What if moving abroad came with a cash bonus?
From Alpine villages to Mediterranean islands, a growing number of places are offering financial incentives to attract new residents—especially younger people and families willing to settle in rural or shrinking communities.
The catch: most programs come with strict eligibility rules, property requirements, and minimum-stay commitments. Foreigners may also need the right visa or residency status.
Here are six places currently offering incentives:
🇨🇠Albinen, Switzerland — Up to $30,000 per adult
This tiny Alpine village offers 25,000 Swiss francs per adult and 10,000 per child to qualifying newcomers.
Applicants must be under 45, purchase a home worth at least 200,000 francs, and commit to living there for at least 10 years. The money is paid only after residents have stayed for five years.
Best for: People craving mountain views and seriously quiet living.
🇬🇷 Antikythera, Greece — €500 a month + housing
The remote island is trying to rebuild its population by attracting families with three or more children.
The program offers €500 a month for up to three years, along with accommodation and food. The initiative has been restarted with support from the Greek Orthodox Church, although housing construction has delayed new arrivals.
Best for: Families looking for island life far from the crowds.
🇮🇹 Sardinia, Italy — Up to €15,000
Sardinia is offering grants of up to €15,000 to people willing to relocate to smaller communities and renovate a home.
The program now covers towns with populations of up to 5,000. Residents must make Sardinia their permanent home and use the grant for renovations.
Families can also qualify for monthly child-related payments.
Best for: Anyone dreaming of Mediterranean living without the price tag of the tourist hotspots.
🇮🇪 Ireland — Up to €70,000
Ireland's Our Living Islands initiative offers up to €70,000 toward renovating a qualifying property on one of its offshore islands.
The home must have been built before 1993 and be eligible for the country's property refurbishment grant.
Best for: People who want dramatic coastlines, small communities, and a slower pace.
🇯🇵 Japan — Up to ¥2 million
Japan's regional relocation program encourages people to leave the Tokyo area for participating rural communities.
Eligible households can receive ¥1 million, while individuals can receive ¥600,000. Bringing a qualifying business can add another ¥1 million.
Foreigners can qualify—but generally need permanent, long-term, or special permanent residency. A standard work visa isn't enough.
Best for: Residents already established in Japan who are ready for a rural reset.
🇪🇸 La Rioja, Spain — Up to €40,000
Spain's Revive program targets people under 45 willing to move to small municipalities in La Rioja.
The grant ranges from €20,000 to €40,000, depending on the town's population, and must be used to buy or renovate a property.
Applicants must generally be EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals—or non-EU residents with valid Spanish residency—and stay in the property for at least five years.
Best for: Young adults who want wine country, historic villages, and rural Spain.
The fine print
These aren't simple "free money to move abroad" deals. Most require you to buy or renovate a property, establish permanent residence, meet age or family requirements, and stay for several years.
But for people already considering a move, they can turn an expensive relocation into an opportunity to get paid to put down roots.