This Spanish region is offering €10,000 for digital nomads willing to relocate

A traditionally Spanish region has allocated €2 million to attracting digital nomads. The financial incentive is aimed at skilled remote workers willing to relocate. 

Extremadura is an autonomous region in Spain. Its landlocked, which likely explains why it hasn’t hit it off with sun and sand seeking international property buyers. Extremadura borders Castile and Leon to the north, Castille-La Manche to the east, Andalusia to the south and Portugal to the west. But there’s much to adore about Extremadura, especially with its new financial allure. According to Schengen News, the region has allocated €2 million to attracting digital nomads.

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What is the scheme?

Currently, Extremadura has the lowest population density in all of Spain, with just 26 inhabitants per square kilometre.

In an effort to increase the population, the number of highly skilled workers and drive economic growth in the area, the region has been allocated a financial incentive to give to new residents. The financial incentive will go out to a lucky 200 people, who are either national or international. However, there are some requirements you’d have to comply with first.

Requirements:

• To qualify, you must be a digital nomad – in other words, your job must be completely online.
• You must have resided outside of Extremadura for at least six months before the date of your mandatory registration.
• You must commit to living in area of less than 5,000 inhabitants for a minimum of two years.

How does the scheme work?

Both men and women under 30 will receive €10,000 once they are selected. Men over 30 will receive €8,000.

After two years, those under 30 will receive €5,000. Men older than 30 who want to stay for another year will receive €4,000.

This call will remain open until the places are filled.

What is life like in Extremadura like?

First thing is first, Extremadura has excellent Wi-Fi, fibre optic coverage is better than the national average, with between 93 – 97% 4G mobile coverage and between 75 – 80% in 5G coverage. So, you won’t have to worry about staying on top of work or emails – just note the time difference for when it’s time to tune in to Teams.

As well as beautiful Wi-Fi coverage, Extremadura is visually beautiful too. It is home to three UNSECO World Heritage sites, including Merida’s archaeological ensemble with a thoughtfully preserved Roman amphitheatre. While the enchanting Caceres Old Town takes you back to the Medieval period. A largely mountainous region, Extremadura has fantastic parks to explore, such as the Monfragüe National Park, famed for its birdwatching.

If you’d like to be in a city or near to one, check out the capital, Merida or the largest city, Badajoz.

In Extremadura, you can enjoy lengthy summers and brief, mild winters. July sees highs of 33°C and the coldest month, January, sees highs of 12°C.

Life in Extremadura offers an authentically Spanish feel, a far cry from the British bars that dot the coastline. The cost of living is significantly lower. For example, comparing data from numbeo, the cost of living is 25.1% lower in Badajoz than Barcelona (without rent).  Local purchasing power is lower in Extremadura but the beauty of being a digital nomad is that you will have your income will come from abroad.  Property is much more affordable in Extremadura too. You could buy a ready-to-move into country house for as little as €100,000.

Tell me more about Spain’s digital nomad

Extremadura not quite turned your head? Still keen on a digital nomad visa?

The Spanish digital nomad visa is aimed at third country nationals and enables them to stay in the country for an initial year, which can be extended to up to five.  You can also travel visa free in the Schengen Area.

While it lacks the financial incentive of Extremadura’s plans, it doesn’t come with quite so many rules. And you can make anywhere in Spain your home by using it.

Here’s what you need to know.

Requirements:

• The company you work for must be based outside of Spain.
• You must earn 200% of the Spanish minimum national wage. You can bring a family member with you, but this will require 75% more. It is 15% for each additional family member.
• You will need a clean criminal record.
• At least three years work experience or a degree in a related field.
• You will need full health coverage.

Read up on Spain’s digital nomad visa here.

Find out what your options are, connect with an English-speaking lawyer in Spain today. 

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