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Several countries around the world are offering cash, free housing, or generous bonuses to attract new residents – and some of the incentives are surprisingly generous
With the rise of remote working and an increasing number of people seeking a change in lifestyle, several countries globally are going the extra mile to attract new residents – offering cash incentives, free housing, or generous bonuses to bolster their populations.
Whether you’ve always dreamt of breathing in the fresh Alpine air in Switzerland, basking in the sun on a Greek island, or settling down in a tranquil Spanish village, the incentives on offer are surprisingly appealing.
Let’s take a closer look at seven countries actively encouraging people to relocate, and the benefits they’re offering to those who do.
Switzerland –
More than £26,000 per family to settle in a picturesque Alpine village.
Switzerland is renowned for its exceptional quality of life, and one village is prepared to pay generously to attract new residents.
The village of Albinen, situated in the canton of Valais, introduced an incentive scheme in 2017 to combat a dwindling population, reports the Express.
The scheme offers CHF 25,000 (approximately £22,000) per adult and CHF 10,000 (around £8,800) per child.
For a family comprising two adults and one child, that totals to more than £26,000.
However, there are conditions: applicants must be under 45, commit to residing in Albinen for at least 10 years, and purchase or construct a property worth a minimum of CHF 200,000.
Those who depart before the decade ends must repay the funds.
Ireland –
Up to €84,000 to revitalise island communities.
Ireland’s “Our Living Islands” scheme represents one of Europe’s most ambitious relocation programmes.
Operating through to 2033, the initiative seeks to boost populations on remote islands dotting Ireland’s coastline by providing grants to assist newcomers in purchasing and renovating empty or derelict properties.
Eligible applicants can secure up to €84,000, with amounts varying according to the extent of refurbishment required.
Properties must have remained unoccupied for a minimum of two years and constructed prior to 1993.
Following renovation, they must serve as a main residence or long-term rental property – short-term holiday accommodation is excluded.
The scheme welcomes both Irish nationals and international candidates.
Local county councils oversee grant distribution, with objectives including population expansion, economic support for local areas, and ensuring a viable future for these traditional communities.
For remote workers and digital nomads, it presents an attractive opportunity to relocate to tranquil surroundings whilst receiving considerable financial assistance.
Greece –
A complimentary home and €500 monthly on the isolated island of Antikythera.
Those attracted to Mediterranean tranquillity will find the Greek island of Antikythera offers an extraordinary relocation deal.
Local officials, supported by the Greek Orthodox Church, are supplying a complimentary house, land plot, and monthly allowance of €500 for the initial three years to new families prepared to make their home there.
The initiative is targeted at young families and skilled workers, such as builders, bakers or tradespeople, who can contribute to the island community.
Mayor Efstaratios Charcalakis has previously stated that the goal is to reintroduce the sound of children playing in the streets of the island.
However, Antikythera isn’t for everyone. The island is small and remote, with limited facilities, and many properties need substantial renovation.
Those who move are expected to adopt a quieter lifestyle and commit to the long-term rejuvenation of the community.
For the right individual, it’s a unique opportunity to build a future on a tranquil Aegean island.
Spain –
Cash incentives and monthly allowances to attract digital nomads and families.
Spain is actively looking for new residents to counter rural depopulation, particularly in villages that have seen their populations decline over recent decades.
Several regional schemes offer financial incentives to digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and families.
In Extremadura, remote workers can apply for grants of up to €15,000 if they pledge to live there for at least two years.
Ponga, a town in northwest Spain, offers around £2,600 (€2,971) to attract newcomers, plus an additional grant for each baby born there.
Meanwhile, the village of Rubia in Galicia provides families with €150 a month to help increase local school numbers.
In addition to these local initiatives, Spain’s digital nomad visa provides reduced corporate tax rates for new businesses and a pathway to residency for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
Japan –
Up to ¥4.8 million to leave Tokyo for the countryside.
For years, Japan has been promoting relocation from Tokyo to rural areas, but the incentives have recently increased due to record-low birth rates.
In 2023, only 758,631 babies were born – a 5.1% drop compared to 2022 – prompting renewed efforts to rejuvenate rural towns.
Families can now receive 1 million yen (approximately £5,400) per child to relocate from Tokyo, with additional financial support available for starting a business or working locally. In some instances, total relocation support can reach up to ¥4.8 million.
The goal is to alleviate pressure on the capital and inject energy and entrepreneurship into struggling communities. Families must reside in their new area for at least five years, and at least one adult must work or run a business locally.
USA –
Cash payments and perks for remote workers.
Several towns and cities across the United States are offering relocation packages to attract remote workers and skilled professionals, aiming to stimulate local economies and reverse population decline.
Tulsa, Oklahoma runs the well-known Tulsa Remote programme, offering cash and perks to remote workers willing to relocate, while Choose Topeka in Kansas provides up to $15,000 in incentives for people in certain industries.
Mattoon, Illinois provides a “Move to Mattoon” package featuring £5,000 in cash, vouchers for local businesses, and community memberships.
Each programme has its own eligibility requirements, but the objective remains consistent: to attract economically active newcomers who can enhance communities whilst benefiting from a reduced cost of living compared to major cities.
Canada –
Up to CA$20,000 in tuition reimbursements for graduates.
Canada’s Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Programme aims to retain skilled graduates within the province by refunding tuition fees of up to CA$20,000 (£11,580).
To be eligible, students must graduate from an approved Canadian institution and intend to reside or relocate to Saskatchewan following completion of their studies. The refund sum varies according to the duration of the degree.
The initiative offers financial assistance to young people beginning their careers whilst encouraging them to contribute to the regional economy.
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