Innovative strategies for repopulating Empty Spain 

In recent decades, the phenomenon of “empty Spain” has attracted attention. This is due to the depopulation and rural exodus that affects many rural areas in the country. But all is not lost, as there are opportunities and novel approaches to face this challenge. Do you want to take your business idea to these depopulated localities and pioneer the economic revolution it means? Read more here!

What is Empty Spain?

Over the last few decades, Spain has experienced the phenomenon known as “empty Spain”. This term refers to the depopulation and rural exodus that has affected small towns throughout the country.

Generally, the constant migration from rural areas to urban areas causes a significant decrease in the population of these towns. Thus, the causes of this rural exodus are multiple and complex. However, some key factors can be identified:

Changes in the economic structure

The Spanish economy has undergone a modernization that has led to a greater concentration of economic activity in the cities. This has reduced job opportunities in rural or empty Spain. 

As a result, many young people are forced to leave their places of origin in search of employment in urban areas.

Aging population

Rural areas tend to have an aging population, as young people migrate and have fewer children. This situation results in a generation gap that complicates the viability of essential services, such as education and health care.

Limited infrastructure

A characteristic aspect of empty Spain is the lack of basic infrastructure, such as transportation, communications and public services. This affects the quality of life and makes it difficult to attract new residents or investment. 

Cultural changes and lifestyle

Migration from rural areas is also linked to cultural transformations and lifestyle preferences. Many young people see urban areas as more vibrant places, with more opportunities for employment, services and entertainment.

To address this challenge of Empty Spain, various proposals have been discussed, including:

• Rural development initiatives
• Economic stimulus policies
• Improvement of infrastructure and promotion of local entrepreneurship

The objective is to reverse the rural exodus and promote balanced and sustainable development throughout Spain.

You may also be interested in: What is it and how to obtain the EU Blue Card?

What are the aid and subsidy options for the emptied Spain? 

The State Plan for Access to Housing 2022-2025 offers a variety of aid with short-term objectives. It is contained in Royal Decree 42/2022, of January 18, aimed at empty Spain. 

This plan offers subsidies aimed at facilitating access to housing. All this improving the quality of life in rural and depopulated areas. The options are as follows:

Direct rental subsidies

Seeks to promote access to housing for people with limited resources through direct rental assistance for tenants in vulnerable situations.

Aid for vulnerable people

It aims to provide immediate access to housing or housing solutions for people:

• Victims of gender violence
• Those subject to eviction
• Homeless and other particularly vulnerable people

The Empty Spain plan offers direct aid for rent, utilities and community expenses. This covers up to 100% of the rent and these expenses.

Access to housing for young people

Seeks to promote young people’s access to housing through extended rental subsidies. In addition, it supports the acquisition of housing in smaller municipalities.

Assistance to lessors

Its objective is to stimulate the supply of rental housing through incentives for landlords. The plan to repopulate Empty Spain covers the payment of rent protection insurance.

Aid to young people in small towns

It intends to collaborate with demographic objectives. All by supporting young people in the purchase of permanent and permanent housing. Only for municipalities with less than 10,000 inhabitants.

You may also be interested in: Presentation of the Spanish Business Climate Survey

Which are the autonomous communities with aid and subsidies for emptied Spain? 

Living in empty Spain is possible. Several municipalities offer tax incentives in the Personal Income Tax (IRPF) to attract new residents. Here are some examples:

In addition, some municipalities have their own incentives to live in empty Spain:

• Ponga, Asturias: provides 3,000 euros to couples and an additional 3,000 euros for each child born in the village.
• Rubia, Ourense: for people who want to move, the municipality grants between 100 and 150 euros.
• Olmeda de la Cuesta, Cuenca: they offer land at auction for the construction of houses, with prices ranging from 200 to 3,000 euros and a term of less than three years to complete the work.
• Griegos, Teruel: you can access three months of free rent and then 225 euros per month, with an extra 50 euros for each school-age child.
• A Xesta, Pontevedra: they have rental offers from 100 euros.

You may also be interested in: All about the residence permit for investors

The rural exodus should not prevent you from discovering the potential of these wonderful towns. Be part of the revitalization of rural towns and create opportunities for a fulfilling life. 

If you want to continue exploring more relevant information and discover how to make empty Spain your home, subscribe to our library! And if you have any questions, we are here to help at tasconsultoria@tas-sl.es.