European villages are becoming the new destination for expats and those seeking a more laid-back lifestyle. Find out why Arenillas in Spain is attracting new residents and what opportunities it offers

In the sparsely populated areas of inland Spain, the village of Arenillas is trying to solve the problem of population decline in a practical way. This small community in the province of Soria, where about 45 people live, has offered a program that combines free housing, permanent work and the opportunity to manage a local bar.

We will tell you about how to move to the village of Arenillas and who will be interested in it in this article.

Moving to Spain means new opportunities, but also a new healthcare system. Health insurance helps to avoid unexpected expenses and get help in any situation. This is especially important if you choose to live outside the big cities. The policy covers consultations, treatment and emergencies.

Take out health insurance in advance and feel confident in any country!

Where is Arenillas and why is housing offered here?

The village is located in the north of Spain, in the autonomous region of Castile and Leon. This area belongs to the so-called España vaciada – low-density areas that have been losing residents for years due to migration to the cities.

Like many other settlements in Soria, Arenillas is facing a decline in the number of residents: young people are leaving and the population is aging. As a result, there is a risk that the village will not be able to maintain basic services and infrastructure.

The local authorities, together with civil society organizations, decided that attracting new residents is a key step to preserve the village. The main focus was on two important factors for moving: housing and work.

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What is offered to new residents in Arenillas?

The Arenillas development program includes three main components: free municipal housing, construction work and the opportunity to run a social bar.

- The housing is a renovated and fully equipped house, provided rent-free. The family that settles in does not pay for accommodation, but covers utility costs and other household bills.

- Work - official work as a builder or technician is also offered. This is permanent employment related to the maintenance and repair of local infrastructure.

- Social life - the opportunity to manage a village bar is separately provided. In many small Spanish villages, this space performs much more functions than just serving drinks, functioning as the main meeting place for residents of all ages. In Arenillas, a newly arrived family is offered the opportunity to take over the management of this bar.

Read also, in Spain, an entire abandoned village was put up for sale at the price of an apartment in a big city.

Who can apply for free housing and work in Arenillas?

The program is not aimed at everyone, but at a certain category of candidates. Preference is given to families, especially with children, who are ready to live in the village permanently.

Also important is experience in construction or related fields and a willingness to perform household and technical tasks associated with life in a rural area.

Those who already have the right to reside and work in Spain can apply: EU citizens or foreigners with appropriate permits.

The Spanish government has announced the launch of a regularization program for hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants already living in the country. More details in this article.

Living conditions in the village of Arenillas, Spain

Life in Arenillas is different from the city - there is a quiet atmosphere, fewer services, but closer social ties.

The children study at the colegio comarcal (regional school) in the neighboring town of Berlanga de Duero, about 20 km away. Free school transport is organized for them.

There is internet in the village, which allows you to work remotely. At the same time, most services – medicine, shops, administrative matters – are available in larger settlements nearby.

Local life is centered around a bar, a central square, and seasonal events.

How do I apply for the free housing and work offer in Arenillas?

Applications are accepted locally through the municipality. Candidates should contact the city council and submit a written application with information about their family, reasons for moving and professional experience.

Experience in hospitality or restaurant management is also welcome if you plan to work in a bar.

Contact the council first by phone (975 18 51) or by email ([email protected]).

Moving to Arenillas is part of a wider trend

Arenillas is not the only example. In different regions of Spain, especially in the España vaciada zones, local authorities are implementing similar initiatives. These include free or affordable housing, support for small businesses, job offers and special programs for new residents.

Such measures are aimed at bringing life back to rural communities and attracting people who are willing to move for a more peaceful lifestyle.

For those planning to move to small towns or villages in Spain, the issue of medicine becomes one of the key ones. The nearest hospitals can be dozens of kilometers away, and without insurance, any visit to a doctor can be expensive. A medical policy allows you to access quality care, including specialist consultations, tests and hospitalization. In addition, insurance is often a necessary condition for applying for residency. It is not only about safety, but also about the comfort of adaptation in a new country.

Take care of your protection - take out health insurance before moving.

Where else in the world can you live for free or almost free of charge?

The initiative of the Spanish village of Arenillas is not an isolated case. In different countries, non-standard offers are also appearing that combine travel, accommodation and participation in local life.

For example, the tourism organization Visit Sweden has launched an unusual competition: the winners get the opportunity to use one of the Swedish islands for free for a year. Participation is open to travelers from all over the world - you just need to record a short video and submit an application.

Another option is offered by Greece. On one of the islands in the Aegean Sea, you can live without housing and utilities. In exchange, participants work as volunteers at an animal shelter. This format is more suitable for those who are ready to combine living with social activities.

In Italy, the well-known program of selling houses for 1 euro continues to operate. In particular, villages in the Liguria region have joined it. The main idea is to restore neglected settlements, but buyers need to take into account the additional costs of repairs and compliance with the program's terms.

All these examples show that different countries are looking for their own ways to attract new residents or to stimulate interest in sparsely populated areas - from competitions and volunteer programs to affordable housing.

The world is open to those who dream of traveling or living in another country, you just need to find your ideal option!

Let's remind you! Spain has increased the financial requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa and residence permit without the right to work since 2026, and is also switching to a digital system for submitting documents. We have already told you what exactly has changed and who it affects.

Photo – https://www.surinenglish.com/ – Aerial view of Arenillas, in the province of Soria, from the Arenillas Repuebla archive. (R. C.)

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