Key Takeaways:
- Extremadura, a region in Spain, is offering up to €15,000 to digital nomads willing to relocate there for at least two years.
- The initiative aims to attract 200 remote workers to boost the local economy, and €2 million has been allocated for this purpose.
- Grants vary, with additional incentives for women, young people, and those moving to smaller towns.
- Although it lacks major urban amenities, the region offers affordable living costs, high-quality internet infrastructure, and scenic natural landscapes.
- Non-EU nationals with nomad visas can apply, and applications are expected to open in mid-September 2024.
Extremadura, an autonomous region in western Spain, is launching an ambitious program to attract digital nomads. Up to €15,000 will be offered to those willing to move there for at least two years.
According to a Timeout report, the initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize the region, which struggles with a small population, low GDP per capita, and high unemployment rates.
The report added that the local government has allocated €2 million to attract 200 digital nomads who can work remotely to achieve this. Unlike Spain’s more cosmopolitan regions, Extremadura is known for its affordability and natural beauty.
The cost of living is about 30 percent lower than in Madrid, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quieter, more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing modern conveniences like high-quality internet.
In fact, despite its rural nature, Extremadura boasts above-average national fiber optic and mobile coverage.
The report noted that the program is open to some, though. It targets explicitly highly qualified tech professionals who can work remotely.
Applicants can be from Spain or other countries, but they must not have lived in Extremadura for the past six months. Non-EU nationals, provided they have a digital nomad visa, are also eligible to apply.
Per the report, an original report from the General Treasury of Social Security will be required for those moving from other Spanish regions. The grants offered under this scheme vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Women, individuals under 30, and those relocating to towns with populations under 5,000 are eligible for an initial grant of €10,000.
They will receive an additional €5,000 after two years of residency. Other applicants can receive up to €8,000 initially, followed by an additional €4,000 after two years.
The report added that these financial incentives are designed to help integrate digital nomads into the local community and encourage them to contribute to the region’s economic and social fabric.
The application process is expected to begin in mid-September 2024 when the Official Gazette of Extremadura publishes details about the scheme.
Applications will be submitted electronically, and successful applicants should receive a response within three months.
According to the report, while Extremadura may not offer the urban excitement of Barcelona or Madrid, it compensates with its serene landscapes, including inland beaches, woodlands, and geo-parks.
The region has been recognized as one of Europe’s most underrated destinations, providing a unique setting for those seeking to escape city life’s hustle and bustle.
This initiative underscores the growing appeal of rural and less densely populated areas as viable alternatives for digital nomads.
As more regions across Europe face challenges related to gentrification and rising living costs, programs like Extremadura’s offer a win-win solution: revitalizing local economies while providing digital nomads with affordable, high-quality living conditions.
The report highlighted that for those interested in this opportunity, it will be crucial to stay tuned for the official application opening in September.
Extremadura’s offer represents a rare chance to explore a lesser-known part of Spain while receiving financial support to make the transition smoother.
The report noted that as digital nomadism continues to evolve, regions like Extremadura are stepping up to offer compelling alternatives to traditional urban centers, making remote work more accessible and sustainable for a broader range of professionals.
Read more in this article Timeout.
