6 Places Around the World Where They Pay You to Move

In various parts of the world, local authorities are offering financial incentives to people who are willing to move there and settle down for the long term. This is an effort to combat population decline, out-migration, and labor shortages. The payments can reach tens of thousands of euros, but the programs have specific requirements — ranging from purchasing a home to a mandatory commitment to live there for several years. Business Insider reported on six such destinations.

Read also: The World’s Best Cities to Live In: Top 10.

Albin in Switzerland: up to $30,000

The small Alpine village of Albinen in the canton of Valais offers adults 25,000 Swiss francs—about $30,412. An additional payment of 10,000 francs is provided for each child. The program was launched in 2017, when the village’s population had shrunk to fewer than 300 people. Albinen has no school, bank, or post office, and only one pub remains among its local establishments.

However, getting the money isn’t easy. Applicants must be no older than 45, purchase a home in the village worth more than 200,000 francs, and live there for at least 10 years. They must also obtain Swiss citizenship. If a person leaves the village early, the payment must be returned. In 2023, the program went viral: according to Albinen Mayor Beate Jost, the local town hall received about 100 inquiries every day.

Antikythira in Greece: stipend and housing

The tiny island of Antikythera is located between Crete and mainland Greece. Here, they are ready to support families with three or more children. The program provides a monthly stipend of 500 euros for three years, as well as free housing and meals. It was launched in 2019, when only 24 residents remained on the island. The project has been suspended and reinstated several times. It was most recently reinstated in 2023 with financial support from the Greek Orthodox Church. However, as of January 2026, no family has yet moved to Antikythera. Construction of housing is ongoing, although applications to participate in the program are still being accepted.

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Sardinia in Italy: 15,000 euros for housing

Sardinia has a population of nearly 1.6 million people, but its small towns are facing an exodus of residents. To encourage people to move to such towns, the island has a financial support program in place. Those who move to a town with a population of up to 5,000 may receive up to 15,000 euros for home renovations. Separate payments are provided to families after the birth or adoption of children: 600 euros per month for the first child and 400 euros for each subsequent child. The main requirement for participants is to reside permanently in Sardinia and register there within 18 months.

Islands in Ireland: up to 70,000 euros

Ireland’s Our Living Islands program launched in 2023. It covers 30 islands that are not connected to the mainland by a bridge or causeway. Participants may receive up to 70,000 euros. The funds are provided through a grant program for the renovation of homes built before 1993.

The Irish government explains the initiative as a necessity to support stable and thriving communities on coastal islands so that they can continue to exist and develop in the years to come.

Villages in Japan: Up to 1 million yen for relocation

Since 2019, Japan has had a program for people willing to move from Tokyo to rural areas. A single household can receive 1 million yen—about $6,400. For a person moving alone, 600,000 yen is provided. If the newcomer starts their own business in the new location, the payment can be increased by another million yen.

However, there is an important condition for foreigners. Although it is relatively easy for them to purchase real estate in rural Japan, they must have permanent or long-term resident status to participate in the program. A work visa alone is not sufficient to receive the grant.

La Rioja in Spain: up to 40,000 euros

In the Spanish province of La Rioja, the Revive program is available for people under 45 who are willing to move to small towns with a population of up to 5,000 residents. The amount of the grant depends on the population of the specific town. If the town has a population of 2,001 to 5,000, you can receive 20,000 euros. For towns with fewer than 500 residents, the payment is up to 40,000 euros. The funds must be used to purchase or renovate a home. Additionally, program participants must live in the chosen town for at least five years.

Tip: When planning a move or even a short trip, it’s important to take care of your travel documents in advance. Ukrainians traveling abroad can purchase travel insurance on Visit Ukraine to ensure they have the necessary insurance coverage during their trip.

We remind you! Some famous landmarks in Europe and the U.S. turned out to be not quite what tourists imagine them to be. Read what makes them unique.

Photo: DaLiu/Getty Images

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