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With more people working remotely than ever, it’s perhaps no surprise that there are increasing numbers of people keen to experience the expat or digital nomad lifestyle.
However, with moving abroad being an expensive ordeal, it can be stressful even starting to think about where to go. That’s where the following list comes in. Due to depopulation and dwindling economies, there are certain places across the world that are actually willing to pay expats to move there.
Granted, these places are relatively isolated and in desperate need of livening up - but if you’re a digital nomad looking for a quiet place to settle down, get your work done, and earn a nice financial incentive for the pleasure, then you might just find your ideal next home here.
Our experts at MoneyTransfers.com have compiled a list of the places all around the world currently offering grants and financial incentives for individuals and families willing to move there - plus four rumours we’ve busted once and for all. Read on to find out where in the world might appeal to you.
"Individuals seeking the expat or digital nomad life but on a budget can kill two birds with one stone with these unique destinations offering a financial incentive to move there.
While these locations might not be hubs of activity, they're well worth considering if you're looking for a quiet, beautiful place to settle and work on your business or create a home for your family."Jonathan Merry, CEO of MoneyTransfers.comJonathan Merry
USA
1. Vermont
The state of Vermont offers a program called the Remote Worker Grant Program. Eligible remote workers can receive up to the maximum amount of $7,500.
However, the downside is that you won’t receive your grant until you have relocated, completed your application to declare what labour market area you reside in, and upload your qualified relocation expenses for moving to Vermont.
2. Curtis, Nebraska
The Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF) provides competitive matching grants to non-profit development organisations that administer workforce housing investment funds in Curtis, Nebraska. To increase the supply of workforce housing in Nebraska's rural communities and reduce costs, these funds are invested in eligible projects.
In rural communities, workforce housing meets the needs of working families and appeals to new residents. The town offers financial incentives in the form of home construction assistance to individuals willing to build a home in Curtis.
Switzerland
3. Albinen
The picturesque village of Albinen in Switzerland offers financial incentives to attract new residents.
The Albinen local authority will provide grants of up to CHF 70,000 (~£61,400) per family for relocating to the village.
The scheme is open to Swiss citizens with a permit C residence and citizens of EU or countries, as well as the US and Canada, who can obtain a permit after living in Switzerland for five years. For this scheme, you must be under 45 years old and agree to live in a home valued at least 200,000 Swiss Francs in Albinen for at least ten years - so it’s not a decision you should make lightly!
Spain
4. Griegos, Teruel
Situated in the Aragón region of Spain between Madrid and Valencia, the pretty village of Griegos is offering financial incentives to families (with children) that settle in the area.
The village is offering families that move there a new job, as well as three months rent-free accommodation. After this time, families will have to pay just €225 per month, which can be further reduced by €50 for every school-aged child they have.
Italy
5. Sicily, Italy
Some towns in Sicily, Italy, have introduced initiatives to attract new residents. One of Italy’s and Sicily’s most beautiful villages – Petralia Soprana – dipped below 3,000 residents in recent years, and has introduced incentives to reduce the effect depopulation is having on the local community and economy.
For people who decide to move to the town and make it their home, the local authorities are offering grants of up to 5,000 euros.
In addition, Sambuca di Sicilia, a small town of about 6,000 people, has likewise been shrinking as residents continue to move to larger cities. The town is selling homes for only €1 to boost the population. As a condition of the loan, you must renovate the run-down house within three years and pay a €5,000 security deposit.
6. Presicce-Acquarica, Province of Lecce
Presicce-Acquarica, in southern Italy, comprises the towns of Presicce and Acquarica del Capo. For new residents, Presicce-Acquarica is currently offering grants of up to €30,000.
To be eligible, participants need to buy a pre-1991 property in the town and register as an official resident there. It is thought that the plans will be officially confirmed on the local town hall’s website in 2023.
7. Candela
A few hours from Naples, in the province of Foggia, Candela is home to about 2,700 people and is another small Italian village feeling the negative effects of depopulation. The mayor of the town is offering between €800 for singles and €2,000 for families to move there and settle down.
Participants in this scheme are required to invest in a house built before 1991, move their permanent residence to the town, and have a job.
Chile
8. Chile Start Up Programs
While many of the European destinations that will pay you to live there may seem more aimed at families, Chile is one destination ideal for budding entrepreneurs and digital nomads.
The country’s accelerator program, Start-Up Chile, offers grants for three separate programs:
Build: This is a 4-month program for entrepreneurs looking to launch their business. Successful applicants receive a $14,000 grant and a 1-year resident visa.
Ignite: For entrepreneurs and start up founders who are already running their business but looking for somewhere to expand, this 4-month program allocates around $30,000 equity-free, and offers an additional $30,000 extension.
Growth: This program is targeted for larger start ups (would your whole company and staff be willing to move to Chile?!)
To apply to any of the programs, you’re required to submit your application with details about your business - the next step would be a formal interview to assess your suitability for any of the three programs.
Ireland
9. Irish Grants For Start Ups
Ireland is another country investing in entrepreneurship via financial incentives, Enterprise Ireland is a program available to expats all over the world, giving approved businesses thousands of Euros in funding and tax credits.
10. Off shore communities
Non-business owners can also get paid to move to the stunning country of Ireland. 23 secluded islands are included in the program offering people €80,000 (~£68,700) to settle there.
The program, called ‘Our Living Islands’ is an attempt to boost the population in these offshore communities. Participants are required to own a property built before 1993 on one of the islands. You should be aware, however, that the money can only be used towards structural repairs/redecoration on your home and you will be living in a very remote community with no direct access to the mainland.
Places That Might (But Likely Won’t) Pay You To Live There:
- Kaitangata, New Zealand: You might find several articles claiming that the small town of Kaitangata in New Zealand is willing to pay up to $160,000 for job seekers to relocate there. However, the town has recently confirmed that these articles are not true.
- Ponga, Spain: There are numerous reports that Ponga, a municipality in Spain, offers a "residency promotion plan" where they offer £2,600 per person to those who move there. However, we’ve found articles dating back to 2021 reporting this but can find no official confirmation from the town.
- Antikythera, Greece: There are also several news articles floating around promoting this small Greek town for families. While we could find evidence that the town is suffering from depopulation, we couldn’t find any hard data that a financial incentive is being offered.
- Scottish Islands: For a time, the Scottish government planned on launching a £50,000 incentive to encourage young people and families to move to a number of low-population islands and communities. However, the government confirmed last year that the project, called the Islands Bond, was no longer going ahead.
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