The idea of moving abroad is becoming more attractive than ever. Better work-life balance, affordable living, career opportunities, and remote work flexibility have encouraged millions of people to consider international relocation.
However, moving overseas can be expensive. International shipping, visa fees, temporary accommodation, and setting up a new home can quickly cost thousands of dollars.
To solve population decline, labor shortages, and economic challenges, some countries and local governments have created relocation incentive programs that offer financial rewards to attract new residents.
But there is an important detail: most countries do not simply hand out money to anyone who arrives. These programs usually have specific requirements related to employment, investment, age, location, or long-term residency.
Below are seven real places offering financial incentives for newcomers in 2026.
Quick Comparison: Countries That Pay You to Relocate in 2026
| Country | Maximum Incentive | Best For | Main Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | Up to €30,000 | Families, remote workers, retirees | Move to a qualifying small town |
| Ireland | Up to €84,000 | Property renovators | Restore a vacant island home |
| Spain | Up to €15,000 | Families and remote workers | Relocate to selected rural areas |
| Switzerland | Around CHF 25,000 per adult | Young families | Move to qualifying villages |
| Greece | Up to €500 monthly support + housing | Families and workers | Relocate to selected islands |
| Japan | Up to ¥4.8 million | Families, professionals | Move from major cities to rural regions |
| Canada | Regional financial incentives | Skilled workers and entrepreneurs | Meet provincial or regional criteria |
1. Italy – Get Paid to Move to Beautiful Rural Villages
Why Italy Offers Relocation Incentives
Many small Italian villages are struggling with aging populations and declining birth rates. To bring life back into these communities, several regions have introduced grants for newcomers.
Prominent active or recurring regional schemes include:
- Trentino (Northern Italy): Offers up to €100,000 (roughly €20,000 to buy and €80,000 to renovate) to people who relocate and renovate an abandoned historic home.
- Calabria (Southern Italy): Pays up to €20,000–€28,000 over three years to individuals under 40 who move to mountain villages with fewer than 3,000 residents. You must open a local business or fill an in-demand job.
- Molise (Central Italy): Offers up to €27,000 (about €700–€900 per month for up to 3 years) to people who relocate to a village with fewer than 2,000 residents and start a small business.
- Presicce-Acquarica (Puglia): Offers up to €30,000 to buyers who purchase an empty property and register as official residents of this southern Italian town.
- Candela (Puglia): Offers smaller, immediate cash grants (e.g., €800 for singles, up to €2,000 for families) to move to the town. You must rent a home and secure a job paying at least €7,500 a year.
What You Can Receive
Possible benefits include:
- Monthly payments over several years
- Grants for starting a local business
- Financial assistance for purchasing or renovating homes
Who Is Eligible?
Requirements vary by region but often include:
- Moving permanently to an approved village
- Starting a business or obtaining local employment
- Meeting age requirements (commonly under 40 or 50)
- Establishing official residency
Pros and Cons
- Affordable housing
- Excellent climate and lifestyle
- Rich culture and food
- Limited job opportunities
- Rural areas may have fewer services
- Learning Italian is often essential
2. Ireland – Grants for Restoring Vacant Island Homes
Ireland launched the Our Living Islands initiative to reverse population decline and preserve the culture and communities of its remote offshore islands.
Many traditional homes have been left vacant for years due to migration to larger cities. To attract new long-term residents, the Irish government offers grants to people who purchase and renovate empty or derelict properties on eligible islands.
What Financial Support Is Available?
Eligible homeowners can receive grants of up to approximately €84,000 for renovating vacant or derelict homes.
Examples of Available Incentives
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant:
- Up to €50,000 for renovating a vacant property.
- Additional grants can increase support to up to €84,000 if the property is classified as derelict.
The grant applies to homes located on qualifying offshore islands, such as parts of:
- County Mayo
- County Galway
- County Cork
- County Donegal
What You Can Receive
Possible benefits include:
- Financial support for renovating abandoned or derelict homes
- The opportunity to own property in some of Ireland's most scenic locations
- Access to island communities focused on long-term sustainability
Who Is Eligible?
Requirements generally include:
- Buying a vacant or derelict property on an approved island
- Renovating the property according to program rules
- Using the property as your primary residence or making it available for long-term rental
- Completing the renovation within the required timeframe
Foreign buyers may also be eligible to purchase property and apply for grants, subject to meeting all program conditions.
Pros and Cons
- Beautiful coastal landscapes and peaceful lifestyle
- Strong local communities
- English-speaking environment
- Access to Irish healthcare, education, and public services (depending on residency status)
- Limited employment opportunities on smaller islands
- Higher costs for construction materials and transportation
- Weather can be unpredictable and harsh during winter
- Access to hospitals and major services may require travel to the mainland
Consider Before Moving
Living on an island can mean:
- Limited transportation
- Fewer healthcare and shopping options
- Greater dependence on community networks
However, it also offers extraordinary natural beauty and a slower pace of life.
3. Spain – Financial Incentives to Revive Rural Communities
Like many European countries, Spain faces significant rural depopulation as younger generations move to major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona.
