In an opinion column published on 2 November in El País, veteran journalist Francesc Valls revealed internal proposals circulating within Junts per Catalunya to tighten local-registration rules (‘empadronamiento’) for non-EU nationals and limit their eligibility for publicly subsidised housing. The leak comes as the pro-independence party reposition itself ahead of the 2026 Catalan elections and competes with the far-right Aliança Catalana for anti-immigration voters.
Under Spanish law, municipal registration is the gateway to a range of rights—primary healthcare, school places and, crucially, the ability to demonstrate ‘arraigo’ (social roots) when applying for residence regularisation. Restricting padrón access would therefore erect a significant barrier for newly arrived migrants and international students.
![Junts floats plan to curb foreign residents’ access to Catalan registry and social housing]()
Housing is equally sensitive: Barcelona and its hinterland face the EU’s steepest rent inflation, and business-travel providers report chronic shortages of corporate apartments. Analysts warn that disqualifying foreigners from protected housing could push more workers into the informal market, drive up temporary-accommodation costs for relocating staff and clash with EU non-discrimination principles.
Although Junts has not tabled a formal bill, the rhetoric signals a harder line that could shape municipal ordinances across Catalonia—especially in towns where Junts and smaller nationalist parties hold sway. Mobility teams moving talent into the region should track local council agendas, verify registration requirements well in advance and budget for higher housing allowances if access to VPO (vivienda de protección oficial) tightens.
Employers may also need to assist affected families with private health-insurance cover and school-enrolment fees that are normally waived for padrón holders.
Under Spanish law, municipal registration is the gateway to a range of rights—primary healthcare, school places and, crucially, the ability to demonstrate ‘arraigo’ (social roots) when applying for residence regularisation. Restricting padrón access would therefore erect a significant barrier for newly arrived migrants and international students.
Housing is equally sensitive: Barcelona and its hinterland face the EU’s steepest rent inflation, and business-travel providers report chronic shortages of corporate apartments. Analysts warn that disqualifying foreigners from protected housing could push more workers into the informal market, drive up temporary-accommodation costs for relocating staff and clash with EU non-discrimination principles.
Although Junts has not tabled a formal bill, the rhetoric signals a harder line that could shape municipal ordinances across Catalonia—especially in towns where Junts and smaller nationalist parties hold sway. Mobility teams moving talent into the region should track local council agendas, verify registration requirements well in advance and budget for higher housing allowances if access to VPO (vivienda de protección oficial) tightens.
Employers may also need to assist affected families with private health-insurance cover and school-enrolment fees that are normally waived for padrón holders.
