Moving to another country is an exciting prospect that many people dream about, but the financial implications of an international move can be intimidating. However, it may not be as expensive as you think—some countries even offer financial incentives to attract new residents.
Countries seek new residents for various reasons, such as declining populations or a lack of skilled workers in specific fields. Incentives may include funding for living expenses, free or reduced-cost education, or programs designed to launch new businesses. You will likely need to commit to staying in your destination country for a designated time frame and sometimes live in a specific city.
If you’re interested in learning what countries will pay you to make the move, our guide is a good place to start. We’ll share information about some of the countries offering financial incentives to new residents as well as the requirements of their programs.
What To Consider Before Making an International Move
Once you learn that moving to another country is a possibility, it’s easy to get excited about the perks, but make sure to consider the logistics of living in a foreign country. Before you decide on your destination country—or even whether an international move is right for you—consider the following factors.
- Cost of living: While financial incentives can help you get situated in a new country, they’re not a long-term solution for financial security. You should have a firm understanding of basic living costs in your destination country, including housing, food, health care, child care, clothing, etc.
- Cultural differences and adjusting to a new way of life: Adjusting to life in a foreign country can make you feel lonely and disconnected. Consider ways you can interact with people and how you’ll combat loneliness as you adapt to a new way of life.
- Health care system: Medical care and health insurance can vary drastically from one country to the next. You should know how to get health care, whether it’s private or national, and the expected costs.
- Housing market: Your living accommodations will be the most important thing about your lifestyle. Make sure you can rent or buy a home within your budget.
- Job opportunities: Some financial incentive programs are associated with your potential to fill a position in a certain industry. Others are linked to renewing dwindling populations. Determine what types of jobs are available in the area you intend to move.
- Language barriers: While you can expect to find English-speaking people in many countries, learning the local language is a vital part of being self-sufficient. If you don’t speak your destination country’s language before moving, plan how you’ll learn it after you arrive.
- Visa and residency requirements: Applying for a visa in the country you want to reside in will be your first order of business. You’ll need to learn whether you qualify and the costs associated with getting a visa. If you’re a remote worker or digital nomad, you’ll also need to figure out how your work situation might change based on visa regulations.
While financial incentives can be appealing, they shouldn’t be your only reason to move to a new country. Carefully research your destination country and weigh all aspects of an international move before making a final decision.
Countries Offering Incentives To Relocate
Several countries around the world are interested in boosting their populations and economies with new residents. Incentive programs vary from country to country, and each program has specific requirements.
The following countries offer attractive incentives for incoming residents.
Greece
Idyllic island views, rich culture, and ancient architecture attract many tourists to Greece, but the country’s population is declining. The Greek Orthodox Church of Kythera is launching a program that offers to pay families €500 per month to live on the Greek island of Antikythera for at least three years. This exclusive program will offer five expat families a home, a plot of land, and €500 per month for their first three years, provided they have four children. Top candidates will have experience in a trade like baking or fishing.
Italy
Home to charming towns, delectable cuisine, and stunning landscapes, Italy is a renowned tourist destination. If you’ve ever dreamed of establishing permanent residency in Italy, financial incentives available in the following cities may give you the opportunity.
- Calabria: Get up to €28,000 to move to one of nine villages in Calabria that have 2,000 people or fewer. You’ll be required to start a new business that will benefit locals or get a job in an industry needing more workers, such as hospitality. Other requirements include being under the age of 40 and being ready to move within 90 days of your application’s acceptance.
- Candela: Receive up to €2,000 to move to Candela if you’re willing to rent a house and get a job that pays over €7,500 per year.
- Presicce-Acquarica: Get up to €30,000 to move to Presicce-Acquarica and invest in a house built before 1991.
- Sardinia: Receive up to €15,000 to relocate to the scenic shores of the Italian island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea. You must use these funds to renovate a home in a town with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants, and you must live in that town full-time. Applicants must register their residence in Sardinia within 18 months of arrival to be eligible for assistance.
Spain
Golden beaches, unique music, gorgeous architecture, and superb wines make Spain one of the most visited countries in the world. If you’re an entrepreneur or part of a growing family, you can make one of Spain’s small towns your home. To combat population decline in rural areas, Spain offers the following incentive programs.
- Ponga pays families: Couples who want to start a family can earn €2,971 to move to the small town of Ponga and an additional €2,971 for each child born in the town. You must commit to living in the town for at least five years. (This scheme is currently available to British applicants only.)
- Rubia provides a monthly payment: This program pays people €100–€150 per month to help with expenses. The program aims to increase the student population in schools, so it targets families and young couples.
- Spain seeks entrepreneurs: Spain’s entrepreneur visa is available to people who want to start a business. The program simplifies the visa process and provides a path to residency for direct relatives. You’ll need to have a photograph, a valid passport, a clean criminal record, proof of sufficient financial resources, and a favorable report of your proposed project.
