Population distribution is a big problem for governments. Thousands of towns across Spain are facing an ever-increasing increase in depopulation as they are forced to confront the saturation of services and the stress of housing markets in certain parts of their territory.

To overcome this inequality, regional and local governments are promoting initiatives that encourage the economic revitalization of rural areas, attracting and settling new populations in the least populated areas. What is surprising about this offer is the amounts they can offer in subsidies: up to 10,000 euros for self-employed people moving to a town in Castilla y León.

Who can benefit from this grant? The Board announced in the Official Gazette of Castilla y León the new subsidy scheme for a total amount of 200,000 euros (extendable to a maximum of 450,000 euros) to encourage the establishment of self-employed workers who transfer their activities to the economic environment. and other communities residing in Castilla y León.

Applications will be reviewed in the order of arrival and applicants must meet all requirements as stated in the call notice (without exception) in order to receive the application:

• Professionals must be continuously registered in the Special Regime for Self-Employed or Self-Employed Workers for at least the entire year before the application date.
• Have a tax residence outside Castilla y León and have an Economic Activities Tax activity for at least one uninterrupted year before the date of submission of the application.
• Not having been registered with the Community of Castilla y León within three years prior to the date of submission of the application.
• Be up to date on tax obligations with the State Administration, the Community of Castilla y León and Social Security, as well as demonstrate compliance with regulations regarding the integration or exclusion of people with disabilities from the workforce.

Subsidy amounts. The amounts are given directly, that is, by paying the total amount of the covered sections at once.

The base amount for professionals who meet all the conditions of the call is 6,000 euros for each self-employed worker.

This amount can be increased by:

• 1,000 euros if located in a municipality with a population of less than 5,000 and more than 15 km from the state capital.
• If the municipality has a population of less than 2,000 and is located more than 15 km from the state capital, this amount is doubled to 2,000 euros.
• In both previous cases, an additional 2,000 euros can be added if the beneficiary is under 35 years of age at the time of application.

Therefore, a 34-year-old self-employed person who moves from other communities to a town with a population of less than 2,000 and more than 15 km from the state capital can receive a subsidy of up to 10,000 euros.

Obligations of beneficiariesBeneficiaries of this aid must demonstrate compliance with the objective of the project (relocation and relocation of professional activity to Castilla y León).

As a self-employed worker, professional activity, tax residence and registration must be maintained for at least four years without interruption from the day the decision granting the subsidy is notified.

In addition, if there is a change in their situation that is contrary to the conditions of benefiting from support, the beneficiary must notify the Administration.

Upon receipt of the grant notification, beneficiaries must adequately publicize the public nature of the subsidized financing by displaying a poster in a visible place on the premises, in accordance with the model available at the Administration’s electronic headquarters. Community of Castilla y León

Application deadline. The deadline for applications will be extended until September 30, 2024.

Applications will be duly completed through the electronic center of the Administration of the Community of Castilla y León. The application will be accompanied by all supporting documents regarding the tax status of the company’s activity, the registration of the current tax address and the registration of the beneficiary located outside Castilla y León.

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Image | Unsplash (James Kovin)