This European Destination Will Pay You $16K to Move There

16.09.2024 - 19:07 / smartertravel.com

If you can work from anywhere, why not work from the idyllic Spanish countryside—and get paid to do it? The Regional Government of Extremadura, an autonomous Spanish community, has launched an enticing initiative for digital nomads. Their new program, “Live in Ambroz,” offers remote workers up to €15,000 (approximately $16,552) to relocate to the region for at least two years.

Ambroz is a rural area of Extremadura, Spain, located approximately three hours from Madrid and 4.5 hours from Lisbon. The region, comprising eight charming towns, earned the prestigious EDEN (European Destination of Excellence) Award in 2019 for its commitment to sustainable tourism and the preservation of its rich heritage as a wellness destination. However, like many rural areas, Ambroz Valley has faced a population decline over the years, leaving some towns with fewer than 200 residents. This initiative aims to breathe new life into the region by attracting remote workers from around the world.

If you moved here, you could spend your weekdays working from home and then your weekends hiking El Pinajarro, biking Via del Plata natural path, or soaking in the thermal poos at the Baños de Montemayor Roman Spa.

“Far from the country’s big cities, Extremadura offers quality of life at a reasonable price,” boasts Extremadura’s website. “Cáceres is ranked as the second-best city in the country to live in, partly because rent is cheap…we can live in this community with up to 20% less salary than in other big cities.”

How to Apply

To be eligible for the Live in Ambroz program, applicants must be legal residents of Spain. Non-EU nationals can qualify by first obtaining Spain’s digital nomad visa. The program targets remote workers in the tech sector, specifically those working exclusively on digital media, IT systems, telematics, and information technology. In addition to the financial incentive, Extremadura will provide expats with support in finding housing, land, and anything else they might need to settle in.

The grant structure is tiered to encourage diversity and support smaller communities:

• Women, individuals under 30, and those relocating to Extremadura towns with fewer than 5,000 residents are eligible for an initial €10,000 grant.
• All other qualifying applicants receive an €8,000 initial grant.

After completing the mandatory two-year residency, participants can opt for a third year and receive an additional €5,000 or €4,000, respectively. Current Extremadura residents are not eligible for this program. The initiative aims to attract new residents to the region, with spots available for up to 200 approved applicants. To apply, visit the Extremadura General Electronic Access Point website. The application window will remain