Have you ever dreamed of starting a new life in another country? What if the local government offered financial incentives to attract new residents? Yes, it’s real!
Several countries around the world are implementing programs that pay — or offer generous benefits — to foreigners willing to settle in less populated areas or regions facing labor shortages.
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Below, discover 12 countries that pay you to move there, including program details, requirements, and opportunities.
1. Italy
Popular programs: One-euro homes, regional subsidies.
Highlight: Regions like Molise, Sardinia, and Calabria offer up to €30,000 for those who move there and start a business.
Requirements: Live in the region for a minimum time (usually 3 years), invest in local commerce or real estate, and be under 40 in some cases.
Reason: Reverse depopulation of historic villages and revitalize rural economies.
2. Spain
Programs in rural villages.
Example: Griegos, in the province of Teruel, offers up to €3,000 and subsidized rent for families.
Requirements: Immediate relocation, school-aged children, and willingness to work in sectors like tourism, education, or agriculture.
Reason: Populations in many villages have drastically declined, and incentives aim to reverse rural exodus.
3. Ireland
“Our Living Islands” program
Incentive: Up to €84,000 for those moving to remote Irish coastal islands and restoring old homes.
Requirements: Commitment to live on the island for a set time and renovate the purchased property.
Reason: Preserve island culture and attract new residents to isolated areas.
4. Greece
Greek islands offering aid to young families.
Incentive: Free housing, a monthly stipend (around €500), and support to open small businesses.
Example: Antikythera, a small island between Crete and the Peloponnese.
Requirements: Willingness to live in highly remote locations.
Reason: Repopulate and enhance island economies.
5. Japan
Rural revitalization program (akiya).
Incentive: Subsidies up to ¥3 million (about R$100,000) for young families to move to villages and purchase abandoned homes.
Requirements: Commitment to stay, local employment, or business creation.
Highlight: Many towns offer free or nearly free homes.
Reason: Combat aging population and urban migration.
6. Canada
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
Incentive: Government support, easier visas, and tax benefits for immigrants moving to designated communities like Sudbury (Ontario) or Moose Jaw (Saskatchewan).
Requirements: Local job offers and English or French proficiency.
Reason: Fill job gaps and boost economic growth in remote regions.
7. Germany
Cities offering subsidies for new residents.
Example: Leipzig and other eastern cities may provide support for students and professionals living outside major urban centers.
Incentive: Monthly subsidies, transportation discounts, and affordable housing.
Requirements: Local study or employment.
Reason: Revitalize areas affected by internal migration and uneven industrial development.
8. Switzerland
Incentives in Alpine villages.
Example: Albinen, in the Valais region, offers up to CHF 25,000 per adult (and CHF 10,000 per child) to families that relocate there.
Requirements: Be under 45 and build or buy a property worth at least CHF 200,000.
Commitment: Minimum 10-year stay.
Reason: Repopulate the village and preserve the local community.
9. United States
State programs like Vermont and Tulsa (Oklahoma)
Incentive: Up to US$10,000 for remote workers who move to specific areas.
Requirements: Proof of remote employment or freelancer registration, relocation to the state, and minimum residency period.
Reason: Attract digital talent and strengthen local economies.
10. Chile
“Start-Up Chile” program
Incentive: Funding up to US$40,000 for entrepreneurs bringing innovative ideas to the country.
Requirements: Startup proposal, development within Chile, and commitment to the entrepreneurial community.
Highlight: The country aims to be an innovation hub in Latin America.
Reason: Boost the digital economy and entrepreneurship.
11. Portugal
Support for settling in interior regions
Incentive: Up to €4,827 per family + bonuses per additional member, plus help for starting businesses or digital transitions.
Requirements: Live in low-population municipalities and register the home as your main residence.
Program: “Trabalhar no Interior” (“Work in the Interior”).
Reason: Decentralize population growth and prevent rural desertification.
12. Mauritius (Mauritius Islands)
Program for digital nomads and retirees.
Incentive: Free long-term visa and support for business setup, especially in IT.
Advantages: Affordable living, tropical climate, and tax benefits.
Requirements: Proof of stable income or business proposal.
Reason: Diversify the economy and promote long-term tourism.
Is it worth moving?
These countries offer great opportunities for those seeking a life change with financial benefits. However, before packing your bags, it’s essential to:
- Research the legal requirements of each program.
- Evaluate the local cost of living.
- Check residency and language criteria.
- See if the lifestyle suits you.
The idea of getting paid to live in another country may seem like a dream, but in many cases, it’s a real and well-structured national strategy. If you’re looking for a new adventure with tangible benefits, these 12 destinations could be the beginning of a prosperous and exciting future.
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
