The region of Extremadura in Spain is offering financial aid to digital nomads who are willing to relocate to the area, in an effort to boost the population and economy of the region. With one of the lowest populations and GDPs in Spain, as well as high unemployment rates, Extremadura is seeking to attract tech professionals who can work remotely. The regional government has set aside €2 million to help 200 remote workers and digital nomads transition to living in Extremadura, offering grants of up to €15,000.
To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be highly qualified professionals in the tech industry who are able to work entirely remotely through IT systems. Those who wish to apply must commit to living and working in Extremadura for at least two years, with women, individuals under 30 years old, and those moving to smaller towns with populations under 5,000 eligible for higher grants of €10,000. Foreign nationals can also apply, as long as they are legally residing in Spain and possess a foreign identity number.
The cost of living in Extremadura is relatively low compared to other areas in Spain, with savings of around 30% on meals, public transport, and utilities compared to Madrid. Despite lacking in transport infrastructure, Extremadura boasts above-national-average fibre optic and mobile coverage, making it an attractive destination for remote workers. Applications for the grant will be open to both residents of Spain and individuals living abroad who have not resided in Extremadura in the previous six months. Those not already participating in Spain’s digital nomad visa scheme will need to apply for it before being eligible for the Extremadura grant.
The exact date for when applications will open has not been confirmed, but it is expected to be shortly after the scheme is published in the Official Gazette of Extremadura, likely around mid-September. Applications will remain open until the allocated funds for around 200 digital nomads have been distributed, which is estimated to take between one month and a year. Successful applicants will need to submit their documents electronically through the Extremadura General Electronic Access Point, including proof of current residence, employer authorization to work remotely in Extremadura or Spain, and documentation of tax and social security payments.
Once accepted into the program, digital nomads must register with a municipality in Extremadura to obtain a padrón certificate within three months. Following registration, they will have one month to request payment of the grant, which will be given in a single transaction. The program aims to attract remote workers to Extremadura with the promise of financial assistance and the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and historic sites of the region. By leveraging the appeal of remote work, Extremadura hopes to drive economic growth and revitalize areas with declining populations.
