As expatriate Muslims working long hours in Spain, is it obligatory for us to fast the month of Ramadan with this strenuous work, and how do we pay Zakat al-Fitr if there are no other Muslims present, and is it permissible to circulate it among ourselves?

One who finds fasting difficult must make the intention to fast. If he then becomes unable to perform his work, he is permitted to break his fast at that point. The general rule for Zakat al-Fitr is that it should be distributed in the country where it becomes obligatory. If this is not possible, it may be sent to needy Muslim countries. It is permissible for Zakat al-Fitr to be circulated, meaning that the person obligated to pay it gives it, and then the recipient, if he is poor, uses it to pay Zakat on his own behalf. This is permissible according to the Shafi'is, in contrast to the Malikis. Their evidence is that its ownership transfers to the poor person upon receipt, and it is permissible for it to return to him through inheritance, purchase, or gift. The obligation of Fitra does not contradict taking charity, because its obligation does not imply a wealth that negates poverty and destitution.