Digital nomads wanted: Countries offering free stays and how to apply
Where digital nomads are offered the best conditions (photo: Getty Images)
Digital nomads are no longer an exotic phenomenon. They work remotely, travel the world, and choose countries that offer the most favorable conditions for living and working. Competition among governments for such people is growing: some issue digital nomad visas, while others go even further, offering free housing or generous relocation bonuses. Where nomads are invited to stay at the government's expense, and what it takes to qualify.
Who digital nomads are
Digital nomads are people who work remotely using the internet and modern technology while leading a mobile lifestyle. They may be programmers, designers, marketers, journalists, or consultants working from different parts of the world.
Unlike traditional remote workers who stay in one place, digital nomads prefer constant traveling or longer stays in various cities. The main advantage of this lifestyle is freedom, allowing you to work from a beach in Portugal, a café in Tbilisi, or a coworking space in Barcelona.
Countries that offer special visas and benefits for digital nomads usually provide access to modern infrastructure, simple residency rules, and a lower cost of living compared to major European or American cities.
Some go even further, inviting remote workers to move to small, underpopulated towns by offering free or heavily subsidized housing, vouchers, or grants.
Countries offering free housing for nomads
Italy: Programs in small towns
Several Italian regions not only sell homes for €1 but also provide completely free housing for those willing to work remotely, live in a small town, and contribute to the local economy. Conditions vary from several months in an apartment to a full year with an option to stay longer.
Portugal: Initiatives for freelancers on the islands
Madeira launched the Digital Nomad Village program, offering free coworking spaces, housing support (often at a discounted rate or with partial reimbursement), and, in some cases, short-term free accommodation for participants.
Spain: Revitalizing declining regions
Some municipalities offer remote workers rent-free housing in vacant properties. The main requirement is to work online and stay for at least six months.
Greece: Housing support for those who work from the sea
On several Greek islands, local authorities collaborate with rental companies to subsidize part of the housing costs for digital nomads, and, in some cases, they even offer short-term free accommodation.
Some countries offer surprisingly generous conditions for long-term stays (photo: Freepik)
Checklist for applicants
To qualify for free housing or bonuses, you typically need to:
- have verified remote income (contracts, freelance, or business)
- prove financial stability (bank statement or tax documents)
- Fill out an application on official regional or municipal websites
- have health insurance for the entire stay
- agree to the program's conditions (from several months to a year)
Why governments do this
Free housing isn't charity. It's a way to revive small towns and villages struggling to attract young residents. Digital nomads spend money locally, create demand for services, and bring new ideas.
For local authorities, the benefits are clear: abandoned houses become homes, empty cafés reopen, and new residents pay taxes and promote the region.
Most interesting programs available to Ukrainians
Extremadura: Live in Ambroz (Spain)
The Extremadura region offers REMOTE-type grants for remote workers willing to relocate to the Ambroz Valley. Benefits include payments of up to €15,000 (around $16,000-17,000) covering:
- at least two years of residence
- housing and workspace setup
- relocation expenses
Applicants must obtain a legal residence permit (such as a digital nomad visa in Spain) and commit to living in the region for at least two years.
Ollolai (Sardinia, Italy): temporary free housing
Small towns in Italy, including some communities in Sardinia, are launching initiatives that offer temporary free housing or very low-cost accommodations for people willing to relocate and help boost the local economy, such as renovating houses or participating in community projects.
In the case of Ollolai and other villages, there are programs with multiple levels of support, including temporary free housing for certain categories of digital nomads. This information is often updated locally, so it’s important to check municipal announcements regularly..
For Ukrainians, these opportunities are often local and limited (just a few units available), so quick action and a willingness to engage with the community are required.
Arctic Digital Nomads Grant: Iceland / Faroe Islands / remote settlements
Several Arctic villages and initiatives—for example, Thingeyri in Iceland and Vágur in the Faroe Islands—offer temporary free housing and workspaces for remote workers through grant programs, aiming to support local communities during the off-season and promote the region.
These programs typically cover both housing and workspace for periods ranging from a few weeks to several months.
What to keep in mind: these are mostly experimental, short-term (seasonal) projects with basic infrastructure, but they offer a truly unique experience.
City and regional grants in the US: Tulsa Remote example
Some US cities offer financial grants and relocation packages to attract remote professionals. The best-known example is Tulsa Remote, which provides:
- around $10,000 in cash
- housing assistance
- access to coworking spaces and community networking
It’s not exactly free housing, but the grant covers a significant portion of relocation and living costs. Similar programs exist in other US cities as well as in some European municipalities. A tip: in the US, these programs often require you to live in the city for a certain period.
You can live and work abroad for a while and enjoy the local flavor (photo: Getty Images)
Small towns and villages in Europe: Relocation payments and free coworking
Across Europe (in Italy, Spain, Ireland, and Romania), several rural communities offer incentive packages that may include:
- free or discounted rent for the first months
- one-time payments for housing setup
- free coworking spaces
- tax benefits
These are often local initiatives with a limited number of spots, and information is usually shared through municipal websites or tourist offices.
Digital nomads don't necessarily have to cover all expenses themselves—it's worth keeping an eye on European programs, as Europe currently offers the most opportunities for free or subsidized housing.
Sources: Moving To Spain, Digital Nomad World, Tulsa Remote, Expatsi, Wander Onwards, Work From Ollolai.
