10 Countries That Will Actually Pay You to Move There
Relocating usually drains savings, but a few forward-thinking nations are offering to cover the tab. Some promise housing grants, others pay monthly stipends or relocation bonuses. Their goal is simple: attract new residents, revive small communities, and keep local economies alive. Here are ten destinations where starting over could come with a financial reward instead of a bill.
Chile
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In Chile, innovators get a head start thanks to the government-backed “Start-Up Chile” accelerator. The initiative has helped thousands of entrepreneurs launch tech and sustainability ventures since 2010. Successful applicants can receive between $15,000 and $100,000 in equity-free funding, a one-year visa, and access to mentors in Santiago’s startup scene.
Ireland
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Off Ireland’s Atlantic coast, empty stone cottages are being brought back to life through the “Our Living Islands” program. The government is offering grants of up to €84,000 (around $92,000) to restore abandoned homes on remote islands. Anyone who qualifies to live in Ireland can apply, as long as the renovated property becomes their permanent residence.
Switzerland
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The village of Albinen, high in Switzerland’s Valais region, is offering cash to attract new families. Adults under 45 can receive about CHF 25,000 ($26,800) each, plus CHF 10,000 ($10,700) per child, if they buy a home worth at least CHF 200,000 and commit to living there for ten years. It’s a rare incentive in one of Europe’s most expensive countries.
Portugal
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Portugal wants people to look beyond its coastal cities. Through “Emprego Interior MAIS,” those relocating to quieter inland regions can receive about €2,633 ($2,740) and an additional relocation allowance. The program targets workers and remote employees ready to settle long-term.
Spain
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In western Spain’s Ambroz Valley, small villages are inviting remote workers to settle in with cash incentives. The program offers grants of up to €15,000 (about $16,600) to anyone who relocates and stays for at least two years. The goal is to bring new life to rural streets, like people working, spending, and turning quiet towns into thriving communities again.
Japan
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Japan is offering real incentives to draw people back to its rural towns. Families who relocate from big cities can get about ¥1 million ($6,800), with extra payments for each child. Those who start a business or take local jobs can earn up to $20,000 more. The plan aims to revive shrinking communities and give newcomers a fresh start outside the cities.
Canada
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In Saskatchewan, Canada, new graduates can earn up to CAD 20,000 (about $15,000) in income tax credits by living and working in the province for up to ten years. The Graduate Retention Program rewards commitment instead of relocation alone, aiming to keep skilled workers in local communities and strengthen the province’s long-term workforce.
Greece
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Far south in the Aegean Sea, Antikythera is Greece’s invitation to start fresh somewhere few have ventured. Families with three or more children are offered €500 (about $540) each month for three years, plus free housing and food. The deal is about reviving a tiny island where only a handful of residents remain, and giving its quiet shores a future once again.
Croatia
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In northern Croatia, the village of Legrad is offering houses for just €0.15, about 15 cents. Buyers must be under 45, have no criminal record, and agree to renovate the property. The town also provides up to $5,000 to help with repairs. It’s a straightforward effort to bring people back, and it’s already drawing new residents to once-empty streets.
United States
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Several U.S. cities are paying remote workers to relocate. Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers $10,000 and free coworking space through its Tulsa Remote program. Morgantown, West Virginia, runs a similar initiative. These places see remote work as a path to steady growth, hoping that newcomers will boost local economies without needing to rely on traditional urban centers.