While they were once considered contributors to the community, today many regions of Europe are trying to get rid of the "digital nomads", mainly because the Europeans claim they are guilty of raising prices and gentrification. However, there is a region in Spain that is still interested in hosting remote workers - so much so that it offers financial assistance to those who move there.
Extremadura, an autonomous community bordering Portugal, is one of the less visited regions of Spain, yet home to wild nature reserves, mountain ranges and wildlife. The autonomous community of Extremadura has a low population and is one of the least developed regions in Spain. To strengthen both the population and the economy, the authorities allocated 2 million euros to attract 200 digital nomads to the region.
In addition to receiving financial assistance of 15,000 euros, digital nomads can enjoy a low cost of living compared to many other regions in Spain. Those who wish to apply must commit to maintain a remote job and live in Extremadura for at least two years.
Foreign nationals may apply, but must be legally resident in Spain and hold a Foreign Identity Number (NIE) as shown on their EU green card or non-EU TIE card. Non-EU citizens can also apply as long as they already participate in Spain's Digital Nomad visa program. Those who do not have a digital nomad visa will have to submit this application first and get it approved by the Spanish authorities as well as get a residency document before submitting an application for the Extremadura program.