The Extremadura region in Spain is offering 15,000 Euro if remote workers such as “Digital Nomads” move there. A whopping 2 Million Euros have been set aside to help 200 remote workers relocate to the region.
Overall, the scheme aims to boost the local economy by attracting digitally trained workers who work using media, telematics, IT, information systems, etc.
Spain’s new scheme for remote workers does not offer visa sponsorship. It is for the foreigners who already reside in the country legally. This means people from non-EU can also apply for this program but they should already be on a visa in Spain.
The regional authorities of Extremadura have confirmed that the applications system will remain open until the quota of 200 is achieved but the program will keep on running with limits of not less than a month and more than a year overall.
How and when to apply?
The application system will start when the publication of the scheme in the Official Gazette of Extremadura is done hopefully by mid-September this year. To submit the scheme application participation online, the prospective applications have to be submitted electronically using the Extremadura General Electronic Access Point. Obtain a digital certificate or electronic Spanish ID card for electronic identification.
Submit your application form along with:
- An official document from your country or another region in Spain proving your current place of residence;
- A certificate from your employer authorizing you to work in Extremadura or remotely in Spain;
- If self-employed, provide a document outlining the terms and conditions of your remote professional activity.
What is Spain’s 15,000 Euro Scheme all about?
Spain’s autonomous region Extremadura which also neighbours Portugal does not have as much tourism as in other parts of the country. This could be the reason that living expenses are 30% less here (comparing the city of Badajoz with Madrid).
The territory wants to boost its economy and thus decides to be supported by digital nomads from all backgrounds. The scheme’s breakdown is as follows:
| Program Topics | Details |
| Region | Extremadura, Spain |
| Offer | Up to €15,000 for digital nomads to move to the area |
| Population Status | One of the lowest populations in Spain |
| Development Status | One of the least-developed regions in Spain |
| GDP per Capita | Among the lowest in Spain |
| Unemployment Rate | 17.6% (compared to the national average of 11.9%) |
| Objective | Bolster population and economy |
| Funding Amount | €2 million |
| Purpose of Funding | Aid the relocation of 200 remote workers and digital nomads to the region |
Who can apply for the 15,000 Euro Program in Spain?
This new scheme does not support visa sponsorship applicants which means the candidates will be chosen from within Spain by the region. A complete set of requirements for the program are:
| Criteria | Details |
| Commitment | Maintain a remote job and live in Extremadura for at least two years |
| Eligibility – Current Residents | Eligible if living in other regions of Spain or abroad, provided they haven’t lived in Extremadura in the previous six months |
| Eligibility – Foreign Nationals | Must be legally resident in Spain with a foreign identity number (NIE) on their green EU certificate or non-EU TIE card |
| Eligibility – Non-EU Nationals | Can apply if participating in Spain’s digital nomad visa scheme |
| Application Requirement | Non-EU nationals without a digital nomad visa must first apply for and obtain it, along with a residency document, before applying for the scheme |
How will the money be distributed?
According to the authorities, the amount of 15,000 Euros will not be given at once to the selected candidates, instead, it will be divided into three installments over three years.
| Category | Initial Grant | Additional Grant After 2 Years | Total Grant (Over 3 Years) |
| Women | €10,000 | €5,000 | €15,000 |
| Young People (Under 30 Years Old) | €10,000 | €5,000 | €15,000 |
| Relocation to Towns with less than 5,000 People | €10,000 | €5,000 | €15,000 |
| Others | €8,000 | €4,000 | €12,000 |