Spain is luring digital nomads into the countryside with €15,000 grants

In Barcelona, digital nomads risk being attacked by angry water pistol-wielding locals. But other parts of sun-soaked Spain are welcoming remote workers with open arms — and wads of cash.

This week, the local government of Extremadura announced it is offering digital nomads and remote workers up to €15,000 to move to the rural region. The grants are for “available housing, arable land, and everything necessary to expedite their arrival,” said officials in a press release.  

Bordering Portugal, Extremadura is known for its mountainous landscapes, vineyards, historic villages, great food, and low cost of living. An apartment in the Cáceres‎ starts at a few hundred euros a month. A pint? €1.75. A cappuccino? €1.50. Importantly, it also has solid fibre and mobile coverage for those busy tech workers.  

But there’s a catch — you’ll have to stay there for at least two years to qualify. Which doesn’t sound very alluring for digital nomads. Plus, Extremadura gets incredibly hot and dry in summer, and isn’t known for being very exciting. Anyway, moving on.

How much can I get paid?

Extremadura has ring-fenced €2mn for the scheme, which will cover about 200 digital nomads. People under 30 and those who move to villages with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants can apply for a subsidy of €10,000. The rest will receive €8,000. 

If you stay for two consecutive years, those in the first category who choose to stay for another year will receive a second payment of €5,000, while the others will receive €4,000. 

The grants are open to all nationalities, provided they have the right to live and work in Spain. That’s quite simple for EU nationals. Anyone without that passport privilege has the option to apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa. 

Sign me up!

Spanish authorities told Euronews that they expect applications for the digital nomad grants to open in September, when they can be submitted through the Extremadura General Electronic Access Point.  

Applications will stay open until all the €2mn pot has been allocated to around 200 digital nomads.   

You need the following to qualify:

• A digital certificate or electronic Spanish ID card which allows for electronic identification 
• You must earn your income remotely  
• You can’t have lived in Extremadura within the last six months

Applicants will hear within three months if they have been successful.