Countries That Will Pay You to Move There in 2025

Switzerland: The Alpine Paradise with $27,000 for Families

Picture this: snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and a government that literally pays you to enjoy it all. Albinen is experiencing a population decline among young people, so they will pay you $25,000 to move to Switzerland.

New residents are eligible for the grant and an additional $10,000 for their children. The catch is that you've got to be under the age of 45 and maintain full-time residency for at least 10 years.

This picturesque village in the Swiss Alps isn't just offering money – it's offering a complete lifestyle transformation. The requirements are straightforward but firm.

Families who choose to relocate to Albinen can receive up to 25,000 Swiss francs (approximately $27,000) per adult and up to 10,000 francs (around $11,000) per child. However, to qualify for the program, you must be a Swiss citizen or hold a permanent residency permit.

Think of it as the government's way of saying "we'll pay you to live in paradise, but you need to stick around and become part of our community."

Italy: Where History Meets Modern Relocation Incentives

Italy's approach to attracting new residents is as diverse as its regions. Candela has the crowded streets of urban Italy without the masses of people.

It's home to about 2,700 people, and the mayor is offering between €800 (around $870) for singles and €2,000 (around $2,175) for families to move there. Candela is only two hours from Naples and one hour from the beach, so you have everything you could want close to your new small-town home.

But Italy's offerings go far beyond just one town. Earlier this year, the region of Tuscany announced a new program offering between €10,000 (about $1,100) and €30,000 (about $32,000) in renovation funds for people to move to one of 76 mountain towns and purchase a permanent home.

The charming region of Calabria also has an incentive program through which applicants can receive up to €30,000 (about $32,500) to move to one of nine villages in Calabria that have populations of fewer than 2,000 people. It's like the Italian government is saying "come for the money, stay for the pasta and breathtaking views."

Japan: $20,000 to Escape Tokyo's Hustle

Japan's countryside revitalization program is perhaps one of the most generous on the planet. Yes, the government is paying people to move, but financial support varies depending on family size.

Households receive an initial sum of ¥1,000,000 (1 million yen), with an additional 1 million yen per child under 18. Individuals moving alone may be eligible for 600,000 yen in assistance.

The program's reach is massive – approximately 1,300 municipalities—accounting for 80% of Japan's local districts—are part of this initiative. The program covers 44 of Japan's 48 prefectures, excluding Tokyo, Kanagawa, Osaka, and Okinawa.

In April 2023, the Japanese government introduced a new policy offering 1 million yen (US$6770) per child to families who move out of greater Tokyo and relocate to rural areas of Japan. This new policy comes on top of existing relocation support incentives, which provides a subsidy of 1 million yen for individuals working in local areas and an additional 2 million yen for starting a new business, totalling to a 3 million yen handout per participant.

Spain: €3,000 Plus Baby Bonuses in Ponga

Spain's rural villages are getting creative with their incentives. If you're part of a young couple that wants to have kids, you can earn €3,000 (around $3,262) just by moving to Spain and staying in a Ponga community for five years.

It's a small region of fewer than 1,000 people, with a dwindling population. You'll also receive an additional €3,000 incentive for each of your children, whether they moved with you or are born in Ponga.

The village of Ponga isn't the only Spanish option. To encourage more people to move to Ponga, the town is offering financial incentives to new residents.

The current program provides up to €3,000 (approx. 3,600 USD) in funding for families with children, and up to €2,000 for single people or couples without children. What's more, if you give birth to a child in Ponga, you'll receive an additional €3,000 incentive.

Another small city in northern Spain, Rubiá, is offering its new residents an income supplement of up to €150.

Greece: Island Living with Monthly Payments

Greece's approach to population decline is both romantic and practical. The local Greek Orthodox Church in Antikythera is willing to pay $590 per month for the first three years to families who move to the island.

The local Greek Orthodox Church in Antikythera is willing to pay $590 per month for the first three years to families who move to the island. That adds up to a total of around $21,000, which could definitely come in handy during the transition.

The island of Antikythera represents a unique opportunity. Antikythera, Greece, is a small island known for its rich history and culture.

The problem is the population has decreased significantly. Its island currently has a population of less than 50.

To help combat the ongoing decline, the Greek Orthodox Churn is offering a monthly stipend of 500 euros to anyone who will move there. Imagine having an entire Greek island practically to yourself – it's the ultimate remote work destination.

Portugal: Tech Hub with Relocation Grants

Portugal is positioning itself as Europe's tech destination. In 2020, Portugal launched a rural grant scheme called Emprego Interior MAIS (Inland Employment PLUS).

Workers moving to rural areas can apply for up to €4,827 funding. In most Portuguese villages, this would be enough to cover the annual rent on a small house, says the Financial Times.

The Portuguese approach is particularly attractive for digital nomads. Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is an archipelago known for its stunning landscapes, pleasant climate, and strong cultural heritage.

The region offers a unique opportunity for those looking for a mix of remote work, tourism, and community living, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the island. Madeira's local government actively encourages relocation to foster sustainable growth and attract foreign talent, making it an ideal location for individuals, families, and entrepreneurs alike.

With a strategic emphasis on attracting remote workers and entrepreneurs, Madeira has launched several attractive initiatives, including the Madeira Digital Nomads program and other relocation incentives aimed at increasing the island's economic activity and population.

Ireland: Enterprise Island with Startup Support

Ireland's relocation incentives focus heavily on entrepreneurship. Enterprise Ireland is a program that's attracting expats from around the globe.

If you think your startup has potential, submit an application. If approved and you move to Ireland, your business will receive thousands of Euros in funding and tax credits.

The Irish government is also targeting rural revitalization. In Ireland, the government unveiled a plan last year to attract workers to rural towns and villages as part of its Rural Future policy.

It includes relocation grants and tax incentives for workers moving to rural areas. The combination of stunning countryside, friendly locals, and government support makes Ireland an attractive package for anyone looking to start fresh.

Canada: Provincial Programs with Long-term Benefits

Canada's provincial programs offer substantial long-term incentives. Saskatchewan's Graduate Retention Program aims to keep college graduates by offering CAD 20,000 (around $15,000 USD) in tax returns.

Canada will pay you to live there for 10 years as long as you maintain residency and file taxes. The Canadian approach emphasizes skills-based immigration.

Find the Right Program: Look into countries with relocation incentives, like Canada, New Zealand, or some regions in Europe. Check official government websites and relocation guides.

For instance, Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website provides detailed information. Many provinces offer additional incentives for skilled workers, making Canada an attractive long-term option.

Croatia: Homes for Pennies in Rural Towns

Croatia's offer sounds almost too good to be true. In a move that sounds almost too good to be true, the town of Legrad in Croatia is selling homes for as little as 1 kuna (about 13 cents) to individuals willing to relocate.

But that's not all – they're also offering additional financial support for home renovations. The catch is minimal, but important.

Croatia is currently dealing with population decline in one of its rural towns- Legrad, and as a way to combat that, they are offering essentially free homes. Legrad, Croatia, is a charming, small village with a peaceful atmosphere in the countryside.

It's a place where you can experience rural Croatia's laid-back, traditional lifestyle.

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