughtful insights for anyone considering making a similar move.

If you would like to hear more from Ashley and family about life in Zaragoza checkout their content here: Instagram

Contact Catherine and Paul with any questions or suggestions at [email protected]

Just a quick note that everything shared in this episode is based on personal experience and opinions. Catherine, Paul, and their guests are simply talking about what it was like for them, not giving professional or official advice. If you’re planning a move abroad, it’s always a good idea to do your own research and speak to qualified experts before making any big decisions.

In this week’s episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine chat about what it’s like to live on a golf resort in Spain.

They had a great conversation with Carl from Roda Golf Resort Paradigm – Properties, and while they started out talking generally about golf resorts, they ended up getting a really detailed look at life at Roda Golf in Murcia, so it naturally became a bit of a spotlight.

They cover everything from property types on a golf course in Spain and community amenities to costs of living and the rental market in Spain at the moment.

Whether you’re a golfer or just someone looking for a property on a beautiful, well-kept community, this episode is full of practical tips and honest insights for anyone thinking about making the move to Spain. And it is especially interesting for those looking at golf resorts in Spain.

If you would like to reach out to Carl directly his website is: https://www.rodagolfproperties.com/

They also spoke about the semi private school Las Claras del Mar Menor in Los Alcazares, which is very close to Roda Golf. If you would like to listen to that episode here is the link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2i6G8Vwdi1SpGuqgTbmyaw?si=EpzrMUN-QXe_4joXwHF0XQ

They also spoke about this being a good time of year to rent on Roda Golf due to availability, so for reference, this was recorded in February 2026.

Disclaimer: Carl shared his personal opinions on certain property platforms and other golf resorts, which reflect his experience and perspective. Listeners should do their own research and form their own views when considering property or resort options in Spain.

Thinking about driving in Spain or stressing over Spanish driving license paperwork? This week’s episode is your practical guide to understanding how driving licenses actually work when you live here.

We chat through the real steps, real timelines, and real experiences behind getting or renewing a Spanish driving licence, so you know exactly what to expect before you start the process.

We break down the rules for EU and non-EU residents and walk through the key stages like medical exams, booking appointments, and submitting documents. If you’ve ever felt confused by Spanish admin, this episode will clear things up in plain English.

We also talk honestly about everyday life realities, like when you really do need a car in Spain, why public transport isn’t always reliable outside cities, and how local driving lessons can actually make the transition much smoother, even if you’ve been driving for years.

If you’re living in Spain, moving to Spain, or planning the expat life soon, this episode is packed with useful tips to help you drive stress-free on Spain's roads.

To get the help sheet created for this episode completely free, just email us at [email protected]

Here is the link to the DGT website we speak about during the episode: www.dgt.es

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences and general research while living in Spain. We’re not legal or driving licence professionals, and requirements can change or vary depending on individual circumstances. Always check official sources or speak to a qualified professional before making decisions or starting any application process.

In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we talk about two things that are hard to miss right now: Carnaval and Valentine’s Day.

With Carnaval taking over towns and cities across Spain, we look at what it’s all about, how it’s celebrated, and why it’s such a big part of Spanish life. From costumes and parades to the social side of it all, it’s a chance to let go, have fun and spend time with other people.

We also chat about finding love in Spain, especially as Valentine’s Day is coming up. From dating and relationships to cultural differences and expectations, it’s an honest conversation about what it can really be like when you’re living here.

Let us know if you celebrate Carnaval in Spain and how they celebrate in your town. Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine break down digital certificates and digital signatures in Spain. They cover why they matter, how they work, and why they can feel especially confusing when you’re a foreigner dealing with Spanish bureaucracy.

Along the way, there are a few cultural observations, personal stories, and a look ahead to what’s coming next, from finding love in Spain to Carnaval season.

Of course, there is the usual chit chat about life in Spain, including Catherine recording a segment for an Irish TV show!

For the printed guide about this topic, email them at [email protected]

Here is the link to the website mentioned in the podcast: Cert. Electrónico Ciudadano - Sede

And here are the numbers to book a Cl@ve appointment 912901340 and 901200351

Disclaimer

This podcast is based on the personal experiences of the hosts living in Spain as foreigners. The information shared is intended to be helpful, but it should not be taken as legal, administrative, or professional advice. Rules and procedures can change and may vary depending on where you live. Listeners are encouraged to check official sources or speak to a qualified professional before starting any administrative process.