Digital nomads have long been unwelcome in many European countries, blamed for accelerating urbanization and driving up prices.

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

A corner of the town of Badajoz. Photo: Most spectacular places

Extremadura is one such place. This autonomous community bordering Portugal has wild nature reserves, mountains with a lot of animals and towns with many Roman ruins. However, this place still does not get many visitors. This community is also one of the most sparsely populated places in the country, the economy is also among the least developed with the lowest GDP per capita in Spain as well as an unemployment rate of up to 17.6% compared to the national average of 11.9%.

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

Those who want to receive the €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 in the country 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 offer, 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 will need to apply for one and then apply after it is granted.

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 15,000 euros per person for three years of residence. Those in the second group will receive an additional 4,000 euros.

Local authorities said they expect to announce the start of applications in mid-September in the Extremadura Official Gazette and stop accepting applications until they have reached 200 people. Applicants submitting application documents in languages ​​other than Spanish must include a notarized translation.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Anh Minh (Euro News)