Becoming a digital nomad is a trend that’s only emerged in recent years, but the list of potential destinations only continues to grow (and we even spoke to some nomads to find out what it’s like). However, the phenomenon does have its downsides, and locals in certain areas across Europe feel that nomads contribute to gentrification, and that some residents have been priced out.
That isn’t stopping one region in Spain though – Extremadura, an autonomous region which borders Portugal, has one of the country’s smallest populations, lowest GDPs per capita and the highest rate of unemployment. To help economically boost the region, authorities are opening their arms and offering nomads up to a whopping €15,000 to move there.
More specifically, authorities have earmarked €2 million overall in the hopes of attracting 200 digital nomads to relocate to the region.
While Extremadura might not fulfil your cosmopolitan dreams of moving to a sprawling city like Barcelona, the cost of living here is low – around 30 percent lower than in Madrid – and what the region lacks in transport infrastructure it makes up for in above national average fibre optic and mobile coverage. Plus, it’s beautiful – we named this remote region of inland beaches, woodland and geo-parks one of Europe’s most underrated destinations.
So, who can actually apply? Remote workers who are highly qualified tech professionals are Extremadura’s main target, and individuals must be able to work entirely remotely. Already relocated to Spain? Don’t worry – you’re still eligible, alongside people who live in other countries, but you need to have not lived in Extremadura for the last six months.
Non-EU nationals can apply as long as they have a nomad visa, and if you are moving from another Spanish region, you’ll need an original report supplied by the General Treasury of Social Security. The grants people receive will also vary quite a lot.
According to euronews, women, people under the age of 30 and those who move to towns with 5,000 residents or less are eligible for a €10,000 grant. Others can apply for up to €8,000. After two years, those in category one will receive another €5,000, and those in category two will receive €4,000.
We don’t yet know when applications will open, but it’s expected to be around the time the Official Gazette of Extremadura publishes about the scheme, likely in mid-September. Applications will have to be submitted electronically here, and if successful, you should hear within the following three months!
Want to know more about the digital nomadic lifestyle?
We’ve been reporting on the growing popularity of digital nomad visas over recent years – have a look at our guide to the best digital nomad visas right now and discover what it's really like to work from anywhere.
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