Switzerland
Lush landscapes, rolling hills, and outdoor activities attract visitors from around the world to Switzerland. A program to combat population decline encourages families to move to the Swiss village of Albinen. New residents are eligible for a grant of 25,000 Swiss francs (around $28,000) each and an additional 10,000 Swiss francs (around $11,000) for children. To be eligible, residents must be under the age of 45 and buy or build a house they’ll live in for at least 10 years.
Other Countries To Consider
Several countries offer financial incentives to new residents to address population decline in specific areas and bring new business to their locations. For example, you may be eligible for funding to start a business in Chile or begin a life in rural areas in Japan.
Chile
In a changing economy, Chile is working toward becoming an innovative technology hub. The program Start-Up Chile works toward achieving these goals by providing incentives to entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in Chile. The program consists of three tiers:
- Build: Receive 15 million Chilean pesos (around $16,000), access to a coworking space, and a one-year visa.
- Ignite: Receive up to 25 million Chilean pesos (around $27,000) equity-free and the potential for an additional 20 million Chilean pesos (around $21,000) extension to expand an existing startup.
- Growth: Receive up to 75 million Chilean pesos (around $80,000) in funding for bringing your advanced startup to Chile to help innovate and build a better community.
Applying for these programs requires you to fill out an application with details about your start-up idea or business. Start-Up Chile will invite you for an interview if they approve your application.
Croatia
After a huge population decline, Croatia is attracting new residents by selling homes for 1 Kuna (about $0.14) in the Legrad Municipality. These homes require substantial renovation, but the state also provides over $4,000 toward refurbishing declining homes to potential residents who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be financially stable and under 40 years old.
- Applicants are required to stay for at least 15 years.
Japan
The Japanese government is interested in attracting immigrants who want to relocate to rural areas that need a population boost. Japan’s Regional Revitalization program offers up to ¥4,800,000 (around $32,000) in funding and support to offset the cost of relocating.
The program is designed to address population decline in rural areas and labor gaps across various industries, which means you’ll be required to live in a specific location. Requirements and the length of time you remain in the country could be based on your skills and the roles you’re prepared to fill.
Portugal
To boost populations in rural areas, Portugal developed a program called Emprego Interior MAIS that allows applicants to apply for up to €4,827 in funding. This amount is enough to cover the annual rent of a small house in many Portuguese villages. The program is designed to target people who are either unemployed or looking for a new job. Keep the following eligibility requirements in mind:
- Applicants must commit to staying for at least one year.
- Immigrating workers are required to move to rural areas.
How To Take Advantage of These Relocation Incentives
While countries offer financial incentives for various reasons, the existence of such programs isn’t a guarantee you’ll be able to participate. All financial incentive programs have eligibility requirements, and every country has certain visa requirements related to working and living within its borders. You’ll need to conduct substantial research and complete the following tasks to take advantage of relocation incentives:
- Apply for relevant visas/permits: Learn the visa requirements and apply for all relevant visas and permits before planning your move.
- Make travel arrangements: Research international moving companies and make concrete plans for traveling and moving your belongings.
- Meet eligibility requirements: Make sure you meet all the current eligibility requirements of the financial incentive programs you’re interested in.
- Set up housing, utilities, bank accounts, etc.: Ensure you’re prepared for your arrival in a new country by taking care of all the necessary logistics and necessities. You might have to take care of some of these tasks upon arrival.
- Submit any necessary paperwork to receive the incentive money: Take care of all application requirements and documentation for receiving financial incentives.
Before deciding whether to relocate to another country, conduct thorough research about your destination location’s requirements and processes for moving there. Contacting relevant government agencies or local contacts is the best way to get all relevant details about existing financial incentive programs and other information about a new country.
Our Conclusion
If you’ve always dreamed of moving to a new country but didn’t think such a move was within reach, financial incentives could be the answer. Several countries provide financial incentives to attract new residents for various reasons. However, financial incentives aren’t the only thing to consider when moving abroad. You should also weigh other factors related to an international move and make all arrangements well in advance of your relocation date.
FAQ About Countries That Will Pay You To Move There
What is the easiest country to move to?
Canada might be the easiest country for Americans to move to because of the language and cultural similarities. Other countries that Americans might consider include Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand.
How much money do you need to move to another country?
The amount of money you need to move to another country will depend on the cost of living in your new location, your relocation costs, the costs of getting necessary documentation, and unexpected costs. It’s a good idea to save at least $5,000 per person.
Can you move to another country without a job?
You might be able to move to another country without a job. However, you need to understand visa requirements regarding work and have money saved for living expenses. Some countries even make moving easier for individuals with specific work skills.
Do you have to pay taxes if you move to another country?
Yes, you will have to pay taxes if you move to another country. U.S. citizens often have to pay taxes in the country where they earn income and may need to pay some U.S. taxes depending on the United States tax agreement with their destination country.
How long does it take to move to another country?
If you haven’t prepared at all, it takes about three to six months to move to another country. You’ll need to obtain a passport for all individuals planning to move, determine how to transport your cargo, and schedule international travel. You’ll also need to make arrangements for when you arrive and find a permanent living situation.
