Don’t you think it’s awesome being paid to move somewhere new? Many places around the world do offer money, housing, or tax breaks to attract new residents.
Whether it’s a small island needing people or a town hoping for young families, these places want you—and they’re willing to help you settle in.
1. Italy
In Italy, you can get paid to move to some picturesque but quiet places. For example, in the region of Calabria, people under 40 can get around $33,000 (€28,000) if they move to one of nine small villages with fewer than 2,000 people.
You’ll need to move within 90 days and either start a local business or fill a job that’s in demand. (ref)
Meanwhile, in a town called Presicce-Acquarica, families can get about $32,400 (€30,000) if they buy a home and make it their primary residence. (ref) It’s a unique way to experience life in Italy while supporting its rural communities.
2. Switzerland
Switzerland is offering a generous package to new residents in certain areas. Adults under 45 receive $28,600 (25,000 Swiss francs) each, plus $11,450 (10,000 francs) for each child they bring. This adds up to $80,200 (70,000 francs) for a family of four.
To get the money, you must use it toward buying, building, or renovating a property worth at least $229,200 (200,000 francs). New residents must also commit to staying in Albinen for at least 10 years; otherwise, you’ll have to return the money. (ref)
This is a great choice if you’re looking to settle down long-term in one of the world’s most scenic and stable countries.
3. Japan
Japan is eager to bring people to its rural areas through the Regional Revitalization Program. If you’re interested in relocating, you could receive up to $30,800 (¥4,800,000) in funding and support. (ref)
This is to help increase the population in areas that are facing a decline, so if you’re ready to live in a quieter, less crowded part of Japan, this could be an excellent opportunity.
4. Ireland
Ireland has a special program through Enterprise Ireland that’s perfect for entrepreneurs. If you have a promising startup, you can apply for funding to launch your business here.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive financial support and tax breaks to help you settle in and start your business. (ref) Ireland is known for its business-friendly environment, so this could be an ideal place to grow your startup.
5. Canada
In Saskatchewan, there’s the Graduate Retention Program, which offers up to $14,400 (CAD 20,000) in tax returns over 10 years. (ref) This program is designed to keep college graduates in the province.
If you live there, pay taxes, and file your returns, you can get a substantial refund over time, making it a great option if you’re looking to settle in Canada after graduation.
6. Chile
Chile is working hard to become a tech-friendly country, and its program Startup Chile is part of that effort. If you’re an entrepreneur, you could join their “Build” program, which lasts four months and is designed for startup founders.
You’ll get around $15,000 (15 million Chilean pesos) equity-free fund, a shared office space, and a one-year visa to make your move easier. (ref) This is a great opportunity if you’re interested in launching a new project in a supportive, innovative environment.
7. Mauritius
Mauritius is offering about $440 (20,000 Mauritian Rupees) to new startup businesses willing to move to the island. (ref)
If you have a great business idea, you can apply to have your idea reviewed by a committee. If it’s approved, you’ll get this financial incentive, which can help get your business off the ground in a beautiful, tropical location.
8. Croatia
If you move to the town of Legrad near the Hungarian border, you could buy a home for as little as about 13 cents (1 kuna).
However, there are some requirements: you need to be under 45 years old, married or in a partnership, have a clean criminal record, and not already own property. (ref) This is ideal if you’re looking for a very affordable home in a quiet, rural setting in Croatia.
9. Greece
Greece is offering families around $21,600 (€20,000) and a free house to move to the remote island of Antikythera. This program is aimed at revitalizing the island’s dwindling population, currently around 20 residents. (ref)
The selected families receive ongoing support to help them settle on the island. The goal is to keep this beautiful island lively and thriving, so if you’re interested in a quiet, community-focused lifestyle by the sea, this could be for you.
10. Spain
Extremadura, a scenic region in western Spain, is offering grants up to about $16,200 (€15,000) to attract new residents, particularly to its rural areas facing population decline. Through the “Live in Ambroz” program, digital nomads, remote workers, and others willing to settle in the Ambroz Valley can apply.
Qualified applicants receive $10,800) (€10,000) for women and young people under 30 moving to small towns, or $8,600 (€8,000) initially and another $4,300 (€4,000) after two years for other applicants. (ref)
Each of these countries is offering something special to attract new residents, so if any of these sound interesting to you, it might be worth exploring further!
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.