A Cuban woman residing in Spain took to TikTok on Sunday to share a video expressing that her circumstances in the European country have become unbearable, echoing the experiences of countless migrants from the island.
Known online as "La Cubanita," the woman, identified as @nayrelis.gonzales, recorded the video in front of a concrete structure while wearing a fluorescent yellow safety vest. This attire is a telling sign of the physical labor many Cubans must undertake to survive in Spain.
The caption accompanying the video leaves no room for doubt: "This situation in Spain is unsustainable."
Within just 48 hours, the nearly four-minute video garnered over 5,800 views, 263 likes, and 92 comments, highlighting the resonance of her message among a community facing similar challenges.
The Growing Cuban Community in Spain
This Cuban woman’s account is far from isolated. By early 2026, the Cuban community in Spain had grown to approximately 287,490 people, increasing by 35,200 in the previous year. Many of these newcomers are immediately confronted with a housing market that effectively shuts them out from day one.
In May 2026, the average rent in Spain reached a historic high of 15.1 euros per square meter, marking a 4% annual increase. In Madrid, the rate soared to 23.4 euros per square meter, translating to around 1,638 euros per month for a 70-square-meter apartment—well above the minimum wage, which hovers between 1,370 and 1,400 euros.
Housing and Employment Struggles
The housing crisis in Spain hits immigrants particularly hard. As of June 2026, the Bank of Spain reported a housing shortage of 750,000 units, with rental availability plummeting by 56% since the pandemic. Landlords demand payslips, job stability, and guarantors that newcomers simply cannot provide.
Unemployment among immigrants in Spain stood at 17.23% in the first quarter of 2026, with those finding work often relegated to physically demanding, low-paying jobs, much like the one depicted in the video.
Other Cubans in Spain have shared their struggles with an endless cycle of high expenses, including water bills reaching up to 315 euros—far exceeding the typical range of 30 to 90 euros every two months—and wages that barely cover rent and food, leaving nothing for savings or remittances to family back in Cuba.
Navigating Bureaucratic Challenges
The extraordinary regularization enacted in January 2026, which granted a one-year residency and work permit to those who arrived before December 31, 2025, provided some relief. However, the process remains daunting for many Cubans lacking the guidance and resources needed to tackle the immigration bureaucracy.
"La Cubanita’s" video adds to a growing collection of accounts from Cuban migrants warning about the gap between the so-called "European dream" and the harsh reality of grueling jobs, unaffordable rents, and the relentless pressure to support families left behind on the island. According to the CIS, housing was identified as the top social issue in Spain in March 2026, with 43.5% of mentions, and there is little indication that this pressure will ease anytime soon.
Understanding the Cuban Migrant Experience in Spain
Why is the housing market challenging for Cuban migrants in Spain?
Cuban migrants face a tough housing market in Spain due to high rent prices, a significant housing shortage, and the requirements for rental agreements that many can't meet, such as job stability and guarantors.
What impact has the extraordinary regularization had on Cuban migrants?
The extraordinary regularization offered a temporary solution by granting a one-year residency and work permit to eligible migrants, but many still struggle with the bureaucratic challenges of securing long-term residency and employment.
How are Cuban migrants managing employment in Spain?
Many Cuban migrants find themselves in physically demanding, low-paying jobs due to high unemployment rates and limited opportunities, making it difficult to improve their economic situation.