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UK Chancellor Signs Short-Stay Work Visa Waiver with Spain to Strengthen Post-Brexit Trade

Madrid, Spain – The United Kingdom and Spain have taken a major step to deepen post-Brexit economic ties, with the signing of a new short-stay work visa waiver and closer recognition of professional qualifications. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves formalised the agreement during her first official visit to Madrid on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

The agreement will allow UK and Spanish professionals to work across borders for periods of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, without the need for a full work visa. It covers key sectors including legal and financial services, consulting, IT, and specialist corporate roles, and operates on a reciprocal basis, allowing Spanish professionals similar access to the UK.

Chancellor Reeves met with Spain’s Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo to sign a joint declaration under a new “Trade and Investment Dialogue” framework, designed to facilitate professional mobility, recognise qualifications, and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.

The UK Treasury has highlighted that the visa waiver alone could generate around £250 million in additional exports for British businesses over five years, underlining the importance of services—a sector in which the UK remains one of the world’s leading exporters.

The visit also coincided with a £240 million investment linked to Spanish liquid storage company Exolum, as Reeves met representatives from over 120 Spanish businesses and investors.

Chancellor Reeves said:
"In an uncertain world, we must build growth that is secure and resilient. We do this best through partnerships with those who share our interests, our values, and our ambitions. We count Spain amongst those partners – and the prize for doing more together is considerable."

Minister Cuerpo echoed the sentiment:
"No country can face the challenges of this era alone — economic security, technological transformation, climate change. The answer is more cooperation with trusted partners, not less. And the United Kingdom is, and will remain, one of Spain’s most important partners."

The visa waiver follows a proposal initially put forward by Spain to bypass post-Brexit bureaucracy and facilitate business travel between the two countries. It forms part of a wider UK strategy under Prime Minister Keir Starmer to rebuild economic links with European partners, reduce administrative barriers, and strengthen trade and investment post-Brexit.

Trade between the UK and Spain continues to grow strongly:

Spanish exports of goods to the UK reached €24.9 billion in 2025, up 4.5% year-on-year and more than 25% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

UK exports to Spain reached £22.1 billion between October 2024 and September 2025, an annual increase of 11%, making Spain one of the UK’s fastest-growing markets.

This visit builds on the Strategic Framework agreement signed in London last September by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, aimed at strengthening cooperation in technology, defence, and life sciences.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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UK Chancellor Signs Short-Stay Work Visa Waiver with Spain to Strengthen Post-Brexit Trade

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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