1. What is Empty Spain (España Vaciada)?
Empty Spain (España Vaciada) refers to a set of public policies and regional and local initiatives promoted by Spanish authorities to address depopulation in rural areas, particularly in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants. These areas have experienced a significant population decline over recent decades, leading to labor shortages, reduced economic activity, and the loss of essential services.
To encourage new residents, local and regional governments offer a range of incentives that vary from one municipality to another. These may include subsidized or low-cost housing, financial support for families and children, employment and self-employment opportunities, support for entrepreneurship, and specific tax benefits or reductions.
Foreign nationals may also access these incentives, provided they meet certain legal and administrative requirements. Eligibility depends on the individual’s immigration status, place of residence, and compliance with local registration and residency rules. In the following sections, we will analyze the key legal requirements applicable to foreign nationals interested in settling in Empty Spain.
2. What Are the Basic Requirements?
Moving to a new town in Spain can be exciting, and municipalities often offer benefits, subsidies, or support programs for residents. While every town can have its own rules, there’s a common set of basic requirements that usually applies.
a) Being Registered in the Municipality
Most benefits require you to be officially empadronado (registered) in the town. Usually, there’s a minimum period of registration, often 6 months to a year. This proves you are genuinely part of the community.
b) Living There Actually
It’s not just about registration, you need to actually live there. Authorities often check that you maintain a real and continuous residence.
c) Legal Residence Status
For foreign nationals, most benefits require legal residence in Spain. Some purely social programs may be exceptions, but legal status is generally essential.
d) Age Requirements
Depending on the program, you may need to be an adult, or fit within a certain age range defined by the benefit. Certain national and regional housing aids target young adults, such as under 35 or 36 years old for Plan Estatal Vivienda grants (up to €10,800 for homes under €120,000 in towns <10,000 inhabitants). Examples include Castilla y León (under 36), Aragón/Murcia (under 35), and La Rioja Revive Plan (under 45). Municipal programs like Griegos or Ponga often lack strict age caps but prioritize families with children; some (e.g., Madrid rural rebates) favor under-35s or large families. Adults generally qualify as long as they meet residency/job commitments, but programs explicitly exclude minors or impose upper limits for youth-focused aid.
e) Income Limits
Most benefits are means-tested using IPREM multiples on household income. National youth housing aid caps at 3x IPREM (~€25,000/year); La Rioja at 6x (~€36,000/year); some at 4x (€33,600). Tax deductions (IRPF rural residency) often apply income thresholds per region, e.g., Extremadura limits for <3,000 hab. towns. Municipal incentives like rent subsidies typically require proof of solvency or modest income (not unemployment), calculated per household, excluding high earners. No limits apply to pure tax breaks for relocation or business starts, but housing grants enforce them to target needy applicants.
f) No Outstanding Debts
You usually need to be up to date with taxes and fees:
- Local municipal payments
- National taxes
- Social Security contributions (if applicable)
g) Meeting the Program’s Purpose
Each benefit has a specific goal, whether it’s housing, family support, entrepreneurship, or energy subsidies. You need to meet these criteria to qualify.
h) Supporting Documents
Be prepared to provide documentation such as:
- ID (DNI or NIE)
- Certificate of registration (empadronamiento)
- Proof of income
- Contracts, invoices, or other evidence depending on the benefit
Local Differences Matter
Even with these common requirements, each municipality can add its own rules, like priority groups, additional income limits, or deadlines. That’s why it’s always worth checking the local regulations before applying.
3. Legal Residency
To legally reside in Spain, you must obtain a residency permit, and if you plan to work in Spain, also the right to work. The process, documentation, and requirements differ depending on your nationality, as well as your personal, professional, and family circumstances.
It is essential to distinguish between EU/EEA citizens and non-EU citizens, since each group is subject to different rules and procedures:
3.1. EU/EEA Citizens
EU/EEA nationals do not need a visa to reside in Spain. However, if you plan to stay for more than three months, you must register in the Registro de Ciudadanos de la UE. Key requirements typically include:
- Registration as a resident at the local town hall (empadronamiento)
- Proof of sufficient economic means to support yourself
- Health insurance coverage
While EU citizens are free to live, work, or study in Spain, completing this registration is essential to access public services, comply with legal obligations, and obtain an NIE number.
