Influencers and digital nomads have become less welcomed in many parts of the world as concerns about overtourism and issues linked to it grow – but one part of Spain is offering them grants.
In many areas of Europe, locals are becoming increasingly frustrated at the rise of tourism rentals and the increasing number of holidaymakers and digital nomads, blamed for pricing residents out of their hometowns.
However, Extremadura, a community bordering Portugal, is one of Spain’s lesser-visited regions and it is keen to host remote workers who relocate to the area.
It is home to nature reserves, mountain ranges and Roman ruins. To be eligible for the grant, certain conditions apply.
The grant is $15,000 which equates to £12,702. The community has one of the smallest populations in Spain and one of the highest rates of unemployment in the country, at 17.6 percent.
To encourage population growth and development of the area, authorities have set aside $2million (£1.52m) to provide grants to 200 remote workers.
Once there, digital nomads will enjoy a low cost of living. While the area lacks transport infrastructure, it boasts fibre optic and mobile coverage.
The authorities are aiming to offer the grant to remote workers who are highly qualified tech professionals. People considering the offer must be able to work entirely remotely and online and must commit to remaining in the region for at least two years.
Those already living in Spain are eligible to relocate to Extremadura as long as they have not lived there in the past six months.
Non-EU nationals can also apply for this grant scheme, as long as they already possess a Spain’s digital nomad visa.
An opening date for applications to be made has not yet been confirmed but it is likely to be mid-September. Applications will stay open until all 200 places have been filled.
Applicants will hear within three months if they have been successful.