Ever dreamt of packing your bags and starting fresh in a new country? What if I told you that some places are so eager to welcome newcomers that they’ll actually pay you to move there? Sounds too good to be true, right?
Well, buckle up, because we’re diving into the world of countries that pay you to move there.
🇮🇹 Italy – The Land of Pasta and Paychecks
Why Go?
Italy isn’t just about delicious food and stunning architecture. Some of its towns are offering cash incentives to attract new residents. For instance, the town of Candela offers up to €2,000 for families willing to relocate there. Similarly, regions like Calabria are providing grants of up to €28,000 to individuals who move to underpopulated villages and start a business.
Perks:
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Live in picturesque towns with rich history
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Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine daily
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Experience a slower, more relaxed pace of life
Getting There:
You’ll need to commit to residing in the town and, in some cases, starting a business or renovating a property.
🇨🇭 Switzerland – Alpine Beauty with a Bonus
Why Go?
The Swiss village of Albinen is offering up to CHF 25,000 (approximately $27,000) to individuals under 45 who move there and commit to staying for at least 10 years. Families can receive even more, with an additional CHF 10,000 per child.
Perks:
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Breathtaking mountain views
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High quality of life
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Peaceful, close-knit community
Getting There:
Applicants must purchase or build a home in Albinen and live there permanently.
🇯🇵 Japan – Tradition Meets Opportunity
Why Go?
Japan’s government is offering up to ¥3 million (around $27,000) to individuals who relocate to rural areas under its Regional Revitalization Program. The aim is to combat depopulation in these regions.
Perks:
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Immerse yourself in Japanese culture
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Enjoy serene countryside living
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Access to traditional Japanese architecture
Getting There:
Participants are expected to live in designated rural areas and, in some cases, work or start a business there.
🇮🇪 Ireland – Emerald Isles and Incentives
Why Go?
Ireland’s “Our Living Islands” policy offers grants of up to €84,000 (approximately $91,000) to individuals willing to move to and renovate vacant homes on its offshore islands.
Perks:
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Stunning coastal landscapes
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Vibrant local communities
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Rich cultural heritage
Getting There:
Applicants must commit to living on the island and using the grant to refurbish a property.
🇪🇸 Spain – Sun, Sangria, and Subsidies
Why Go?
The village of Ponga in northern Spain offers families €3,000 to move there, with additional incentives for each child. Similarly, the Ambroz Valley in Extremadura provides up to €15,000 to remote workers who relocate there for at least two years.
Perks:
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Warm Mediterranean climate
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Delicious cuisine
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Affordable cost of living
Getting There:
Requirements vary by program but generally include a commitment to reside in the area for a set period.
🇬🇷 Greece – Ancient History and Modern Incentives
Why Go?
The island of Antikythera offers families €500 per month for three years to move there, aiming to boost its dwindling population.
Perks:
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Crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches
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Rich historical sites
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Tight-knit community
Getting There:
Families must commit to living on the island for the duration of the incentive period.
🇨🇦 Canada – The Great White North Welcomes You
Why Go?
Saskatchewan’s Graduate Retention Program offers up to CAD 20,000 (around $15,000) in tax credits to recent graduates who live and work in the province.
Perks:
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Diverse landscapes from prairies to forests
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Friendly communities
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Strong economy with job opportunities
Getting There:
Applicants must be recent graduates from eligible post-secondary institutions and commit to living and working in Saskatchewan.
🇳🇿 New Zealand – Adventure Awaits
Why Go?
The town of Kaitangata offers affordable housing packages and incentives to attract new residents, aiming to boost its population and economy.
Perks:
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Stunning natural beauty
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Thriving outdoor adventure scene
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Welcoming community
Getting There:
Prospective residents should be prepared to integrate into the community and contribute to local life.
Moving to a new country is a significant decision, but these countries that pay you to move there are making the proposition even more enticing. Whether you’re seeking a slower pace of life, new career opportunities, or simply a change of scenery, these destinations offer both adventure and financial incentives.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of starting anew, now might be the perfect time to take the leap.
Read more – The Most Dangerous Places to Visit (Seriously, Don’t Go)