3.2. Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU nationals cannot legally stay in Spain for more than 90 days as tourists. To live in Spain, you must obtain a residence visa or permit. Some common options include:
a) Non-Lucrative Visa
Ideal for those who want to live in Spain without working locally, including rural living.
Requirements:
- Passport valid at least 12 months
- Clean criminal record (last 5 years)
- Medical certificate free of serious diseases (WHO standards)
- Financial means: at least 400% of IPREM (€2,400/month main applicant, €600 per family member)
- Private health insurance equivalent to Spain’s public system
Details: Initial 1-year visa, renewable for 2+2 years, enter Spain within 90 days, register TIE card within 30 days. Absences must not exceed 6 months/year for renewal.
b) Self-Employment (Autónomo) Visa
For those planning to start a business or work as a contractor in Spain.
Requirements:
- Submit a viable business plan
- Register with Social Security (flat rate ~€80/month for the first year)
- Allows legal residence and work in Spain as self-employed
c) Work Visa
This visa is intended for non-EU nationals who have a job offer in Spain.
Requirements:
- Confirmed employment offer before applying
- The position must either:
- Be included in the “difficult-to-fill” occupations list, which varies by province and changes regularly depending on local demand (e.g., electricians, ship waiters, athletes, trainers, chefs, welders, caregivers, IT technicians, hotel staff), or
- Be a highly qualified profession exempt from this requirement (e.g., doctors, nurses, engineers, managers, university professors, IT specialists, architects, researchers)
Note: Since the “difficult-to-fill” occupations list is updated frequently and can differ between regions, it’s essential to check the latest provincial list before applying.
d) Digital Nomad Visa
For non-EU remote workers who want to live in Spain while working for foreign clients.
Requirements:
- Remote work for mostly non-Spanish clients
- Minimum annual income: ~€31,752 (around 200 % of SMI for the main applicant), higher if including family members
- Professional qualifications: university degree or 3+ years of relevant experience
- Criminal record check (last 5 years)
- Proof of income (payslips, contracts, invoices)
Notes:
- Initial validity: 3 years if applying from within Spain, or 1 year if applying from your home country consulate. Afterwards, the visa can be renewed for additional 2-year periods.
- Family members can accompany, increasing the financial threshold.
4. Open a bank account in Spain without a NIE
If you are planning to buy property, make investments, or simply start managing expenses in Spain, having a Spanish bank account from the very beginning is not just helpful, it is essential. Many practical steps in Spain (property reservations, notary payments, utilities, taxes, deposits) require a local bank account, even before your legal residence or NIE is fully in place.
While obtaining a NIE may take time, opening a bank account does not have to wait. By setting up your Spanish bank account in advance, you can move forward with purchases, reservations, and financial planning without unnecessary delays, while your immigration process is ongoing. The NIE can usually be provided within 90 days after the account is opened.
One of the most practical options for foreigners in this situation is Bunq, which allows you to open a Spanish bank account without a NIE. In addition, bunq currently offers an approximate 2.01% annual remuneration, meaning your funds can generate returns simply by being held in the account, an added advantage while you prepare your move or investment in Spain.
Having your banking already set up gives you financial readiness, flexibility, and peace of mind from day one.
Read more about this here:
5. Incentives for Buying Property in Rural/Depopulated Areas
5.1. State‑Level Purchase Grants
Under the State Housing Plan 2022–2025, young buyers (usually under 35) who purchase a home in a municipality with fewer than 10,000 residents can receive a grant of up to €10,800, capped at 20 % of the purchase price (max home price ~€120,000). The property must be the buyer’s main residence for at least 5 years.
5.2. Regional Purchase Subsidies
Many autonomous communities offer additional purchase incentives on top of the state scheme:
- La Rioja – Plan Revive: Subsidies between €20,000 and €40,000 depending on municipality size (max ~€180,000 home value), with quick occupation and long‑term residence requirements.
- Navarre: Grants for young buyers up to a percentage of the purchase price in small municipalities.
Other regions such as Castilla‑La Mancha, Murcia, Asturias, and others also provide grants tied to rural property purchase or renovation (often targeted at young people, large families, or first‑time buyers).
