The conventional wisdom says you need to choose between making money and living in paradise. But what if that’s no longer true?
What if you could get paid to move your digital business to a European valley dotted with thermal pools and medieval villages?
That’s exactly what’s happening in Spain’s Ambroz Valley, where the regional government is offering people who can work from anywhere up to €15,000 (approximately $16,620) to relocate. I love Spain, so as a location-independent business owner, I can tell you this opportunity stands out – and not just for the financial incentive.
Why Ambroz Valley Could Be Your Next Business Base
Just under three hours from Madrid, Ambroz Valley reads like a wishlist for digital entrepreneurs seeking the perfect work-life blend.
The region boasts eight historic towns, each with its own character, from Hervás with its fascinating Jewish quarter to the thermal spa town of Baños de Montemayor, where you can take breaks between client calls to soak in pools used since Roman times.
The truth is, this isn’t just another digital nomad program. As Dr. Prithwiraj Choudhury, an associate professor at Harvard Business School, tells Condé Nast Traveler:
Digital nomads can create value for their host communities through consumption, community volunteering, entrepreneurship, connections, and mentoring, however, this requires an active process of making connections between digital nomads and locals.
That’s exactly what makes this opportunity different. The program aims to build lasting relationships between newcomers and locals, not just fill empty apartments.
Plus, there’s something powerful about working from a place that’s been recognized for excellence. The valley earned a prestigious EDEN (European Destination of Excellence) Award in 2019 for its sustainable tourism practices, proving it’s not just beautiful – it’s built to last.
The Strategic Advantage of Making the Move
Here’s something most people miss about location independence: it’s not just about where you live – it’s about positioning yourself for the future.
Spain is projected to become the world’s most visited destination by 2040, according to Condé Nast Traveler‘s Kat Chen. Getting established now, before the rush, could present all sorts of opportunities only those on the ground will see.
The program offers substantial financial support based on demographics. Women under 30 moving to towns with fewer than 5,000 residents receive €10,000 upfront, with an additional €5,000 available after two years. Other eligible participants get €8,000 initially, with €4,000 more available later.
But let’s face it, this isn’t just about the money. It’s about creating a lifestyle that supports both your business and your well-being.
Imagine wrapping up your workday with a hike along the Silver Greenway, trails once used by Celts in the Bronze Age, or participating in the annual Magical Autumn Festival that celebrates the valley’s incredible biodiversity.
Making It Happen: The Practical Path Forward
To qualify for the program, you’ll need to meet three key criteria:
- No prior residence in Extremadura in the past six months
- Legal residency in Spain with a foreign identity number (Americans and other non-EU nationals need Spain’s digital nomad visa first)
- Remote work or business through digital means
The application process began in mid-September 2024, requiring submission through Extremadura’s General Electronic Access Point. You’ll need your digital certificate of residency or electronic Spanish ID, proof of current residency, employer approval for remote work (or detailed documentation of your business or self-employment), and certified translations for non-Spanish documents.
The reality of modern work is that we’re no longer bound by traditional locations or retirement timelines. As I’ve discovered over nearly two decades of location-independent entrepreneurship, the key is finding places that not only welcome digital professionals but actively invest in their success.
Patricia Palacios, co-founder of España Guide, captures the potential perfectly when she tells Traveler:
“If successful, they could literally change the country, its economy, and its love-hate relationship with tourism.” For entrepreneurs looking to write their next chapter, Ambroz Valley isn’t just offering money – it’s offering opportunity.
Running your own business is much more satisfying than a retirement spent lacking purpose and worrying about running out of money. Doing it from the transcendent Spanish countryside is even better.
