A small village in northern Spain is offering free housing and job opportunities to attract new residents and combat a declining population. Arenillas, located in the Castile and León region, currently has only around 40 inhabitants.

Addressing Rural Depopulation

The village has experienced a steady population decrease since the 1980s. Local authorities have launched a repopulation package designed to attract families with children, supporting urban redevelopment and local schools.

The Repopulation Package

Applicants must possess practical or transferable skills that can benefit the village. Interested individuals should submit a CV to ayuntamiento@arenillas.es, detailing their qualifications and reasons for relocation.

Benefits for New Residents

  • Free accommodation in newly renovated apartments (utilities not included).
  • Low electricity costs due to solar panel usage.
  • Free transportation to and from school in Berlanga de Duero for families with children.

    • Job Opportunities

    The village is particularly seeking workers in construction and community center management. The program is primarily open to Spanish citizens or those with the right to work in Spain.

    Global Trend of Rural Revitalization

    Since its launch, the Arenillas scheme has received over 200 applications. Similar initiatives are being implemented worldwide to address rural depopulation.

    International Examples

    Japan’s Regional Revitalization Migration Support Grant offers up to ¥1,000,000 (approximately £4,734) to individuals and ¥3,000,000 (approximately £14,202) to households relocating from the Greater Tokyo area. Live in Ambroz, in Spain, provides grants of up to €15,000 (approximately £13,000) for digital nomads committing to a two-year stay. Albinen, Switzerland, offers financial incentives of 25,000 Swiss francs (approximately £23,600) per adult and 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately £9,400) per child, contingent on purchasing a property worth at least 200,000 Swiss francs (approximately £189,000) and a 10-year residency commitment.