Get Paid €15,000 to Move to Spain

Alright, let’s get into it. If you’re thinking of moving to Spain as a digital nomad and soaking up all the sun and sangria, you might be worried about places like Barcelona, where locals are armed with water pistols, ready to take out their frustrations on tourists. But don’t stress, because other parts of Spain are rolling out the red carpet for remote workers—and they’re even handing out cash.

Enter Extremadura: a lesser-known gem bordering Portugal. Recently, the local government announced they’re offering up to €15,000 to digital nomads who want to relocate to this rural, picturesque region. Yep, you read that right—money to move. They’ve set aside €2 million for this program, so roughly 200 lucky digital nomads can snag a slice of the pie.

Now, if you haven’t heard of Extremadura, let me paint you a picture: think mountains, vineyards, historic villages, and some of the best food you’ll find in Spain—all for a fraction of the cost of living in the major cities. To give you an idea, apartments in the region’s city of Cáceres start at just a few hundred euros a month, a pint will set you back €1.75, and a cappuccino? Just €1.50. For Aussies used to paying $6+ for a coffee, this sounds like a dream, right?

But there’s a catch (there’s always a catch). To qualify for the cash, you’ll have to stay in Extremadura for at least two years. Not a bad deal if you’re looking to settle down for a while, but not exactly ideal if you’re a nomad who likes to move around. Also, Extremadura isn’t known for being the most exciting place in Spain, and it gets incredibly hot in summer. But if you can handle a few scorching months and a bit of rural peace, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Who Can Apply and What’s the Deal?

The grants are open to all nationalities, provided you have the legal right to live and work in Spain. That’s simple enough for EU nationals. But if you’re an Aussie like me, you’ll want to look into Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa. It’s basically your ticket to living and working remotely in Spain for up to five years.

So, what’s the money situation?

• If you’re under 30 or a woman, you can score €10,000 for staying at least two years, with an additional €5,000 if you stick around for a third year.

• If you’re a bloke over 30, the payout is €8,000 for two years and €4,000 if you extend for another year.

You can read more about visa options in spain here.

How to Apply

Applications open in September and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the pot of €2 million runs out, that’s it. To apply, you’ll need a digital certificate or electronic Spanish ID card—this is super important because everything is done online through Extremadura’s General Electronic Access Point.

But there’s a couple of extra things to know:

• You have to earn your income remotely.

• You can’t have lived in Extremadura in the last six months.

• You’ll get a decision on your application within three months.

Why Bother Moving to Extremadura?

Now, you might be wondering, “Why would I move to the middle of nowhere in Spain?” Well, for one, cost of living. Compared to Madrid, life in Extremadura is about 30% cheaper. And if you’re looking for a quiet spot to focus on your work, this rural paradise might be just the escape you’re looking for.

And honestly, the lifestyle in Spain is hard to beat. Extremadura offers a high quality of life, with beautiful natural surroundings, amazing food (seriously, the gastronomy here is next level), and strong fibre and mobile coverage—a must for us remote workers. Plus, with the money you’ll save on rent and daily expenses, you’ll be able to travel to other parts of Europe easily.

Is It Worth It?

I know what you’re thinking—this sounds almost too good to be true. So is it worth the hassle?

Absolutely, but only if you’re ready to commit to a quieter lifestyle and don’t mind the heat. If you’re the type of digital nomad who wants to be in the thick of things, this might not be for you. But if you’re after a peaceful environment where you can work, live comfortably, and save money, Extremadura could be a dream come true.

And hey, if you’re like us and are already in the process of making the move, but you don't know where exactly you want to move to... maybe it's a good idea to consider the place where you'd get paid to move to spain. This could be the perfect opportunity to settle in, avoid the tourist crowds, and experience a more authentic side of Spain.

So, get your digital certificate ready, look into that Digital Nomad Visa, and start dreaming about Spanish sunsets, cheap coffee, and the kind of work-life balance that feels just a little bit more achievable with €15,000 in your pocket.

Adios!

Jasmine & Andrew