In Spain, the Extremadura region is offering up to €15,000 (RM70,000) to remote workers who move in long-term. Photo: AFP
At a time when some Spanish regions are feeling the pressure of overtourism, Extremadura is bucking the trend. Digital nomads are specifically being targeted, with the ambition of making them permanent residents.
This summer, Spain was named Europe’s must-see destination by travel magazine Travel+Leisure. And the country is certainly a hotspot for tourists, as visitors flock to its many coastal destinations, picturesque islands and buzzing cities.
But not all Spanish regions seem to enjoy the same popularity with overseas visitors. Such is the case of Extremadura, the region wedged between Portugal, Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y Leon, which is now reaching out to a particular profile of visitor to swell its ranks.
The region is well worth a visit, if only to discover the city of Trujillo and take a trip to Merida’s Roman theatre.
Now, Extremadura is reaching out to remote workers to boost its demographics, and thus stimulate its economic growth.
The Spanish region is aiming to attract the famous digital nomads by offering them up to €15,000 (RM70,000).
Of course, there are certain conditions, starting with the requirement to settle in the area for at least two years.
Indeed, the Spanish authorities hope that candidates will settle in and never want to leave.
A total budget of €2mil (RM9.3mil) has been earmarked for this initiative, with grants of up to €10,000 (RM46,678) for young people under 30 and women, and up to €8,000 (RM37,343) for men and over-30s.
If candidates extend their contract for a further year, they can expect to get a further €5,000 (RM23,343) and €4,000 (RM18,674) respectively.
Note that this campaign only concerns European citizens or travellers who have obtained a specific digital nomad visa. – AFP Relaxnews
