While destinations like Barcelona or the Canary Islands take steps to discourage the arrival of foreigners and local discontent with digital nomads grows, other Spanish towns are even offering thousands of euros for remote workers to settle in their territories.
For instance, the province of Malaga has been implementing initiatives since 2019 to combat depopulation by improving road infrastructure, providing affordable housing and creating new facilities to make the destination more appealing to young couples.
Toñi Ledesma, the Vice President of the Malaga Provincial Council, is now aiming to attract a new demographic: digital nomads.
Their flagship initiative, “Metapueblos,” is designed for young entrepreneurs eager to enjoy a renewed work-life balance.
The program has seen mixed results so far, with half of the participants choosing to leave the villages after staying for just one season.
Other Towns Offering Economic Benefits to Digital Nomads
In the relentless battle against depopulation, some governments have had to get creative, offering financial incentives to attract new residents.
This is true for several Spanish and Italian towns, which have already opened their wallets to convince digital nomads from all around the world about the benefits of swapping the cities’ ubiquitous pollution and noise for warm sunrises, fresh local food and a laid-back lifestyle.
Extremadura
Earlier this year, this community allocated €2 million to support 200 digital nomads interested in relocating to this mountainous region, which borders Portugal. Each will receive the generous sum of €15,000.
To qualify for the monetary benefits, nomads must prove they work in the tech sector and commit to living in a town with fewer than 5,000 residents for at least two years. You can find all the requirements here.
Ponga, Asturias
The government of Ponga, Asturias, is offering up to €3,000 for families who relocate there, plus an additional €3,000 per every child born in the town.
Aragón
This region isn’t offering direct cash incentives for remote workers but it is attracting them by providing grants and support to help them start new businesses in the community.
Canary Islands
While locals may not be exactly happy with the massive arrival of tourists and digital nomads, the Canary Islands are currently offering tax incentives to attract this demographic.
Rubí, Catalonia
Rubí, a small town near Barcelona, isn’t offering cash yet, but it is hosting multiple networking events to raise awareness of its potential as a destination for remote workers.
Galicia and Andalusia
Galicia and Andalusia are also investing in pilot projects to attract digital nomads and remote workers to sparsely populated areas.
Spain is also heavily investing in housing projects along the Costa del Sol. The offerings range from the “Government protected price housing” program, aimed at investors with limited budgets, to ultraluxury developments around Marbella catering to high-spenders.
Tuscany, Italy
Earlier this year, Tuscany offered up to $32,000 to EU and non-EU citizens who were willing to buy a home and relocate to a town with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants.
Although the program closed its applications on July 27, Italy is offering similar opportunities on an annual basis.
Bottom Line
There is a fundamental point that most governments seem to feign ignorance of, and it’s rooted in the very essence of digital nomadism: nomads, by nature, are always on the move.
While their need to roam is no longer driven by droughts or food shortages, it stems from a deeply human desire to explore new places, seek fresh adventures and discover new cultures.
This contrasts with the illusion that digital nomads are the ultimate solution to repopulate towns where locals no longer want to live.
For now, remote workers should take these initiatives for what they are: a unique opportunity to spend a season in a beautiful place far from the hustle and bustle of cities, connect with the always welcoming rural communities, and perhaps, earn some extra money along the way.