Digital nomads may not be welcome in many places, but in one area of Spain they are being attracted with scholarships.
Digital nomads, once considered beneficial to a community, have become unwanted in many areas ofEuropaaccused of aggravating gentrification, which so much damage has been done in European capitals like Lisbon, and displacing the local population.
But there is a region of Spain that remains willing to welcome remote workersso much so that it offers financial aid to those who move there.
Extremadura, autonomous community bordering Portugalis one of the least visited regions in Spain, but is nevertheless home to wild nature reserves, mountain ranges full of fauna and a capital full of Roman ruins.
Who is eligible for the subsidy to move to Extremadura and how to apply.
You can get paid to be a digital nomad in Extremadura, Spain. The regional government of Extremadura offers digital nomads up to €15,000 to move to the area.
The autonomous community has one of the lowest populations in Spain and it is one of the less developed regions. Extremadura has one of the Lowest GDP per capita in the country and one of the higher unemployment rates, and 17.6%, compared to the national average of 11.9 percent.
In addition to receiving financial assistance, digital nomads can enjoy a low cost of living compared to many other areas of Spain. Compared to the Spanish capital, Madrid, the Extremaduran city of Badajoz costs on average 30% less on meals away from home, public transport and public services, according to Numbeo.
According to regional authorities, Extremadura lacks transportation infrastructurebut it has fiber optic and mobile coverage above the national average.
Who can apply for Extremadura subsidies for digital nomads?
Extremadura heads to remote workers let them be highly qualified professionals in the technology industry. Must be able to work fully remotely and online “using the exclusive use of media and computer, telematic and information systems”.
Those wishing to apply must commit to maintaining a remote job and living in Extremadura for at least two years. Both residents of other regions of Spain and those who live abroad are eligible, as long as they have not lived in Extremadura in the previous six months.
Los foreigners can applybut They must legally reside in Spain and be in possession of a foreigner’s identity number (NIE) as shown on your EU green certificate or non-EU TIE card.
Non-EU nationals can also apply as long as they are already participating in Spain’s digital nomad visa program.
Those who are not in possession of a visa for digital nomads They must apply first and have it approved by the Spanish authorities, as well as obtain a residency document before applying for the Extremadura program.
How much money will digital nomads receive?
Women, young people under 30 years of age and those who move to Extremadura towns with less than 5,000 inhabitants can qualify for a subsidy of 10.000€. The rest will receive 8.000€.
After two years, those in the first category who choose to stay one more year will receive a second payment of €5,000while the others will receive 4.000€When can digital nomads apply for the Extremadura subsidy?
The opening date for applications has not yet been confirmed, but authorities say it will be the day after the plan is published in the Official Gazette of Extremadura.
ADVERTISINGOfficials say applications will remain open until all funds have been allocated to cover about 200 digital nomads, which will be no less than a month but no more than a year.
How can digital nomads apply for the Extremadura subsidy?
Applications must be submitted electronically through the General Electronic Access Point of Extremadura. Applicants must be in possession of a digital certificate or electronic DNI that allows electronic identification.
You must submit the application together with an official document issued by the country of origin or another autonomous community of Spain that certifies the current place of residence as well as a certificate from the employer that authorizes you to work in Extremadura or remotely in Spain or, if If you are self-employed, a document that details the conditions under which you will carry out your professional activity remotely.
Also for trips within Spain
If the interested worker moves from another autonomous community in Spain, he or she will need an original report from the General Treasury of Social Security that proves that he or she is up to date with Social Security payments, tax payments and a certificate of not having debts with the Extremaduran Hacienda.
ADVERTISINGDocuments that are not in Spanish must be accompanied by a sworn translation legalized by a professional. Applicants will receive a response within three months if they have been admitted.
Those selected must register in a municipality of Extremadura to obtain a registry certificate (a local registry for people who reside in a Madrid City Council) within three months. After this period, you have one month to request payment of the subsidy, which will be made in a single procedure.
