7 Countries That Will Pay You To Move There
Family of 5? One European country will pay you $96K.
Moving abroad brings with it a number of challenges. Beyond the visa requirements and your ability to make a living, settling in any new location takes money. Even if you decide to sell off everything, leave the United States, and move to Colombia or Switzerland, you’ll need to buy all new appliances, kitchen items, bedding, and other essentials, which can add up quickly.
But what if you had some financial help? In the hope of luring new residents, countries around the globe are paying outsiders to move and settle. While the requirements do vary, if you’ve been rolling the idea of an international move over in your head, receiving cash for the relocation might be the final push to help you out the door and into a new life of adventure.
Canada
When it comes to relocating to Canada, Saskatchewan probably isn’t at the top of your list. In case you’re not up on your Canadian provinces and territories, Saskatchewan is smack in the middle of Canada with a whopping 251,700 square miles (it would be the third largest state behind Texas and Alaska). Its capital of Regina, is the largest city in the province at 243,000 people.
The province, if you have a graduate degree from an approved post-secondary institution, will give you up to CAD 20,000 in Canadian tax returns. If the post-secondary university doesn’t appear on an approved list you’ll need to submit a special application, plus your credentials and diploma information. This Graduate Retention Program will offer you benefits as long as you live and file taxes in Saskatchewan.
Chile
Have a small business idea you want to get off the ground, but are struggling with the capital? Why not consider Chile. This South American nation has one of the best healthcare and educational systems on the continent (typically, depending on the metrics, just behind Uruguay).
With the Start-Up Chile program, you can apply for one of three investment opportunities. The first is the “Build” program, and with it you’ll be given 15 million pesos (roughly $15,900) over the course of four months, plus access to coworking space and a one-year residency visa. The second option is the “Ignite” program, which is for current small businesses that need additional cash flow to expand. Here you’ll have access to up to $30,000 equity-free, and the potential to receive a $30,000 extension. Lastly, if you have an advanced startup, you can apply for the “Growth” program, which, if approved, will net you $80,000 to grow the business.
Ireland
This is another business start-up specific payment. It is also far more selective than the Chilean option. However, if you have a startup idea, you’re free to submit an application to “Enterprise Ireland.” If you’re approved, you will receive thousands of euros to help fund your business, plus a number of tax credits. So, if you’re looking for a destination to open your business as well as an English-speaking country to relocate to, Ireland may be the answer.
Don’t have a start-up? Not to worry, as you can take advantage of the country’s “Our Living Islands” program. This is designed to bring outsiders to one of the 30 more remote islands of the country. If you have dreams of your own slice of Irish countryside, this is the way to go. With the program, you can receive up to €84,000 to move, buy, and restore one of the abandoned properties found on the island.
Italy
The city of Candela will pay €800 for singles and €2,700 for families to relocate. However, you will need to purchase a house built before 1991 to qualify. It’s not a considerable sum, but, as the saying goes, something is better than nothing.
Various towns throughout the Tuscany region offer between €10,000 and €30,000 to move to one of the small mountain towns, while Sardinia (the large island to the west of mainland Italy) offers up to €15,000 for moving to a town of less than 3,000 people and renovating a property.
Mauritius
It’s more a token sum than anything else, but if you’d like to relocate to this small island nation located off the coast of Madagascar, you can receive $440 for a startup business idea. Basically, just pitch a unique idea you think will be profitable and outline why you’re the person to make the business happen. If you want an island paradise with an exceptional healthcare system (that’s free) plus a surprisingly vibrant economy, all without the hurricanes of the Caribbean, Mauritius might be the way to go.
Spain
Spain has been hacking away visa programs left and right, and the government’s proposed 100% real estate tax on foreigners won’t help much, which is why if you’re interested in moving to Ponga, Spain, it’s better to act now than to wait and see what new laws the current government enacts.
Ponga is a small municipality in northern Spain, about 15 km from the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean. It offers breathtaking mountain views, all while being a short drive to the beach. However, with a dwindling population of under 1,000 people, it is in desperate need of bringing new people in. To entice outsiders to relocate, the city is offering a €3,000 lump sum for couples. You also receive an additional €3,000 per kid that you either already have, or that you give birth to within the first five years of living there. Have three kids? You’ll receive €12,000 to relocate. Not too bad at all.
Switzerland
If you’ve ever stepped foot in Switzerland, you know how crazy expensive it can be. Beautiful, but expensive. I traveled through the country on a train, stopping off with enough time to grab a hot chocolate and bratwurst. Seeing an art supply shop, I stopped in to buy a pen and postcard. The cheapest pencil in the store was $300.
However, things will be a bit cheaper if you take advantage of Albinen’s cash offer. With a declining population, the city is offering 25,000 Swiss francs (or around $30,000) per adult under the age of 45, plus 10,000 francs (around $12,000) per child. Family with three children? You can clear $96,000 to move, though you will need to buy a property to qualify.
Working on a move? Here’s a few articles that might help:
Wow. Definitely food for thought!
I hear about these from time to time…and while the idea of getting paid to relocate sounds amazing, our slow travel journey has made it clear that what I value most is a sense of belonging, not just an incentive. I’m still on the hunt for the right mix of connection, culture, and community…but I love hearing about all the creative ways people are making the leap.
Thanks for sharing this! It reminded me of some reflections I wrote on this very tension between rooting and roaming: thebenthalls.substack.com/p/retired-roaming-and-rooted-welcome