Spanish Citizenship: Get €15,000 to Live in Spain

Spain has launched an innovative program offering up to €15,000 in incentives for those who move to rural villages in the Extremadura region. The project aims to combat depopulation and offers a unique opportunity: Spanish citizenship in just two years.

💰 Program Summary

• Incentive for women: Up to €15,000 (€10,000 initial + €5,000 after 2 years)
• Incentive for men: Up to €12,000 (€8,000 initial + €4,000 after 2 years)
• Couples: Up to €27,000 combined
• Citizenship: Eligible after 2 years of residence

What is the Ambroz Valley Program?

The program was created by the Junta de Extremadura and covers 24 districts in the Ambroz Valley, a mountainous region in western Spain. The goal is simple: to attract new residents to villages with fewer than a thousand inhabitants, revitalizing the local economy and combating population aging.

The initiative is part of a European trend of rural repopulation, similar to Italian village programs offering houses for €1 or substantial incentives for new residents.

Why is Spain Offering This Incentive?

Population Aging

Many villages have an average population over 60 and few children in schools.

Empty Houses

Abandoned properties deteriorate without maintenance, affecting the entire community.

Declining Commerce

Shops, restaurants, and services close due to a lack of customers.

Threatened Schools

Without enough children, local schools are at risk of closing.

How the Financial Incentive Works

The program has a structure differentiated by gender, prioritizing the attraction of young women to balance the villages' demographics.

📋 Requirements to Participate

• Legal residence: Have a valid visa or European citizenship
• Remote work: The program is aimed at digital nomads and remote professionals
• Official registration: Empadronamiento (residency registration) in the chosen village
• Minimum stay: 2 continuous years to receive the full amount

Participating Villages

The Ambroz Valley is located about 270 km from Madrid and 250 km from Porto, Portugal. The main participating villages offer a combination of historical charm, exuberant nature, and basic infrastructure.

Highlight: Baños de Montemayor

One of the region's best-known villages, Baños de Montemayor is famous for its natural thermal baths since Roman times. With about 800 inhabitants, it offers:

• Public thermal baths with medicinal waters
• Preserved historic center
• Hiking trails in the Sierra de Béjar
• Cultural festivals throughout the year
• Fiber optic internet available

Highlight: Hervás

The main urban center of the valley, Hervás is known for its medieval Jewish quarter, one of the best-preserved in Spain. With approximately 4,000 inhabitants, it offers more services and commerce.

Cost of Living in the Ambroz Valley

One of the program's biggest advantages is the extremely low cost of living compared to major Spanish and European cities.

💡 Real Savings

With rent at €350/month + basic expenses of €200, it is possible to live on less than €800 monthly. The initial €10,000 incentive covers more than a year of fixed costs!

Spanish Citizenship in 2 Years

Spain is one of the few European countries that allows you to apply for citizenship after only 2 years of legal residence — provided the applicant is originally from an Ibero-American country, such as Brazil.

Requirements for Citizenship

Continuous Legal Residence

Maintain official residence in Spain for 2 full years, without absences exceeding 90 days per year.

DELE A2 Exam

Prove basic knowledge of Spanish through the official exam from the Instituto Cervantes.

CCSE Exam

Pass the Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain (Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturais de España) exam.

Criminal Records

Present a clean criminal record certificate from Brazil and Spain.

Social Integration

Demonstrate ties to the community: work, participation in local activities, etc.

🇧🇷 Advantage for Brazilians

Citizens of Ibero-American countries (including Brazil) are entitled to the reduced 2-year period. For other nationalities, the standard period is 10 years.

Life in Spanish Villages

Living in a rural Spanish village is a completely different experience from living in big cities. Here are some curiosities and characteristics of daily life:

Slow Pace

Quiet streets, shops that close for siesta, and social life in the squares.

Local Products

Artisanal cheeses, regional wines, honey, and olive oil produced nearby.

