10 Countries That Will Pay You To Move There

Taking a break from my normal AI fueled content to write about my other passion, travel!

In an increasingly globalized world, the concept of relocating to a new country has become more appealing and accessible than ever before. What’s even more enticing is that some countries are now offering financial incentives to attract new residents. Whether you’re a digital nomad, an entrepreneur, or simply seeking a change of scenery, there are numerous opportunities to start a new life abroad while potentially benefiting from relocation incentives. This article explores ten countries that are currently offering various forms of payment or benefits to individuals willing to make the move.

1. Italy

Italy, renowned for its rich history, art, and cuisine, has been facing population decline in several regions. To counter this trend, various towns and municipalities have introduced incentives to attract new residents.

Programs and Incentives:

• Santo Stefano di Sessanio offers up to €44,000 (approximately $50,000) to those willing to move and start a business (Mercury Auto Transport, 2024).
• Candela, in the Puglia region, provides up to €2,000 for new residents who rent or buy a home and secure a job with a minimum €7,500 annual income (Unimoni, 2024).
• The Italian government offers a Startup Visa program for entrepreneurs looking to establish innovative startups (Foyer Global Health, 2023).

Requirements and Benefits:

• Eligibility often includes committing to residency for a specified period.
• The EU Blue Card provides highly skilled professionals with residency and work rights in Italy and other EU countries.
• Italy offers tax benefits for new residents and expatriates relocating for work purposes.

Pros:

• Opportunity to experience Italian culture and lifestyle.
• Access to Italy’s renowned cuisine and historical sites.
• Potential for a slower pace of life in rural areas.

Cons:

• Language barrier for non-Italian speakers.
• Bureaucratic challenges in setting up residency and businesses.
• Potential economic instability in some regions.

2. Greece

Greece, with its picturesque islands and rich history, is actively seeking new residents to revitalize its rural and island communities.

Programs and Incentives:

• The island of Antikythera offers up to €500 per month for three years to new residents (Darling Escapes, 2023).
• Greece provides a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers.

Requirements and Benefits:

• Applicants for the Digital Nomad Visa must prove their employment status and have a monthly income above a certain threshold.
• Health insurance is required for visa applicants.

Pros:

• Mediterranean climate and beautiful landscapes.
• Rich cultural heritage and historical sites.
• Relaxed lifestyle and welcoming communities.

Cons:

• Potential economic instability.
• Limited job opportunities in some areas.
• Seasonal tourism may affect quality of life in popular destinations.

3. Spain

Spain is addressing population decline in rural areas by offering incentives to new residents, particularly families and entrepreneurs.

Programs and Incentives:

• Ponga, in Asturias, offers €3,000 to young families who move there, with an additional €3,000 for each child born or moved there (Move Buddha, 2024).
• The Spanish government’s Entrepreneur’s Visa program provides funding and support to entrepreneurs, offering up to $50,000 in funding and a one-year visa.

Requirements and Benefits:

• Families must commit to living in Ponga for at least 5 years to receive the incentive.
• Spain offers a non-lucrative visa for those with income from outside Spain, ideal for retirees or remote workers.

Pros:

• Rich culture and history.
• Excellent climate and diverse landscapes.
• Strong expat communities in many areas.

Cons:

• Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers.
• High unemployment rates in some regions.
• Bureaucratic challenges for setting up businesses.

4. Switzerland

Switzerland, known for its high quality of life, is addressing population decline in some rural areas through financial incentives.

Programs and Incentives:

• Albinen offers up to CHF 25,000 (approximately $28,000) per adult and CHF 10,000 (approximately $11,000) per child to new residents (Seven Seas Worldwide, 2024).

Requirements and Benefits:

• Applicants must be Swiss citizens or hold a permanent residency permit.
• New residents must commit to purchasing a house and making it their primary residence for a minimum of 10 years.

Pros:

• High standard of living and excellent healthcare.
• Beautiful natural landscapes, especially in the Alps.
• Strong economy and low unemployment rates.

Cons:

• High cost of living.
• Strict immigration policies for non-EU citizens.
• Potential cultural and language barriers (Switzerland has four national languages).

5. Japan

Japan is addressing population decline in rural areas by offering incentives to families and workers willing to relocate from urban centers.

Programs and Incentives:

• Some towns, particularly in Hokkaido, offer up to ¥1 million (around €9,000) to help cover moving costs (North American Van Lines, 2024).
• The Japanese government has a “hometown tax” program allowing residents who relocate to rural areas to receive tax breaks.

Requirements and Benefits:

• Various regions offer different incentives, often targeting specific demographics or professions.
• Some programs focus on attracting families or young professionals to revitalize aging communities.

Pros:

• Unique blend of traditional culture and modern technology.
• Excellent public transportation and infrastructure.
• Low crime rates and high standard of living.

Cons:

• Language barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
• Cultural differences may be challenging for some expatriates.
• High population density in urban areas.

6. Ireland

Ireland is implementing programs to attract new residents, particularly to its rural and coastal areas.

