In northern Spain, a small municipality is taking unusual measures to counter the looming population decline: Salas, a village in the region of Asturias with just 4,770 inhabitants, is actively seeking new residents and is offering financial support, tax incentives and concrete assistance for business start-ups.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Behind the initiative lies a well-known problem affecting many rural regions of Spain: ongoing depopulation. More and more young people are moving to larger cities, while in smaller towns infrastructure, shops and jobs are gradually disappearing.
Empty buildings instead of life in the town centre
The effects are clearly visible in this Asturian village as well. Several key businesses have already closed or are on the verge of doing so, including a pastry shop, a bakery, as well as a butcher’s and a fishmonger’s. Even traditional meeting places such as a bar are now missing from the local landscape.
As a result, the daily lives of the remaining residents are becoming increasingly restricted, while entire streets stand empty and properties remain unused.
Financial incentives for new residents
To halt this trend, the municipality is now relying on a comprehensive support programme designed to attract new residents, and in particular entrepreneurs willing to revitalise the village’s economic life. The initiative supports both the reopening or takeover of existing businesses, the creation of new companies, and the renovation of vacant properties.
Part of these measures is funded through European programmes such as the LEADER funds, complemented by additional local and regional support. In addition, those interested benefit from tax incentives for renovation work as well as reduced rates for commercial premises, making a new start in the rural area as attractive as possible.
Life between nature, agriculture and the Camino de Santiago
Despite the challenges, the region also offers attractive conditions. The village is set in a landscape-dominated environment that is strongly shaped by agriculture and livestock farming. Production includes beef, milk, as well as regional products such as beans and berries.
In addition, the area is increasingly benefiting from tourism along the Camino Primitivo, one of the historic routes of the Camino de Santiago, which attracts numerous pilgrims every year.
Infrastructure has also improved significantly: fibre-optic internet and 5G coverage are already available in many areas, while larger cities such as Oviedo are within easy reach.
The fight against “España vaciada”
The project is emblematic of a broader trend in Spain known as “España vaciada” – the “emptied Spain”. Many rural municipalities are struggling with ageing populations, outmigration and economic decline.
Regions such as Asturias are therefore increasingly trying to attract new residents through targeted support programmes, affordable living conditions and creative initiatives.
Hope for a new beginning
Whether the strategy will be successful in the long term remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that without inward migration, many small towns in northern Spain risk further losses in population and infrastructure.
The initiative from the Asturian village highlights how urgent the need for action is – and that rural regions are willing to take new approaches to secure their future.
