March 31, 2026 | 07:12 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The world is a vast canvas where some nations experience things differently from the rest. While India, China, and the U.S. are dealing with an inflated population, others are merchandising their values to attract new residents.
For many years, these countries that pay you to move there have been proposing different strategies, from relocation incentive programs and attractive global mobility to housing subsidies.
List of Countries that Pay you to Move there in 2026
In 2026, Forbes and Travel and Leisure will help people navigate their fresh start around the country, paying new residents to move there. Read on to learn about the programme below:
1. Italy
Across Italy's southern regions, particularly in quieter villages, population decline has prompted local governments to introduce relocation incentives. In places like Calabria, newcomers can receive up to 30,000 euros in support if they choose to settle in towns with fewer than 2,000 residents and start a business. Additionally, Italy has also gained attention for its 1 euro home programs, which offer abandoned properties at low prices to encourage restoration.
2. Switzerland
As one of the countries that pays you to move there, Switzerland offers incentives through the village of Albinen, providing around $25,000 for each adult under 45 and additional funding for every child who relocates. To qualify, applicants are required to buy a property valued at no less than 200,000 francs and live in Albinen for at least 10 years, or they may have to return the subsidy. While the process can be long and demanding, the opportunity to settle in one of the world’s happiest countries remains a strong incentive.
3. Japan
The Japanese government is committed to redistributing its population and revitalizing quieter towns. The country offers up to $31,000 to encourage relocation beyond major cities. Some regions also provide additional housing assistance and financial support for small business initiatives.
4. Spain
Facing a high rate of depopulation, Spain, specifically in areas like Asturias and Galicia, has introduced relocation incentives to help stimulate its economy. These include housing subsidies, job opportunities, and relocation grants. According to Forbes, digital nomads can receive up to $16,789 to move to Extremadura. Those who remain for an additional year after the initial two-year period may qualify for a further $5,596 in support.
5. Greece
Greece is among the countries that pay you to move there, addressing population decline on the scenic island of Antikythera. As of 2023, the island is home to just 45 permanent residents, forming a small, close-knit community, according to the NY Post. To counter this, the Greek Orthodox Church has introduced a relocation program aimed at young families with at least four children. Those who qualify can receive approximately $20,000 per month for the first three years they are on the island.
6. Ireland
To revive its remote coastal areas and offshore islands, Ireland has become a country that pays you to move there through the "Our Living Islands" strategy, where they grant up to 84,000 euros for those restoring vacant or derelict homes. It is designed to promote long-term residency in areas experiencing steady population decline. While not a direct relocation payment, it supports housing renewal as part of a wider effort to attract new residents.
7. Croatia
Croatia has taken steps to revitalize its smaller towns by offering relocation support. Similar to other countries that offer incentives to attract new residents, certain municipalities in this country provide financial aid for property purchases or renovation projects. A digital nomad visa has also been introduced, enabling foreign remote workers to stay for up to one year.
8. Chile
Chile has evolved from a mining-based economy into a growing tech hub, making it one of the countries that pays you to move there. Since 2010, Start-Up Chile has been running an accelerator program that supports businesses at different stages of development.
Funding is offered in tiers based on startup growth. Early-stage ventures can receive about $14,000, while expanding startups may access $30,000 with potential extensions. More advanced companies can secure up to $80,000 to support further scaling.
While each destination offers its own set of benefits and requirements, these countries that pay you to move there highlight the growing global effort to attract new residents and revive local communities. For those seeking flexibility and location independence, be sure to explore the best countries for digital nomads to find your ideal next destination.
Read: How to Avoid Post-Holiday Anxiety with Positive Thinking
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