Have you ever imagined starting over in a new country that actually pay you to relocate there? It might sound too good to be true, but it’s real. Many countries across the world are offering financial rewards and benefits to attract people to less populated regions or areas facing labor shortages.
This 12 Countries Pay you to Relocate
Here are 12 countries offering exciting relocation incentives, along with what they require and why they’re doing it to pay you to relocate:
1. Italy
- Programs: One-euro homes, regional financial support
- Incentives: Up to €30,000 in areas like Molise, Sardinia, and Calabria if you start a business
- Requirements: Live in the region for around 3 years, invest in property or business, and in some cases, be under 40
- Why: To revive small villages and bring life back to rural areas
2. Spain
- Program: Offers from rural towns
- Incentives: Griegos in Teruel province offers €3,000 and reduced rent for families
- Requirements: Must move immediately, have children in school, and work in fields like tourism, teaching, or farming
- Why: To stop depopulation in shrinking villages
3. Ireland
- Program: “Our Living Islands”
- Incentive: Up to €84,000 for moving to remote islands and renovating older homes
- Requirements: Commit to living there for a certain number of years and restore a property
- Why: Preserve island traditions and bring in new residents
4. Greece
- Offer: Small islands welcoming young families
- Incentives: Free accommodation, monthly payments (around €500), and help to start a business
- Example: Antikythera island
- Requirements: Must be willing to live in isolated locations
- Why: Encourage settlement and growth in tiny island communities
5. Japan
- Program: Akiya (abandoned homes) initiative
- Incentives: Grants up to ¥3 million (approx. ₹17 lakhs) to buy and renovate homes in the countryside
- Requirements: Long-term stay, starting a local job or business
- Highlight: Some homes are offered for free
- Why: To counter an aging population and declining rural towns
6. Canada
- Program: Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
- Incentives: Easier immigration process, tax perks, and community support in towns like Sudbury or Moose Jaw
- Requirements: Job offer in the region and English/French proficiency
- Why: Fill job shortages and grow remote communities
7. Germany
- Offers: Certain cities provide relocation support
- Example: Leipzig and other eastern areas give monthly allowances and low-cost housing
- Requirements: Must be studying or working locally
- Why: To balance population and support economic development in underpopulated regions
8. Switzerland
- Incentive: Alpine village benefits
- Example: Albinen in Valais offers up to CHF 25,000 per adult and CHF 10,000 per child
- Requirements: Be under 45, invest at least CHF 200,000 in a property, and stay at least 10 years
- Why: Strengthen small village populations and preserve local communities
9. United States
- Programs: Vermont, Tulsa (Oklahoma), and others
- Incentives: Up to $10,000 for remote workers to relocate
- Requirements: Proof of remote work, moving to the area, and staying a minimum period
- Why: Attract digital workers and boost state economies
10. Chile
- Program: “Start-Up Chile”
- Incentive: Up to $40,000 in startup funding for entrepreneurs
- Requirements: Innovative business idea, project based in Chile, and involvement in the local startup scene
- Why: Position Chile as a tech and innovation hub in South America
11. Portugal
- Program: “Trabalhar no Interior” (Work in the Interior)
- Incentives: Up to €4,827 per family, plus extra for additional members, and business support
- Requirements: Live in low-population towns and make it your main residence
- Why: Decentralize growth and revitalize rural communities
12. Mauritius
- Target: Digital nomads and retirees
- Incentives: Free long-term visa and help setting up businesses, especially in IT
- Benefits: Low living costs, beautiful weather, and tax advantages
- Requirements: Proof of income or a viable business plan
- Why: Expand the economy and attract long-term visitors
Pay you to Relocate is a Good Idea?
Relocating to a new country for financial rewards sounds exciting and in many cases, it’s a smart opportunity. But before making the leap, you should:
- Research the visa, legal, and housing requirements
- Understand the cost of living in your chosen country
- Check if you meet the language and job criteria
- Make sure the lifestyle fits your preferences
Many of these programs are part of long-term plans to bring new life to underpopulated areas. If you’re looking for a fresh start and a meaningful experience with added financial support these 12 countries that pay you to relocate could be your ticket to a new beginning.
