Remote Spanish Region Entices Digital Nomads with €15,000 Offer

Digital nomads, are you ready? In an ambitious bid to rejuvenate its economy, the Spanish region of Extremadura is rolling out the red carpet. Nestled along the Portuguese border, this remote corner of Spain is offering up to €15,000 to remote workers willing to make Extremadura their home for at least two years. The initiative comes as a response to the region’s economic challenges, including a sparse population, low GDP per capita, and high unemployment rates.

While Extremadura may not offer the cosmopolitan vibes of Barcelona or Madrid, it more than makes up for it with its own unique charm. The cost of living here is significantly lower, approximately 30% less than in Madrid. The region boasts better than average fiber optic and mobile coverage compared to the rest of Spain and may be a great base for the next few years to save money while making connections with the locals. Beyond the practical benefits, Extremadura impresses visitors with its rich natural beauty and is often cited as one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. 

Extremadura’s authorities have earmarked €2 million for this program, aiming to attract 200 digital nomads to their picturesque villages. The incentive package is structured to appeal to a diverse range of remote workers, with an initial grant of €10,000 available to women, young professionals under 30 years of age, and those willing to settle in the region’s smaller towns. All other successful applicants will receive an initial amount of €8,000. Applicants who receive €10,000 initially can receive an additional €5,000 if they stay for a third year, while others will receive €4,000 after the third year. 

How to Apply

Before you apply, it is important to know that the program primarily targets highly qualified tech professionals who can work entirely remotely. In addition, non-EU nationals interested in applying must first get approved for a Spanish digital nomad visa and obtain a residency document before they can apply. Current Spanish residents can apply, provided they haven’t lived in Extremadura within the past six months. Those relocating from other Spanish regions will need to furnish documentation from the General Treasury of Social Security and prove that they are up to date with tax and social security payments and do not owe any debts in Extremadura.

If you get accepted for the Extremadura program, you have three months to register with a municipality in Extremadura and obtain a residency certificate known as a padrón. After the residency deadline passes, you have one more month to request the grant money, which will be sent in a single payment.   

Due to the remoteness of the region and the extra waiting time involved with applying for the Spanish digital nomad visa first, it may ultimately make more sense for digital nomads from the EU, especially Spanish speakers, to apply for the program. Still, it’s nice to know that some parts of Spain are open to visitors, despite recent protests against overtourism in the Canary Islands and Barcelona.

Once the Gazette of Extremadura makes its official announcement, interested digital nomads can apply electronically through the Extremadura General Electronic Access Point, and decisions will be made within three months of application.