Where 15,000 euros are given to each digital nomad

Digital nomads were once unwelcome in many European countries because they were blamed for accelerating urbanization and driving up prices.

But in some areas of Spain, local authorities are still keen to welcome this international visitor group. Many even offer financial incentives to attract digital nomads to move there.

Extremadura is one such place. This autonomous community bordering Portugal has wildlife reserves, animal-rich mountains and towns with Roman ruins. Yet it remains largely unvisited. It is also one of the most sparsely populated in the country, and has one of the least developed economies, with the lowest GDP per capita in Spain and an unemployment rate of 17.6%, compared to the national average of 11.9%.

To boost the local economy and increase the population, the government has decided to set aside two million euros to subsidize the arrival of 200 digital nomads. In addition to receiving money, the newcomers also enjoy many other advantages such as a low cost of living compared to many other areas in Spain, beautiful natural scenery. The town of Badajoz in Extremadura has prices for restaurants, public transport and other utilities 30% cheaper than the capital Madrid. Extremadura lacks transport infrastructure but has fiber optic and mobile coverage higher than the national average.

Those who want to receive a €15,000 grant to move to Extremadura must meet a number of criteria. First, they must be highly qualified professionals in the technology industry who commit to living there for at least two years. During those two years, they must maintain a remote job and earn money from it. Spaniards living in other cities can also move here to take advantage of the incentive, provided they have not lived in Extremadura for the previous six months.

Foreign nationals can apply but must have a legal residence permit in Spain (a green card) and a foreigner identification number (NIE). Non-EU citizens can also apply, provided they have a Spanish digital nomad visa. Those who do not have one must apply for one, and only after it is granted can they apply.

Women and young people under 30 who move to towns in Extremadura with a population of less than 5,000 will be eligible for a grant of 10,000 euros per person. Others will receive 8,000 euros. After two years, those in the first group who choose to stay for another year will receive a second payment of 5,000 euros, bringing the total to a maximum of 15,000 euros per person over three years of residence. Those in the second group will receive an additional 4,000 euros.

Local officials said they plan to announce the start of applications in mid-September in the Extremadura Gazette and stop accepting applications until the quota reaches 200. Applicants must submit documents in a language other than Spanish, with a notarized translation.