Digital nomads may feel unwelcome in certain parts of Europe, often accused of driving up local costs and contributing to gentrification. However, as Euronews reports, one region in Spain is eager to host international remote workers and is even offering them financial incentives to relocate there.
Extremadura, an autonomous community that borders Portugal, is the region that wants to attract digital nomads. It’s one of Spain’s lesser-known regions but incredibly beautiful with a capital featuring Roman ruins, wild nature reserves, and mountain ranges rich in wildlife.
Read on to learn how you can qualify for the grant if you’re interested in moving to Extremadura as well as the application process.
Get paid to be a nomad
Up to €15,000 is being offered by the regional government of Extremadura to digital nomads who move to this area.
Extremadura is not as well-developed as other regions of Spain, has one of the lowest GDPs per capita in the country, has a low population, and struggles with a high unemployment rate of 17.6%, compared to the national average of 11.9%.
To improve the population situation and the economy, Extremadura has earmarked €2 million to support the relocation process of 200 digital nomads and remote workers to the region. In addition to this financial support, digital nomads in Extremadura can take advantage of the lower cost of living compared to many other Spanish regions.
According to Numbeo, in Badajoz, a city in Extremadura, the average costs of eating out, utilities, and public transportation are 30% lower than in Madrid.
Extremadura does not have an extensive transport infrastructure, but the authorities in the region have reported that fiber optic and mobile phone coverage in the region is above average.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Spain
Who can apply for Extremadura’s digital nomad grants?
Highly qualified tech professionals that work remotely can apply for relocation to Extremadura. Applicants must be working entirely online using IT, media, and telematics and must agree to keep their remote job and reside in Extremadura for at least two years.
Applications are open to people currently living in other Spanish regions, as well as people residing abroad, provided that they have not lived in Extremadura in the last six months.
Foreign nationals can apply if they are legally resident in Spain and have a foreign identity number (NIE) from their green EU certificate or non-EU TIE card.
Non-EU citizens can also apply if they are already taking part in Spain’s digital nomad visa program. Those who do not have a digital nomad visa must first apply for one and have it approved by the Spanish authorities. They should also obtain a residence document before applying for the Extremadura grant.
Flatio: Find your ideal accommodation in Spain
Image source: Unsplash
Are you looking for flexible, reasonably priced, and deposit-free accommodations to rent in Spain? Take a look at the listings on Flatio and we're confident you will discover a living space that meets your needs in different regions, such as:
How much funding will digital nomads receive?
The following categories are eligible for a €10,000 grant: Women, people under 30 and people moving to towns in Extremadura with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants. The others will receive €8,000.
After two years, those in the first group who decide to stay another year can receive a second payment of €5,000. The others receive €4,000.
When can nomads apply for the Extremadura grant?
The application start date is yet to be confirmed. However, it will be the day after the initiative is published in the Official Gazette of Extremadura, which will likely be in mid-September.
Applications will remain open until funding for around 200 digital nomads is allocated, which will take at least one month but no more than one year.
How can digital nomads apply for the Extremadura grant?
Applicants must submit their applications electronically through the Extremadura General Electronic Access Point. A digital certificate or an electronic Spanish ID card for identification is required.
Submit your application form together with an official document proving your current residence, and a certificate from your employer that authorizes you to work remotely in Spain or Extremadura.
Self-employed professionals must include a document that outlines the terms and conditions for their remote work.
If you are moving to Extremadura from another Spanish region, you have to submit an original report from the General Treasury of Social Security showing that you are up to date with social security payments, a document certifying that your tax payments are in order, and a certificate that shows you have no debts with the Treasury of Extremadura.
Documents that are not in Spanish must be accompanied by a sworn legal translation certified by a professional.
Find perfect place to stay in Spain
Applicants will be informed of the status of their application within three months.
Successful applicants have to register with a municipality in Extremadura to receive a padrón certificate (a local residency record) within three months. You will then have one month to request payment of the grant, which will be made in a single transaction.
Experience Spain with Flatio
Why choose Flatio to rent accommodation in Spain? Discover the unique features that make us the perfect choice:
- Flexible, reasonably priced stays (from days to months)
- Wide range of accommodation options
- Utilities and Wi-Fi included
- No deposit required for stays under 180 days
- Balanced, legally binding lease agreement, translated into multiple languages
- Very attractive cancelation policy
- Online signing of lease agreement
- StayProtection for Tenants: assistance with emergencies and accidental property damage
- Move-in Guarantee with a 24/7 emergency line
- 100% money protection
- Customer support available every day of the week
- No hidden fees
- Secure and simple payment system, including Bitcoin option
