These Depopulating Spanish And Italian Villages Are Looking For Digital Nomads

While some popular digital nomad hotspots like Barcelona and the Canary Islands discourage remote workers and foreigners from settling, others welcome them with open arms.

One such example is the Pueblos Blancos in Andalucia. The province of Malaga has been implementing various initiatives since 2019 to make them more appealing to young professionals.

Toñi Ledesma, the Vice President of the Malaga Provincial Council, has a clear goal: to attract digital nomads by offering improved infrastructure, affordable accommodation, more job opportunities, and a better work-life balance compared to big cities.

One of the trial programs is called ’Metapueblos’. It encourages young entrepreneurs to start a new life in a small village and carefully tracks what factors influence their decision to stay or leave. So far, the program has seen moderate success, with 50% of participants choosing to remain in rural settings.

What other destinations offer benefits to digital nomads?

Pueblos Blancos aren‘t the only ones seeking new inhabitants. To prevent becoming completely unpopulated, many Spanish and Italian towns and villages provide financial incentives to digital nomads, alongside beautiful weather, fresh organic food, and a relaxed atmosphere. Let’s look at some of them. 

Extremadura

Bordering Andalucia from one side and Portugal from another, this untamed Spanish region has allocated €2 million to bring digital nomads working in the tech industry.

Each participant will receive a one-time benefit of €15,000. In return, they must commit to living in a town with a population of fewer than 5,000 for at least two years.

Andalucia

In fact, the whole of Andalucia has launched a campaign specifically aimed at attracting digital nomads through low-tax measures and enhanced transportation links with major European cities. 

Moreover, Málaga has been ranked as the third digital nomad capital in the world. It offers a stunning climate, affordable high-end houses, and a great work-life balance. So why not make Costa del Sol your new home?

Ponga, Asturias

If you’re looking to relocate to a tranquil, picturesque countryside, Ponga in northern Spain might be the perfect destination. And it will pay you €2,970 to do so.

It boasts 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, making it ideal for lovers of pleasant weather and outdoor activities. Additionally, this initiative is particularly advantageous for families, as it rewards each family member for relocating, including babies.

Aragón

Aragón doesn’t have any cash incentives for remote workers. However, it offers various programs aimed at supporting startups and entrepreneurship. To get to know more, we recommend you reach out directly to the Aragonese Government.

Rubí, Catalonia 

This small town just outside of Barcelona does not currently provide any financial bonuses for remote workers either. Lucky for us, it hosts various networking events and courses aimed at startups and entrepreneurs. Check out the regularly updated schedule on the official Rubí government website.

Canary Islands

While the Canary Islands may not be as welcoming to expats as other destinations, the local government is actively working to shift that mindset. They have lowered the corporate tax for tech companies from 25% to 15%, making the islands an attractive base for entrepreneurs looking to enjoy the year-round sunny climate.

Alicante, Valencia

Alicante is a vibrant port city in the southernmost part of Valencia. Not only does it embody the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, but it also recognizes that digital nomads thrive in environments that emphasize development and innovation. 

And so, it introduced Alicante Futura – a project that features a range of programs and activities to attract remote professionals, from networking events and fairs to bootcamps and hackathons.

Tuscany, Italy

Who wouldn’t want to live in idyllic Tuscany, especially when it offers up to €30,000 for purchasing a new home in one of its villages?

Applications closed on July 27. However, we can surely look forward to a similar initiative next year. Stay tuned!

Bottom line

While it’s widely known that digital nomads are constantly on the move, it doesn’t mean they couldn’t settle down for a year or two. 

Whether this will solve the problem of depopulation in rural parts of Spain and Italy remains to be seen. For now, it’s a great opportunity to connect with local communities and perhaps earn some extra money along the way.