Free housing in Spain for displaced persons: where it’s available and what you need to move there

Moving to Spain in 2026 could be a great option for immigrants and remote workers. Find out where in the country free housing is available, which cities are looking for new residents, how much you can earn, and in which fields you can realistically find a job even without knowing Spanish

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Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for immigrants and migrants in Europe. The country attracts people with its warm climate, comfortable standard of living, opportunities for remote work, and a variety of support programs for new residents.

Recently, an increasing number of regions in Spain have been launching programs that provide foreigners with free housing, financial assistance, or preferential terms for relocation. Small towns and rural communities suffering from population decline are the most active in seeking new residents, writes penzcentrum.

Free Housing in Spain: Why the Country Is Inviting New Residents

The problem of depopulation remains one of the main challenges for many Spanish regions. Young people are moving to major cities, causing small towns to gradually lose residents, jobs, and infrastructure.

That is why local authorities are launching relocation programs to Spain for foreigners, families with children, and remote workers. The main goal is to revive the economies of small towns and support local communities.

As of recent years, approximately seven million foreigners reside in Spain. In terms of the number of immigrants, the country ranks among the top three in Europe, following Germany and France.

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In which regions of Spain is housing offered to newcomers?

One of the most well-known examples is the town of Ponga, located in the north of the country. Here, local authorities support families who are ready to relocate and stay in the region for an extended period.

Similar programs are in place in other parts of the country. In particular, in the Ambrose Valley, foreigners and remote workers are offered grants and relocation assistance.

Free housing in Spain for migrants was also previously offered in small towns in the Castile region. For example, in the village of Arenillas, families were provided with housing and jobs in exchange for long-term residency and participation in community life.

What conditions must be met to participate in the programs?

Most support programs have specific requirements for participants. You can only get free housing in Spain if you fulfill a number of obligations.

Most often, migrants are required to:

live in the community for several years;

work officially or run their own business;

participate in the development of the community;

integrate into the local environment;

support the community’s social life.

In some regions, priority is given to families with children to keep schools and kindergartens open.

Why aren’t Spain’s major cities interested in new migrants?

At the same time, the country’s major cities are facing a serious housing crisis. In Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and along the Costa del Sol, housing and rental prices have risen significantly.

Because of this, the Spanish government plans to:

limit short-term rentals;

increase the number of social housing units;

bring vacant apartments to the market;

curb further increases in rental costs.

That is why new relocation programs are primarily focused not on major cities but on sparsely populated regions.

Jobs and Salaries in Spain in 2026

For many foreigners, life in Spain remains attractive thanks to its mild climate and a more relaxed pace of life. Moving there can be particularly advantageous for those who work remotely for international companies.

The average salary in the country is about 2,531 euros per month before taxes, and the minimum is over 1,200 euros. The highest salaries are traditionally found in Madrid, while income levels are lower in rural regions.

Is it realistic to find a job without knowing Spanish?

Without knowing Spanish, foreigners can find work in the following sectors:

tourism;

the hospitality industry;

IT;

marketing;

customer support;

international service centers.

In cities such as Málaga, Barcelona, or Valencia, there are many international companies looking for English-speaking employees.

Tip: For Ukrainian drivers traveling to EU countries in their own cars, it’s important to keep track not only of technical innovations but also of required documents. In particular, before traveling abroad, you should apply for a Green Card for your car in advance; you can do this through Visit Ukraine — it’s a mandatory insurance policy for trips to most European countries.

We remind you! The EU is transitioning to digital vehicle registration certificates and is gradually phasing out paper documents. Read about when the new rules will take effect, whether paper versions will remain, and what will change for drivers.

Photo: Pexels

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Additionally, in tourist regions, seasonal work is often available in hotels, restaurants, and the service sector even with minimal knowledge of Spanish.