Ever dreamed of starting fresh in a completely new country while getting paid for it? The idea might seem too good to be true, but governments around the world are offering real financial incentives to attract new residents. From charming Swiss villages to tech hubs in South America, countries are literally paying people to pack up and make the move.
These aren’t gimmicks or temporary programs. Nations facing population decline, economic challenges, or specific skill shortages are willing to open their wallets to the right people. Let’s explore seven remarkable destinations where your next life chapter could come with a welcome bonus.
Switzerland – Albinen’s Alpine Paradise Pays Big
The picturesque mountain village of Albinen offers up to 25,000 Swiss francs (around $27,000) per adult under 45 and 10,000 francs (around $11,000) per child to incentivize people to move. A family of two adults and one child would receive a total of 60,000 Swiss francs (around $68,000), which certainly helps offset the cost of buying a home.
Applicants must be under 45 years old, commit to living in Albinen for at least 10 years, and purchase a property worth 200,000 Swiss Francs or more. The village’s population had shrunk to just 200 residents, most of whom were elderly. The mayor, Nicole Köppel, told Swiss news outlet SWI swissinfo that “Albinen has no school, no bank, no post office, one remaining pub, one shop, and a bus every hour.”
Albinen overlooks the Rhône Valley in Switzerland’s Valais region, surrounded by alpine pastures and historic wooden chalets that have stood since the 17th century. Albinen was even ranked among the most beautiful villages in Switzerland by the Federation of the Most Beautiful Villages in the World and is surrounded by the Valais mountains and is within the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park.
Italy – Revitalizing Southern Towns With Cash Incentives
The mayor of Candela is offering between €800 (around $870) for singles and €2,000 (around $2,175) for families to move there. The only catch is that you must move your permanent residence to the southern Italian town, have a job, and invest in a house built before 1991.
Calabria, a scenic region on Italy’s southwestern tip offers around €28,000 (US$32,702) to qualifying individuals willing to move to one of nine villages with a population of fewer than 2,000. To apply, you must be no older than forty, move within 90 days of acceptance, and either start a new business that benefits locals or fill an in-demand job.
Candela is only two hours from Naples and one hour from the beach, so you have everything you could want close to your new small-town home. A steady fall in Italy’s population since 2014 has affected regional towns the hardest, so local governments are offering relocation grants and other financial incentives to incoming expat communities.
Japan – Rural Revitalization Rewards
Japan’s Regional Revitalization Program offers up to $10,000 in relocation funding to help you set your life up if you move to a rural area. The Regional Revitalization Corps program offers participants a salary of three million Japanese yen (approximately $19,000) to live and work in rural communities for at least one year, with the option to stay up to three years.
The Regional Revitalization Program offers worldwide expats up to ¥4,800,000 (US$32,554) in funding and support. The main requirement for the program is a high level of fluency in Japanese, which might just be the motivation you need to keep up with your daily Duolingo practice.
Mishima, which covers almost three islands, offers 85,000 yen/month for three years, and the Japanese government also offers a lump grant of 3,00,000 yen and additional incentives for couples and families moving in there. The Japanese government is keen to attract immigrants who are willing to relocate to rural areas that need a population boost.
Spain – Charming Villages Seeking New Life
Ponga’s current program provides up to €3,000 (approx. 3,600 USD) in funding for families with children, and up to €2,000 for single people or couples without children. Ponga is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful life and is also known for its high-quality local products, including artisanal cheese, honey, and cured meats.
These incentives focus on Spain’s smaller and more rural towns, because these are really feeling the impact of young people leaving to relocate to cities. Ponga, Spain, is offering an enticing relocation program as this tiny village in Asturias quite literally fits the definition of ‘to get paid to move.’
As one of the most-visited countries in the world, moving to Spain is an aspiration for many, with long, hot summers, golden beaches, exquisite wine and welcoming locals.
Portugal – Europe’s Entrepreneurial Gateway
The Portugal D2 Visa enables non-EU entrepreneurs to start businesses in Portugal, offering a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after five years. The D2 visa requires a minimum investment of €5,000 Euros in the share capital.
After living in Portugal for a duration of five years, expats have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency and obtain Portuguese citizenship, which grants the privilege of traveling to 174 countries visa-free and the freedom to relocate to other European Union member states. The government’s commitment to fostering foreign investment is reflected in various incentives, such as favorable tax policies, residency programs, and support mechanisms for startups.
A special tax regime – Non-habitual Residents NHR – offers tax benefits to new residents of Portugal for 10 years, with complete tax relief on some foreign sources of income. You must show you have enough funds to financially support yourself and your dependents throughout your stay in Portugal through bank statements or other proof of income.
New Zealand – Teachers Welcome With Open Arms
New Zealand is in need of more teachers and will pay $10,000 NZD for each teacher who wants to relocate to New Zealand. The stunning country of New Zealand is bursting with natural beauty, vibrant cities, and great food and wine scenes, and is commonly one of the best places to live in the world.
The immigration process can sometimes be tricky, especially if you want to live abroad long-term. However, qualified educators have a clear pathway with substantial financial support to make the transition smoother.
United States – Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend
In 2022, residents of Alaska received $3,284 from the Permanent Fund Dividend, and when you add in the tax-free nature of the state, that almost balances out the high cost of living in one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world. All eligible residents who make the state their home for a full calendar year earn dividends that vary yearly – $1,702 in 2024, though the amount varies yearly and has previously been as high as US$3,284.
Since 1976, there has been a Permanent Fund Dividend designed to share Alaska’s oil profits with residents, so if you stay for a full dividend year, you’ll get a lovely payout. Many American states offer cash and reward incentives to immigrant and remote workers considering moving to the USA, and you can use MakeMyMove to find the ideal home for you and your family.
The opportunity to get paid for relocating represents more than just financial incentives. These programs reflect countries’ genuine need for fresh perspectives, new skills, and economic revitalization. Whether you’re drawn to Switzerland’s mountain serenity, Portugal’s entrepreneurial opportunities, or Japan’s cultural immersion, each destination offers unique advantages beyond the welcome bonus. The question isn’t whether these opportunities exist, but whether you’re ready to take the leap. What destination calls to you most?