Accessible Nature

Trails, rivers, and mountains just minutes from home.

Tight-knit Community

Neighbors who know each other, traditional festivals, and a strong sense of belonging.

Available Infrastructure

• Internet: Fiber optic available in most villages (essential for digital nomads)
• Health: Local health centers with free care through the public system
• Transport: Regional buses connect the villages to Cáceres and Salamanca
• Supermarkets: Small markets in the villages, larger supermarkets in Hervás
• Schools: Free public education for children

How to Apply for the Program

The application process involves direct contact with local authorities and the preparation of specific documentation.

Verify Your Eligibility

Confirm that you have legal residence in Spain or European citizenship. Brazilians need a valid visa.

Contact the Junta de Extremadura

Access the official website of the Junta de Extremadura or contact the region's tourism office.

Visit the Region

Before committing, visit the villages to get to know the local reality and choose where to live.

Find Housing

Look for properties to rent directly with local residents or through regional real estate agencies.

Complete the Empadronamiento

Register officially at the village town hall (Ayuntamiento) to be eligible for benefits.

⚠️ Attention: Visa Requirement

Brazilians without European citizenship need a valid visa to reside in Spain. The most common options are the Digital Nomad Visa, self-employed (autônomo) work visa, or family reunification visa.

Visas for Brazilians

To participate in the program without European citizenship, you will need one of the following visas:

💻 Digital Nomad Visa

• For remote workers with a minimum income of €2,520/month
• Valid for up to 5 years
• Allows working for foreign companies

👔 Self-Employed Visa (Autônomo)

• For entrepreneurs and independent professionals
• Requires a viable business plan
• Allows working for Spanish clients

Comparison with Other European Programs

The Ambroz Valley program is not unique. Several European countries offer similar incentives to attract new residents to rural areas.

Is It Worth It?

The decision to participate in the program depends on your profile and goals. See the pros and cons:

✅ Advantages

• Substantial financial incentive
• Very low cost of living
• Citizenship in just 2 years
• Quality of life and tranquility
• Access to the European healthcare system
• Proximity to Portugal

❌ Disadvantages

• Geographical isolation
• Limited entertainment options
• Need for a private car
• More restricted social life
• Harsh winter in the region
• Initial language barrier

Conclusion

The Ambroz Valley incentive program is a real opportunity for Brazilians seeking a life in Europe with low costs and a fast track to citizenship. With up to €15,000 in incentives, rent below €400, and the possibility of a Spanish passport in 2 years, the proposal is genuinely attractive.

However, it is essential to have realistic expectations: life in a rural Spanish village is completely different from big cities. For those who work remotely, value tranquility, and are willing to integrate into a small community, it could be the most transformative decision of their lives.

Want to Know More About Living in Spain?

If you are considering this or other options for living in Europe, contact us for personalized guidance on visas, citizenship, and planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Spanish to participate in the program?

It is not mandatory to apply, but you will need to learn Spanish for the citizenship exam (DELE A2) and to integrate into the local community.

Can I work remotely for a Brazilian company?

Yes, provided you have the appropriate visa (such as the Digital Nomad Visa) that allows remote work for foreign companies.

Is the incentive taxable?

Consult a Spanish accountant, but generally, government repopulation incentives have favorable tax treatment or exemptions.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Couples receive higher amounts, and dependents can be included in the visa process and future citizenship.

What if I give up before 2 years?

You may lose the right to the additional bonus of €5,000 (or €4,000 for men). Check the specific terms of the contract.

What is the internet quality in the villages?

Most villages in the Ambroz Valley have access to fiber optics, which is essential for the target audience of digital nomads.

Are there Brazilians living in the region?

The community is still small but growing. Facebook and WhatsApp groups connect Brazilians in Extremadura.

Can I rent via Airbnb initially?

Yes, but to receive the incentive, you will need to establish official residence (empadronamiento) at a fixed address.