The province of Extremadura in Spain is subsidizing with 15.000 euros those digital nomads who wish to work in its countryside.
If you live in the EU and can work remotely, consider the opportunity offered by the local government of Extremadura, Spain – an administrative region bordering Portugal – move to her countryside and get a grant of up to $15.000.
Although in July in Barcelona, local residents protested over-tourism even dousing the tourists they met with water guns, Spain seems to be seriously investing in the tourism industry.
However, not all parts of sunny Spain are touristy and some of them welcome tourists with open arms. This seems to be what the local government of Extremadura is trying to do as it wishes to boost its rural economy.
It grants digital nomads up to 15.000 euros to move to its rural area. The grants concern "available dwellings, arable land, and what is necessary to hasten their arrival," officials said in a press release.
Bordering Portugal, Extremadura is known for its mountainous landscapes, vineyards, historic villages, excellent food and low cost of living.
An apartment in Cáceres starts at a few hundred euros per month. A cappuccino? €1,50. Importantly, it also has fixed fiber and mobile coverage for busy tech workers.
But there is an obligation. You should stay there for at least two years there. Keep in mind that Extremadura gets incredibly hot and dry in the summer and is not known for its exciting life.
Extremadura has budgeted 2 million euros for the program, which will cover around 200 digital nomads. People under 30 and those moving to villages with less than 5.000 inhabitants will receive a subsidy of 10.000 euros. The rest will receive €8.000.
If you stay for two consecutive years, those in the first category who choose to stay for another year will receive a second payment of €5.000, while the rest will receive €4.000.
Sponsorships are open to all nationalities, provided they have the right to live and work in Spain. This is very simple for EU nationals. Anyone from outside the EU can apply for a Spain digital nomad visa.
The Spanish authorities they told Euronews that expect applications for digital nomad grants to open in September, when they can be submitted through General Electronic Access Point of Extremadura.
You need the following to qualify:
- Digital certificate or electronic Spanish ID that allows electronic identification
- You must be paid remotely
- You must not have lived in Extremadura in the last six months
Applicants will know about the outcome of their application within three months.
