Extremadura, Spain invites digital nomads with financial incentives
Spain's lesser-known region, Extremadura, is offering a financial incentive of approximately €15,000 (₹13,00,000 approx.) to digital nomads willing to relocate. The community bordering Portugal has one of the lowest populations and is among the least developed regions in Spain. With an unemployment rate of 17.6% and the country's lowest GDP per capita, Extremadura authorities aim to attract 200 remote workers through this initiative backed by a two million euro budget.
Lower living costs and financial aid for digital nomads
In addition to the financial incentive, digital nomads moving to Extremadura can expect a lower cost of living compared to other parts of Spain. According to Numbeo, the cost of meals out, public transport, and utilities in Badajoz, an Extremadurian city, is on average 30% less than in Madrid. This initiative aims not only to boost the local economy but also provide a more affordable lifestyle for remote workers.
Application process for Extremadura's digital nomad grants
The grant is open to European citizens working in the IT industry or travelers with a specific digital nomad visa. Applicants must commit to remote work and reside in the city for at least two years. Applications can be submitted via the www.juntaex.es website. Non-EU nationals, including those from the United States, are also eligible if they have secured Spain's digital nomad visa.
Grant recipients to receive notification and assistance
Successful applicants will be notified within three months and must register with a municipality in Extremadura to obtain a padron certificate within the same period. Following registration, they have one month to request the grant payment, which will be disbursed in a single transaction. The program also offers information on available housing, arable land, and other services in the region to facilitate their arrival.
Spain tops global rankings for digital nomads
A report from Global Citizen Solutions ranks Spain as the top destination for remote workers, due to its startup-friendly environment, zero taxation on foreign income, affordable living, high-speed internet access, and tech-driven innovation. Europe dominates the top 10, with the Netherlands and Norway in second and third places for their high living standards, healthcare, and education. Spain and the Netherlands stand out by offering digital nomad visa holders a path to permanent residency, which can eventually lead to citizenship.