To combat the phenomenon known as “España vaciada” (Empty Spain), some villages and regional governments offer incentives to attract families, remote workers, and entrepreneurs.
Ideal For: People who enjoy Warm climate, Lower living expenses and Strong local communities Best For: Remote workers, Families seeking a quieter lifestyle, People willing to renovate property
Examples of Available Incentives
Depending on the region:
- Relocation payments
- Child support incentives
- Reduced housing costs
- Business support
Ponga, Asturias:
- Offers up to €3,000 for families who relocate to the village.
- Additional payments may be available for each child born or raised there.
Other Rural Programs:
- Some municipalities offer:
- Reduced-cost housing
- Business support grants
- Tax incentives
- Financial assistance for entrepreneurs and remote workers
Programs change frequently and are usually managed at the local level.
What You Can Receive
Possible benefits include:
- Cash grants for moving
- Financial support for families with children
- Affordable housing opportunities
- Assistance for starting a business
Who Is Eligible?
Requirements vary by municipality but may include:
- Registering as an official resident
- Living in the area for a minimum period
- Starting a business or contributing to the local economy
- Meeting local demographic requirements
- Warm climate and outdoor lifestyle
- Lower cost of living in rural regions
- Excellent healthcare system
- Rich culture, food, and traditions
- Fewer job opportunities outside major cities
- Some villages have limited public transportation
- Spanish language skills may be necessary for integration
4. Switzerland – Move to a Mountain Village and Receive Financial Supports
The Swiss village of Albinen became internationally known for offering financial incentives to attract residents.
Some small Swiss villages have experienced population decline as younger residents move to larger cities for education and employment.
The mountain village of Albinen in the canton of Valais introduced one of Europe's most famous relocation programs to encourage young families to settle permanently.
Ideal For: People who enjoy Warm climate, Lower living expenses and Strong local communities Best For: Remote workers, Families seeking a quieter lifestyle, People willing to renovate property
Incentive Amount
Eligible adults may receive around CHF 25,000, with additional support for children.
Example of Available Incentives
Albinen Relocation Program:
Eligible newcomers may receive approximately:
- CHF 25,000 per adult
- CHF 10,000 per child
A family of four could receive up to CHF 70,000 in financial support.
What You Can Receive
Possible benefits include:
- Direct financial grants
- The opportunity to live in a scenic Swiss Alpine village
- A high-quality environment with excellent infrastructure
Who Is Eligible?
Requirements include:
- Being under 45 years old when applying
- Purchasing or building a home worth at least CHF 200,000
- Committing to live in Albinen for at least 10 years
- Obtaining the legal right to reside in Switzerland
- Exceptional safety and quality of life
- Beautiful mountain landscapes
- Excellent healthcare and public services
- Strong infrastructure
- Extremely high cost of living
- Limited job opportunities in small villages
- High property purchase requirements
- Long-term commitment is mandatory
Important
Switzerland has strict immigration requirements. Receiving a village incentive does not automatically grant you the right to live or work in Switzerland. You must still qualify under Swiss immigration rules.
5. Greece – Get Paid to Move to a Quiet Mediterranean Island
Some Greek islands, including Antikythera, have offered incentives to encourage families to settle permanently.
Why Greece Offers Relocation Incentives
Several small Greek islands face aging populations and declining numbers of permanent residents.
To maintain schools, local services, and community life, some islands have introduced incentives aimed at attracting young families and skilled workers.
Example of Available Incentives
Antikythera Island Program:
New residents may receive:
- Around €500 per month for up to three years
- Housing assistance
- Land or housing opportunities depending on local availability
The program particularly focuses on attracting families willing to settle permanently.
What You Can Receive
Possible benefits include:
- Monthly financial support
- Reduced housing costs
- Access to a peaceful island lifestyle
- Opportunities to contribute to a small community
Who Is Eligible?
Requirements may include:
- Moving permanently to the island
- Meeting community needs or employment requirements
- Being approved by local authorities
- Having the legal right to live in Greece
- Mediterranean climate
- Lower cost of living compared with many Western European locations
- Close-knit communities
- Relaxed lifestyle
- Limited career opportunities
- Isolation from major cities
- Fewer healthcare and education facilities
- Transportation depends on ferry and weather conditions
Important:
6. Japan – Rural Relocation Grants for Families
Japan faces one of the world's fastest aging populations, particularly in rural areas.
Through regional relocation programs, families moving from major metropolitan areas to designated rural regions may receive financial support.
Why Japan Offers Relocation Incentives
Japan's rural communities have experienced decades of population decline as younger generations move to Tokyo and other large cities.
To revitalize regional economies, the Japanese government supports the Regional Revitalization Program, which provides financial incentives for families moving from major urban areas to designated rural municipalities.
Potential benefits include:
- Relocation grants reaching several million yen
- Additional support for families with children
- Assistance for employment and business creation
Example of Available Incentives:
Eligible households may receive:
- Up to ¥1 million (approximately €6,000) per household for relocating from Tokyo metropolitan areas to approved regions.
- Additional support of up to ¥1 million per child for families with children under certain conditions.