5.3. Tax Incentives & Deductions on Purchase
In many regions, you may also receive personal income tax (IRPF) deductions or other fiscal benefits for buying or renovating property in rural areas. These vary by autonomous community, but typical examples include:
- Castilla‑La Mancha: A deduction on IRPF for acquisition or renovation in low‑population municipalities.
- Cantabria: Reduced transfer tax and stamp duty on property purchases plus moving incentives.
- Asturias, Galicia, and others: Deductions on purchase or rehabilitation costs, especially for young buyers.
These tax incentives can help reduce overall cost long‑term, but vary significantly by region.
6. Incentives for Renting in Rural Areas
6.1. Owner‑Focused Rental Incentives
Some regions have programs to encourage property owners to rent out empty homes, for example, Galicia – “Fogar Vivo”:
- Up to €16,000 in incentives for owners to rehabilitate and rent out vacant homes.
- Up to €11,000 for renovation costs (80 % support).
- Additional bonuses (€2,000) when renting to younger tenants, families with dependents, etc.
- Support (~€3,000) for insurance and risk coverage.
- Rents must be affordable (often ~€450–€700) with long‑term contracts (5‑7 years).
6.2. Tax Deductions for Renters & Lessors
While direct state‑level deductions for renting were largely removed in 2015, some communities still provide generous regional tax deductions for renters or landlords:
- Castilla y León: Deduction for renters in small municipalities.
- Cantabria: Personal income tax deductions for rental costs.
- Murcia and others: Additional tax benefits if rent is affordable or tied to rural residence.
8. Other Local Incentives & Relocation Schemes
Beyond formal grants and tax breaks, some municipalities and local governments offer unique incentives to attract residents:
- Cash or partial rent support for new residents (e.g., coverage of a number of rent months in very small towns).
- Land or very low‑cost housing offers tied to revitalization commitments (e.g., cheap lots or low monthly rents).
- Relocation support allowances (e.g., moving cost reimbursements in regions like Cantabria).
9. How to Find Eligible Municipalities in the España Vaciada
If you are considering moving to the España vaciada there are various local programs offering incentives for new residents. Knowing where to look, which municipalities qualify, and how to apply is essential to take full advantage of these opportunities.
- Official calls:
Each town or city council publishes incentive programs in the Boletín Oficial Provincial (BOP), usually with limited budgets and annual deadlines. - Online research:
- Check the town’s official website or the provincial government portal (diputaciones.es).
- Contact the mayor’s office directly using the minhap.gob.es directory.
- Eligibility:
- Foreigners usually need a valid visa/NIE.
- Empadronamiento (official registration as a resident) is often required, typically 1–5 years, depending on the program.
- Proof of income, employment, or family status may be required.
- Application process:
- Submit documents at the municipal registry, either online or in person.
- Documents usually include NIE, income proof, and a commitment letter to live in the municipality.
- Resolution typically takes 1–3 months, with funds often disbursed in installments.
- Some programs require repayment if conditions are not met.
8. Examples of Municipal Incentives
| Village / Region | Incentives | Requirements | Website / Contact |
| Griegos (Teruel, Aragón) | Rent €50‑225/month or free 3 years + €50/child | Local job, family, 3-year stay | griegos.es |
| Ponga (Asturias) | €3,000/child born + housing aid | Empadronado birth, 2 years | pongadebarrueso.es |
| Rubiá (Ourense, Galicia) | Free house 5 years for families | 2+ kids, job | rubia.gal |
| Los Fayos (Zaragoza) | Job + housing €350/month | Professional skills | losfayos.es |
| La Torre d’en Doménec (Castellón) | Free house for entrepreneurs | Viable business, 5 years | latorreendomenec.es |
| Valle del Ambroz (Cáceres, Extremadura) | €8,000‑15,000 DIVA program | 2‑3 year residency | Local council |
| Castilla y León (<20,000 hab.) | €2,000 family move | Job, 2-year empadronamiento | jcyl.es |
More examples and detailed listings: Holapueblo.com, Venteavivirunpueblo.com
9. Need Assistance?
If you are considering relocating to the España vaciada and would like support, we can provide guidance on all aspects of the process. This includes:
- Immigration and residency requirements
- Legal matters and documentation
- Property search and acquisition
- Accessing municipal and regional incentives
Feel free to contact us for a consultation, and we can advise you on the best steps to make your move smoother and ensure you take full advantage of the available opportunities.
