• “Back to Valladolid”, an initiative of Valladolid Now, is accepting applications until 20 November from individuals who have returned to the city in 2026.

• The talent return grant programme has already supported 16 people who returned to Valladolid in 2025 from other parts of Spain, France, Germany and Canada.

• The scheme has an initial budget of €50,000, with the possibility of a further €50,000 increase, and provides grants of up to €10,000 per beneficiary.

People who have returned to Valladolid in 2026 and meet the eligibility requirements may apply until 20 November for the “Back to Valladolid” grants, which help cover expenses associated with relocating and settling in the city.

The initiative forms part of Valladolid Now, the Municipal Office for Projects and Investment Attraction, promoted by Valladolid City Council through the Innovation and Economic Development Agency (IdeVa), in collaboration with CEOE Valladolid and the Valladolid Chamber of Commerce.

Its aim is to encourage professionals with ties to Valladolid who have developed part of their careers outside Castilla y León or abroad to return, facilitating both their relocation and the continuation of their professional careers in the city.

The programme has already delivered positive results: 16 people living in various parts of Spain, France, Germany and Canada received support after returning to Valladolid in 2025.

The scheme has an initial budget of €50,000, which may be increased by a further €50,000 if required. Under the first funding round, €30,432 was awarded to 16 beneficiaries.

2025 Beneficiaries

Eight women and eight men who returned to Valladolid during 2025 were awarded grants in the first resolution of the programme.

Nine beneficiaries returned from different parts of Spain outside Castilla y León, while the remaining recipients came from France, Germany and Canada.

Most beneficiaries, 15 people, returned to take up salaried employment, while one returned with the aim of launching a self-employed business project. Almost all applicants received increased funding because they were either under 35 years of age or returned with dependent children.

Up to €10,000 to Facilitate the Return

The “Back to Valladolid” grants help finance costs associated with returning to and settling in the city. They are awarded as non-repayable grants through a single payment covering up to 100% of eligible expenses, provided these can be properly justified under the programme guidelines.

Eligible expenses include moving costs, travel and transportation linked to the relocation process, certain rental expenses and Spanish language improvement courses, among others.

Grants of up to €10,000 may be awarded, depending on the level of verified expenditure. This maximum amount includes an additional €1,000 for applicants under the age of 35 and €500 for each dependent family member.

Eligibility Requirements

The programme is open to individuals who were either born in Valladolid or lived there for at least 12 months, and who have lived and worked outside the autonomous community of Castilla y León for a continuous period of at least one year before submitting their application.

Applications are assessed and ranked according to a points-based system. If demand exceeds the available budget, priority criteria include being under 35 years old, working in sectors with high labour demand, and having dependants.

Beneficiaries must establish residence in Valladolid for a minimum of two years from the date of their return, a requirement that must be demonstrated through the corresponding municipal registration certificate.

Compatible with Other Return-to-Spain Programmes

The “Back to Valladolid” grants are compatible with the regional government’s “Passport Back” (Pasaporte de Vuelta) programme, which is also designed to support the return of people from Castilla y León living elsewhere in Spain or abroad.

This compatibility allows beneficiaries to combine different support mechanisms, making it easier for professionals to return, settle and reintegrate into the labour market in Valladolid.

Attracting and Retaining Talent for the Local Economy

“Back to Valladolid” is part of Valladolid Now’s broader strategy to attract talent, investment and new business projects to the city.

Bringing professionals back to Valladolid is considered a strategic priority for strengthening the local business ecosystem, supporting economic growth and attracting population, expertise and new opportunities.

The programme complements the Valladolid Ambassadors Network, which comprises 245 professionals living in 42 countries. The network connects Valladolid-born and Valladolid-linked professionals abroad with the city, contributing to economic development, innovation and Valladolid’s international profile.