Extremadura, Spain, is Paying Remote Workers and Digital Nomads to Move There

Extremadura, Spain, is offering generous grants of up to EURO €15,000 to remote workers and digital nomads in the tech industry to move to the region for over two years. This lump sum payment aims to cover initial housing, living expenses, and other set-up costs to ensure a seamless relocation.

Want to get paid for moving to a less-crowded rural area in Spain? Do you understand this new government program’s eligibility criteria and application process? This Pacific Prime article will address your concerns and give practical suggestions to facilitate the move.

What is This Program and Why Was It Launched?

The Extremadura government has allocated EURO €2 million to entice no more than 200 remote workers and digital nomads to the region. The program, known as “Live in Ambroz”, is aimed at revitalizing Ambroz Valley’s declining population size and service quality in Cáceres Province.

Hervás, the capital of the region, has less than 4,000 residents; other municipalities have as few as approximately 180 residents. The new program is implemented to help this decline in population, service range, and quality by encouraging tech professionals to move to these less populated areas.

By doing so, digital nomads can create value for their host communities through consumption, community volunteering, entrepreneurship, connections, and mentoring. However, this can only happen if digital nomads and locals actively seek out each other.

Who is Eligible for This Program?

Eligible applicants must fit the following criteria:

• You must not have lived in Extremadura in the past six months
• You must have legal residency in Spain and have a foreign identity number; non-EU nationals need Spain’s digital nomad visa beforehand
• You must work remotely in the tech industry

These documents* must be provided:

• Digital certificate of residency or electronic Spanish ID card
• Proof of residency from your home country or current region in Spain
• Approval to work remotely in Extremadura from your employer/ terms and conditions of professional remote work for self-employed applicants

*Documents that are not in Spanish must also have a sworn legal translation certified by a professional.

Applications are expected to open in mid-September. Interested individuals can apply online through the Extremadura General Electronic Access Point once the application has started and the application will last until the 200 vacancies have been filled. Successful candidates will be notified within three months.

What Are the Benefits for the Program’s Applicants?

The 200 successful applicants of the “Live in Ambroz” program will receive grants to cover housing, living expenses, and everything necessary to expedite their relocation process. The distribution of funds is entirely based on the demographic information of the recipient.

Note: The benefits only apply to towns with populations under 5,000 residents.

Women Under 30 Years Old

Upfront: EURO €10,000 (USD $11,037)

After two years: EURO €8,000 (USD $8,830)

Other Applicants

Upfront: EURO €5,000 (USD $5,518)

After two years: EURO €3,000 (USD $3,311)

Successful applicants will have three months to register with an Ambroz Valley municipality for a padrón certificate (a local residency record). After receiving the padrón certificate, they will have one month to request a one-time payment from the first grant.

Why Extremadura, Spain?

Ambroz Valley is home to scenic mountains, thermal pools, and charming villages. It was awarded the European Destination of Excellence in 2019 for its sustainable tourism practices as a small tourist destination. The must-go places around the area are:

1. Hervás: This charming town is known for its well-preserved Jewish Quarter, with narrow streets and traditional architecture. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in the valley.
2. Granadilla: An abandoned medieval village that’s now been partially restored. It offers a unique glimpse into Spain’s past.
3. Garganta de los Infiernos Natural Reserve: A stunning natural area with crystal-clear pools, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The “Los Pilones” area is particularly famous for its naturally formed rock pools.
4. Baños de Montemayor: Known for its Roman baths and thermal springs, this town is perfect for relaxation and experiencing a bit of ancient history.
5. Abadía: Home to the Sotofermoso Palace, a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture.
6. Caparra: An ancient Roman city with well-preserved ruins, including a unique four-arched monument.
7. La Garganta: A small village known for its beautiful landscapes and traditional architecture.

Apart from having an opportunity to experience a serene lifestyle, remote workers and digital nomads can also enjoy a 30% lower cost of living in terms of meals out, public transport, and utilities, compared to the Spanish capital, Madrid.

What’s more, Extremadura has above-national average fiber optic and mobile coverage, so you can surely rely on your media and IT systems to do your daily tasks.

Health Tips for Expat Remote Workers and Digital Nomads in Extremadura

Before you headstart your journey, it is important to be aware of the health risks associated with the area that you are relocating. This is to ensure that your physical and mental well-being are taken care of.

• Insect repellent: The valley has many natural areas, so use repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects, especially during warmer months.
• Food safety: While tap water is generally safe. But if you have a sensitive stomach, stick to bottled water. Be cautious with unpasteurized dairy products and unwashed fruits or vegetables.
• Allergy awareness: If you have allergies, be prepared, as the valley has diverse flora. Spring can be particularly challenging for pollen allergies.
• Healthcare access: Familiarize yourself with local healthcare facilities. The nearest major hospital is in Plasencia, about a 30-40-minute drive from most parts of the valley.

Given that accessing healthcare could be a challenge when living in a rural area, consider securing international private health insurance. Benefits such as medical repatriation and telehealth services can come in handy, granting you timely access to quality care in case of emergencies.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Pacific Prime can help you find the best health insurance for your needs and requirements while living abroad, and support you throughout your journey so you can focus on what matters to you the most.

Contact us today to get started!

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Eric Chung

Content Creator at Pacific Prime

Eric is an experienced content writer specializing in writing creative copies of marketing materials including social media posts, advertisements, landing pages, and video scripts.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.

Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.

Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.

Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.

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