Some municipalities also provide:
- Subsidized housing
- Business start-up assistance
- Employment support
What You Can Receive
Possible benefits include:
- Relocation grants
- Child support payments
- Affordable housing opportunities
- Support for entrepreneurs and workers
Who Is Eligible?
Requirements typically include:
- Moving from eligible metropolitan areas to designated rural municipalities
- Living in the new location for a minimum number of years
- Working in approved jobs, remote positions, or starting a business
- Meeting local government conditions
Pros and Cons
- Safe communities
- Affordable housing outside major cities
- High-quality public services
- Unique cultural experience
- Japanese language barriers
- Rural areas may have limited international communities
- Fewer career opportunities
- Cultural adaptation may require significant effort
What to Keep in Mind
7. Canada – Regional Incentives for Skilled Workers and Entrepreneurs
Canada experiences labor shortages and population decline in some smaller provinces and rural communities.
Instead of paying everyone to move, Canada uses targeted immigration programs and regional incentives to attract workers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and graduates.
Examples include:
- Business development support
- Tax advantages
- Community-based relocation programs
Examples of Available Incentives
Some programs may offer:
- Student loan forgiveness for healthcare workers in underserved areas
- Provincial business grants and investment support
- Employer-sponsored relocation packages
- Rural immigration pathways with easier access to permanent residency
Examples include:
- Rural Community Immigration initiatives
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Regional entrepreneur streams
What You Can Receive
Possible benefits include:
- Financial assistance from employers or local governments
- Faster pathways to permanent residency
- Business and investment support
- Access to communities with lower housing costs
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility depends on the program but may include:
- Skilled workers with experience in high-demand occupation
- People eligible through Canadian immigration pathways
- Healthcare professionals
- Entrepreneurs willing to invest or start businesses
- International graduates in qualifying regions
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- High quality of life
- Strong healthcare and education systems
- Multicultural society
- Clear immigration pathways
Challenges
- High living costs in major cities
- Harsh winters in many regions
- Competitive immigration requirements
- Not all regions provide direct cash incentives
What to Keep in Mind
Canada Is Not a “Get Paid to Move” Country in the Traditional Sense: Most incentives are connected to employment, business creation, or regional economic needs rather than a simple cash reward for relocating.
Research Provincial Rules Carefully: Every province and community has different requirements, application processes, and eligibility criteria.
Consider Long-Term Settlement Goals: Canada's biggest advantage may be its immigration pathways, career opportunities, and permanent residency options rather than immediate relocation money.
How to Choose the Right Country That Pays You to Relocate
A cash incentive should never be the only reason to move abroad.
Before choosing a destination, compare:
| Factor | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Visa Requirements | Can you legally live and work there? |
| Job Opportunities | Are there realistic employment options? |
| Cost of Living | Will your income cover everyday expenses? |
| Healthcare | Is quality medical care accessible? |
| Language | Can you communicate and integrate? |
| Lifestyle | Does the environment fit your goals? |
Tip: Calculate the total cost of relocation, not just the incentive amount. International moving expenses, visas, insurance, and housing setup can easily exceed the financial reward offered by some programs.
Common Mistakes When Moving for Relocation Incentives
Conclusion: Is Getting Paid to Move Abroad Worth It?
Countries that pay you to move there can provide an exciting opportunity to start a new chapter while reducing some relocation costs. Whether you dream of a quiet Italian village, a Japanese countryside community, or a Greek island lifestyle, these programs can make international relocation more accessible.
However, the best move is not always the one offering the biggest payment. Consider visa rules, career opportunities, family needs, and your long-term quality of life before making a decision.
Ready to Plan Your Move?
Moving abroad involves more than choosing a destination — you also need reliable international movers, accurate cost estimates, and a clear relocation plan. ReloAdvisor helps you to compare multiple trusted international moving companies, receive free moving quotes, estimate your moving volume, and relocate with confidence.
Compare Moving QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Which country pays the most money to move there?
Ireland currently offers some of the highest publicly available incentives, with grants reaching around €84,000 for renovating eligible vacant island properties.
Can anyone get paid to move to another country?
No, not everyone. Most programs have eligibility requirements based on residency, age, employment, property investment, or commitment to remain in a specific area.
Are relocation incentives taxable?
It depends on the country and the specific program. Always check local tax regulations or consult a tax professional before relocating.
Is moving abroad worth it for financial incentives alone?
Usually not. A successful relocation should consider career opportunities, healthcare, cost of living, culture, and long-term lifestyle goals.
Do I still need a visa if a country offers relocation money?
Yes. Relocation incentives generally do not replace immigration or visa requirements.
Do I still need a visa if a country offers relocation money?
Yes. Relocation incentives generally do not replace immigration or visa requirements.
Sources & References (2025–2026 Review)
- European Commission – Regional population and rural development data
- Government of Ireland – Our Living Islands Initiative
- Italian regional government relocation grant programs
- Government of Japan – Regional revitalization and migration support programs
- Government of Canada – Provincial and regional immigration programs
- Swiss municipality of Albinen relocation program information
- OECD – Population change and rural development reports
