Thinking about a fresh start? What if a country actually paid you to pack your bags and move? In 2025, several nations facing population decline or seeking new talent are rolling out relocation incentives, tax breaks, and cash bonuses—and you don’t need a university diploma to qualify. Below, discover how you can get paid to move to some of the world’s most beautiful corners, what you must do to qualify, and how to apply.
Why Governments Pay You to Move (And Why It Matters to You)
Around the globe, many rural areas and small towns face dwindling populations, aging residents, and economic stagnation. To reverse these trends, local and national governments are offering relocation bonuses, housing grants, and monthly stipends. Here’s why this benefits you:
- Extra Cash Upfront
You may receive thousands—or even tens of thousands—of euros or dollars simply for relocating. - Affordable Housing
Some programs include rock‑bottom home prices or renovation grants. - No Degree? No Problem
These incentives target all skill levels—from remote workers to artisans, retirees, or anyone ready to commit. - Lifestyle Perks
Imagine living steps from ski slopes, Mediterranean beaches, or remote islands—all while you rebuild your savings.
Ready to find out which countries pay YOU to move in 2025? Let’s dive in.
1. Italy: Up to €100,000 for Renovations in Trentino
Italy tops many lists with both €1 homes and cash grants. In northern Italy, the scenic Trentino region is offering one of the largest packages:
- Grant Amount
- €20,000 toward purchasing an abandoned property
- €80,000 to cover renovation costs
- Total Value
Up to €100,000 per household - Commitment
- Live in (or rent out) the property for at least 10 years
- Renovate to modern standards—no flipping allowed
- Eligible Areas
- 33 mountain and valley towns (e.g., Val di Non, Val di Sole)
- Who Qualifies
- Both Italian passport‑holders and foreign nationals
- Applicants must be under 45 if already residing in Trentino
- Why It Works
This “experimental action” aims to reverse depopulation, strengthen social cohesion, and preserve cultural heritage.
Learn more about the Trentino grant on Travel + Leisure’s coverage of this initiative.
(https://www.travelandleisure.com/trentino-italy-paying-people-to-move-11703651)
2. Greece: €500/Month on Antikythera for 3 Years
Looking for island life? Greece’s tiny Antikythera island wants you:
- Monthly Stipend
- €500 for 36 months (total = €18,000)
- Additional Perks
- Free workspace in local co‑working hubs
- Networking events to integrate newcomers
- Commitment
- Must reside full‑time on the island
- Contribute to community projects (e.g., environmental conservation)
- Eligibility
- No degree requirement
- Open to remote workers, freelancers, or anyone ready to settle
- Why It Works
Greece seeks to repopulate remote islands, bolster local economies, and foster sustainable tourism.
Source: New York Post’s summary of global relocation bonuses shows Antikythera’s program among top offers.
(https://nypost.com/2024/11/23/lifestyle/these-countries-will-pay-you-up-to-90000-to-move-there-now/)
3. Spain: Up to €10,000 Digital‑Nomad Grants & Rural Town Bonuses
Spain fights rural depopulation with two key schemes:
- Extremadura Digital‑Nomad Visa Grant
- €10,000 (under 30 years old)
- €8,000 (30 and over)
- Requirements:
- Work remotely for an outside employer
- Commit to living in towns with <5,000 residents
- Perks: High-speed internet, coworking spaces, cultural workshops
- Ponga Municipality Bonus
- €3,200 for relocating families
- Extra allowances per child
- Must reside for a minimum of three years
- Taps into scenic Asturias landscapes and rich gastronomy
Why Spain?
- Affordable living costs compared to major EU metros
- Mediterranean lifestyle, vibrant festivals, and historic architecture
4. Ireland: ~$90,000 to Re‑Populate Coastal Islands
Ireland’s “Our Living Islands” program targets five off‑grid islands:
- Grant Amount
- Up to $90,000 (≈€80,000) per applicant
- Use of Funds
- Must purchase and renovate abandoned homes via the government’s Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme
- Stay Requirement
- Live in the property for a minimum of five years
- No short‑term rentals (Airbnb) allowed
- Who Qualifies
- Individuals and families of any professional background
- Preference for under‑represented professions (e.g., healthcare, teaching)
- Why It Works
- Counters island shrinkage and preserves Ireland’s unique cultural landscapes
Read Travel + Leisure’s breakdown of the “Our Living Islands” initiative.