Programs and Incentives:

• The “Our Living Islands” program offers cash grants of up to €84,000 (US$91,039.20) for individuals willing to buy and renovate vacant homes on coastal islands (Our Family Lifestyle, 2024).
• Ireland provides a Remote Working Grant to attract remote workers and freelancers.

Requirements and Benefits:

• Applicants for island relocation must commit to living on the island and renovating the property.
• The country offers various visa options, including those for skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

Pros:

• Beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
• Strong economy with opportunities in tech and other sectors.
• English-speaking country, reducing language barriers for many.

Cons:

• High cost of living, especially in urban areas.
• Unpredictable weather.
• Housing shortages in some areas.

7. Canada (Saskatchewan)

Canada, particularly the province of Saskatchewan, is offering incentives to attract and retain skilled workers and graduates.

Programs and Incentives:

• Saskatchewan’s Graduate Retention Program offers up to CAD 20,000 (around $15,000 USD) in tax returns over 10 years (Mercury Auto Transport, 2024).

Requirements and Benefits:

• Applicants must have graduated from a post-secondary institution on the program’s approved list.
• Participants must maintain residency in Saskatchewan and file taxes there.

Pros:

• High quality of life and excellent healthcare system.
• Beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities.
• Multicultural society with a welcoming attitude towards immigrants.

Cons:

• Harsh winters in many parts of the country.
• High cost of living in major cities.
• Potential challenges in credential recognition for some professions.

8. New Zealand

New Zealand is actively seeking skilled workers and families to boost its population and economy.

Programs and Incentives:

• The town of Kaitangata offers land and housing packages for around $165,000 to attract new residents (Unimoni, 2024).
• Various regions provide relocation packages that include financial assistance, tax breaks, and visa support.

Requirements and Benefits:

• Different programs target specific skills or demographics, such as IT professionals or families.
• New Zealand offers long-term visa options for skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

Pros:

• Stunning natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle.
• High quality of life and work-life balance.
• English-speaking country, reducing language barriers for many.

Cons:

• Geographic isolation from other countries.
• High cost of living, especially in major cities.
• Potential for natural disasters like earthquakes.

9. Chile

Chile stands out for its program targeting entrepreneurs and startup founders.

Programs and Incentives:

• The “Start-Up Chile” program offers up to $80,000 in equity-free funding plus a one-year visa for entrepreneurs (Foyer Global Health, 2023).

Requirements and Benefits:

• The program has different tiers (build, ignite, and growth) catering to various stages of startups.
• Participants gain access to a growing network of investors and a thriving startup community.

Pros:

• Growing economy with opportunities for entrepreneurs.
• Diverse landscapes from deserts to mountains.
• Relatively low cost of living compared to many developed countries.

Cons:

• Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers.
• Potential for political and economic instability.
• Significant income inequality.

10. Denmark

Denmark is attracting entrepreneurs and digital nomads with various incentives and support programs.

Programs and Incentives:

• While not offering direct cash payments, Denmark provides access to excellent education, healthcare, and welfare systems for new residents.
• The country has programs supporting startup businesses and digital nomads (Darling Escapes, 2023).

Requirements and Benefits:

• Different visa options are available for entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and students.
• Denmark offers a high quality of life and work-life balance.

Pros:

• High standard of living and social welfare system.
• Excellent work-life balance and family-friendly policies.
• Strong focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness.

Cons:

• High cost of living and taxes.
• Potential cultural differences and language barrier.
• Long, dark winters can be challenging for some.

These ten countries offer a diverse range of opportunities for those looking to start a new life abroad. From financial incentives to support for entrepreneurs, each country has its unique appeal. However, it’s crucial to thoroughly research and consider all aspects of relocating, including visa requirements, cost of living, cultural differences, and long-term prospects. While the idea of being paid to move to a new country is enticing, the decision to relocate should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of personal goals, career opportunities, and lifestyle preferences.

References:

Darling Escapes. (2023). 10 Countries That Will Pay You to Move There. https://darlingescapes.com/10-countries-that-will-pay-you-to-move-there/

Foyer Global Health. (2023). Countries That Pay You to Move There. https://www.foyerglobalhealth.com/blog/countries-that-pay-you-to-move-there/Mercury Auto Transport. (2024). Countries That Will Pay You to Move There. https://mercuryautotransport.com/countries-that-will-pay-you-to-move/

Move Buddha. (2024). Countries That Will Pay You to Move There. https://www.movebuddha.com/blog/countries-will-pay-move/

North American Van Lines. (2024). Pay to Move Countries. https://www.northamerican.com/moving-resources/relocation-guides/pay-to-move-countries

Our Family Lifestyle. (2024). Countries That Will Pay You to Move There. https://ourfamilylifestyle.com/countries-that-will-pay-you-to-move-there/

Seven Seas Worldwide. (2024). Countries That Pay You to Move There. https://www.sevenseasworldwide.com/need-help/countries-that-pay-you-to-move-there/

Unimoni. (2024). Top Countries That Will Pay You to Move There in 2024. https://www.unimoni.in/blog/top-countries-that-will-pay-you-to-move-there-in-2024/