Threatened by an ageing population, low birthrates and the departure of younger generations to larger cities, a small Spanish village is now offering rent-free housing and a stable job to a family willing to move there. Located in the inland northern province of Soria, Arenillas perfectly illustrates the rural depopulation affecting many parts of Spain.
Home to just 40 inhabitants, the municipality has launched an initiative to attract new residents by offering free housing, employment and internet, in an attempt to avoid vanishing off the map. The objective of the campaign is to attract new residents – especially families with children to breathe new life into Arenillas – who are willing to settle there permanently, to build a stable community and support the economy in the long term. Seven fully renovated homes are ready to move into immediately, all provided at no cost and equipped with reliable internet.
The initiative is being led by the Town Hall and the local Cultural Association, which has restored the properties over the past few years. Alongside free housing, there are job opportunities, including a permanent bricklaying role and the chance to run the village bar or community centre.
However, there are a number of catches. Local officials have made it clear that integration is essential, with new arrivals expected to take part in daily life and community activities. Applicants are also required to provide details about their family situation, reasons for moving and work experience.
For families, children can attend school in nearby Berlanga de Duero, around 12.5 miles (20km) away, with free transport provided, thanks to support from the Castile and León region.
Interest has been strong. In less than a week, more than 100 applications were received, quickly rising to thousands from across Spain and abroad, according to The Olive Press.
Arenillas is not the only village to have launched an initiative like this. The Live in Ambroz programme in Extremadura is currently inviting digital nomads to apply for grants of up to €15,000 (just under £13,000) to live in the area for at least two years. With a lower cost of living than many parts of the country, renting can also be more affordable – with three-bedroom homes available for around €690 a month (roughly £600).
The Italian island of Sardinia is also offering grants of up to €15,000 for those willing to relocate to its quieter villages. However, the scheme is limited to towns with fewer than 3,000 residents, as officials try to reverse population decline and support local economies. Couples looking to start a family can also benefit, with payments of around €600 (£520) a month for a first child and €400 (£345) for a second until they reach five years old.
Elsewhere, those under 45 could consider relocating to Albinen, Switzerland, where new residents can receive up to 25,000 CHF (around £23,600) per adult and 10,000 CHF (around £9,400) per child. However, applicants must commit to living there for at least 10 years and purchase a property worth at least 200,000 CHF (£189,000).