16 Countries That Will Pay You To Live There

Written by Morten Lyhne Petersen

Jan.13 - 2025 11:09 AM CET

World
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com
The perfect way to start anew.

Trending Now

TRENDING NOW

Several countries are now offering financial incentives to attract new residents or entrepreneurs who can contribute to local growth.

From tax rebates and funding to affordable housing and renovation grants, the opportunities are plentiful if you're considering packing your bags and moving to a new country.

Here's a roundup of some of the most attractive offers from around the world.

Italy

OPIS Zagreb / Shutterstock.com

Several small Italian towns are offering money to attract new residents.

For example, the town of Candela in southern Italy provides approximately $870 for individuals and $2,175 for families who move there, provided they establish residency, secure a job, and invest in a home built before 1991.


In Sambuca di Sicilia, on the island of Sicily, homes are sold for as little as $1. However, buyers are required to renovate the property within three years and pay a refundable deposit of $5,900.

Spain

Stefano Politi Markovina / Shutterstock.com

The village of Ponga in Asturias offers young couples $3,256 to relocate there, with an additional $3,256 for each child born or moving with the family.

The only catch is that you must commit to living in Ponga for at least five years.

Ireland

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Through the Enterprise Ireland program, Ireland supports entrepreneurs and small businesses seeking to establish themselves in the country.

While you don't need to be an Irish citizen to apply, your business must be registered in Ireland.
Additionally, the Our Living Islands program aims to repopulate and revitalize 30 remote islands.

Applicants can qualify for grants of up to $87,600 if they purchase a home built before 1993 that has been vacant for at least two years.

Japan

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Japan's Regional Rejuvenation Program provides funding and support for those willing to relocate to rural areas.

The program includes a one-year visa and up to $10,000 in relocation grants.

Portugal

jimmonkphotography / Shutterstock.com

The Portuguese government incentivizes people to work in the country's inland regions through the Emprego Interior MAIS program, which offers grants of up to $5,220.

These grants are also available to foreign nationals.

Greece

Photo: Shutterstock.com

The Greek island of Antikythera is looking to increase its population, currently around 50 residents.

The Greek Orthodox Church offers housing and a monthly stipend of $542 for three years to families moving to the island.

Switzerland

Photo: Shutterstock.com

The Swiss town of Albinen, with only 243 residents, offers $53,000 to individuals who move there.

Applicants must be under 45, commit to living in the town for 10 years, and already hold Swiss citizenship.

United Kingdom

Photo: Shutterstock.com

The island of Sark, part of Guernsey, offers up to $20,000 in funding and a one-year visa through the Sark Society program for those willing to relocate.
Meanwhile, England, facing a significant shortage of teachers, provides $12,700 to educators who move there.

Canada

Photo: Shutterstock.com

To retain more college graduates in Saskatchewan, the province offers tax rebates worth $15,000.

To qualify, you must live in Canada for 10 years, maintain residency, pay taxes, and graduate from an approved institution.

United States

Photo: Shutterstock.com

While the U.S. may not be the easiest country to immigrate to, several cities, including Topeka, Kansas, and Rochester, New York, provide financial incentives for families willing to relocate.

Croatia

Photo: Shutterstock.com

To combat a declining population, the town of Legrad in Croatia offers homes for just $0.16 and $4,000 for renovations.

Applicants must be under 40, financially stable, and hold a higher education degree while registering as residents within three years.

Chile

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Chile provides up to $80,000 in funding and a one-year work visa for startups looking to launch in this South American country.

Iceland

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Iceland's startup program offers $50,000 to individuals starting a business in the country.

The government also provides support and a one-year visa for approved applicants.

Austria

Boris-B / Shutterstock.com

The Red-White-Red Card program in Austria offers a one-year visa and financial support for workers outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.

Mauritius

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Mauritius offers approximately $440 to individuals looking to start a business on the island, provided they present a viable business plan.

While the amount may seem modest, it is often sufficient to cover startup costs on the island.

South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand

Photo: Shutterstock.com

These three countries offer similar benefits, primarily targeting European and North American citizens.

In exchange for relocating, you can work as an English teacher or teach other subjects.

The relocation process is simple and fast, allowing you to begin your new life in Asia sooner than expected!