(https://www.travelandleisure.com/ireland-our-living-islands-program-90k-usd-to-move-11714483) (Travel + Leisure)
5. Japan: Up to ¥5 Million in Rural Revitalization Grants
Japan offers a Regional Revitalisation Program to refill towns left behind by urban migration:
- Grant Amount
- Up to ¥5,000,000 (~$31,000) total for moving and setting up
- Conditions
- Purchase or rent a home in a designated depopulated area
- Invest in local business, agriculture, or community projects
- Duration
- Funds disbursed over 2–3 years as you meet milestones
- Eligibility
- Open to all nationalities—no degree required
- Must commit to at least five years’ residency
- Why It Works
- Revitalizes countryside communities, increases local tax base, and supports sustainable development
Source: New York Post overview of relocation incentives worldwide.
(https://nypost.com/2024/11/23/lifestyle/these-countries-will-pay-you-up-to-90000-to-move-there-now/) (New York Post)
6. Switzerland: CHF 25,000 + CHF 11,500/Child in Albinen
Albinen, a mountain village in Valais, wants young families and remote workers:
- Cash Bonus
- CHF 25,000 (≈$28,000) per adult
- CHF 11,500 per child under 18
- Commitment
- Reside full‑time for at least 10 years
- Register as Albinen residents within three months
- Eligibility
- Under 45 years old
- Proof of stable income or remote‑work contract
- Why It Works
- Counters Alpine depopulation, supports local schools and businesses
Details via New York Post’s article on global pay‑to‑move programs.
(https://nypost.com/2024/11/23/lifestyle/these-countries-will-pay-you-up-to-90000-to-move-there-now/) (New York Post)
7. Canada: $14,400 Tuition Rebate in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan combats brain drain from rural communities with a tuition reimbursement:
- Program
- Student Retention Rebate covers up to $14,400 CAD of tuition
- Conditions
- Must graduate from a Saskatchewan post‑secondary institution
- Live and work in the province for at least three years after graduation
- Eligibility
- Open to international students—no degree required beforehand
- Applicable to diploma, certificate, or degree programs
- Why It Works
- Encourages students to stay local, bolsters workforce, and fuels provincial growth
Source: Overview in New York Post’s relocation incentives roundup.
(https://nypost.com/2024/11/23/lifestyle/these-countries-will-pay-you-up-to-90000-to-move-there-now/) (New York Post)
Quick‑Compare Table of 2025 Relocation Incentives
| Country | Program Name | Amount | Commitment | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | Trentino Renovation Grants | Up to €100,000 (€20k purchase + €80k renovation) | Live/rent for 10 years | No degree, <45 if local |
| Greece | Antikythera Residency Stipend | €500/month for 36 months (total €18,000) | Full‑time residency | No degree, any nationality |
| Spain | Extremadura Digital‑Nomad Grant | €10,000 (<30) / €8,000 (30+) | Live in towns <5,000 residents | Remote worker, no degree |
| Ireland | Our Living Islands | Live 5 years, renovate home | No degree, open to all | |
| Japan | Regional Revitalisation Program | Up to ¥5,000,000 (~$31,000) | 5-year residency | No degree, any nationality |
| Switz. | Albinen Settlement Incentive | CHF 25,000 + CHF 11,500/child | Live 10 years | <45, stable income |
| Canada | Saskatchewan Tuition Rebate | Up to $14,400 CAD | 3-year post-grad work | International students |
Actionable Steps to Qualify and Apply
- Research Your Top Pick
- Visit the official government or regional websites.
- Check application windows—many open seasonally.
- Gather Documentation
- Proof of income or employment (remote/work contract).
- Clean criminal record and willingness to commit.
- Passport/visa paperwork if you’re a foreign national.
- Submit Application
- Fill out forms online or via mail as specified.
- Include business plans or community‑development ideas if required.
- Relocate & Redeem Funds
- Once approved, move within stipulated time (often 90 days).
- Reserve money for your home purchase/renovation.
- Keep receipts and meet milestone reporting for phased grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a college degree to qualify?
A: No. All 7 programs above target a wide range of skill levels and backgrounds. They prioritize commitment over credentials.
Q: Can I apply for more than one country at a time?
A: Technically yes, but you’ll need to meet each country’s residency requirements and timelines independently.
Q: Are there tax implications on these grants?
A: Many incentives are tax‑free or come with tax breaks. Always consult a local tax professional before applying.
Q: Can families apply together?
A: In most cases, yes. Some programs (Albinen, Ponga) even offer extra per‑child bonuses.
Q: What happens if I leave early?
A: You may be required to repay some or all of the grant money. Read the fine print carefully before committing.
Your Next Move
These relocation incentives are time‑sensitive and often capped by budget. If you’ve ever dreamed of living on an Irish isle, renovating an Italian chalet, or exploring a Japanese town firsthand—2025 might be your year.
Start your application today, and let the world pay you to move!All information is accurate as of May 2025. Program details may change; always verify with official regional or national government resources before applying.
