From free houses in Greece to cash grants up to €84,000, these countries are offering generous incentives to attract new residents
Saskatchewan aims to get more students to stay(Image: Getty)
As remote working becomes more commonplace and many people seek a change of lifestyle, several nations across the globe are going the extra mile to entice new residents – offering financial incentives, free housing, or generous grants to bolster their populations.
Whether you dream of breathing in Alpine air in Switzerland, enjoying sun-drenched Greek island life, or relocating to a peaceful Spanish village, the opportunities on offer are remarkably appealing.
Here’s an in-depth look at seven nations actively encouraging people to move there, and what they’re offering to those who make the leap.
Switzerland – More than £26,000 per household to settle in a stunning Alpine village
Switzerland is celebrated for its exceptional standard of living, and one village is willing to pay handsomely to draw in new inhabitants. The village of Albinen, located in the canton of Valais, launched an incentive programme in 2017 to tackle a shrinking population, reports the Express.
The scheme offers CHF 25,000 (roughly £22,000) per adult and CHF 10,000 (around £8,800) per child. For a household of two adults and one child, that amounts to over £26,000.
There are conditions: candidates must be under 45, commit to residing in Albinen for a minimum of 10 years, and purchase or build a property worth at least CHF 200,000. Those who leave before the ten years are up must repay the money.
Ireland – As much as €84,000 to rejuvenate island communities
Ireland’s “Our Living Islands” scheme represents one of the continent’s most far-reaching relocation programmes. Operating through to 2033, the initiative seeks to increase populations across remote islands dotting Ireland’s coastline by providing grants to help new residents buy and restore vacant or dilapidated homes.
Successful applicants can receive up to €84,000, with amounts varying according to the level of renovation needed. Eligible properties must have remained empty for a minimum of two years and been built prior to 1993. Once restored, they must function as a principal residence or long-term rental property – short-term holiday accommodation is excluded.
The scheme is open to both Irish nationals and overseas candidates. Administered by local county councils, the grant aims to encourage population expansion, strengthen regional economies, and safeguard the long-term viability of these traditional communities.
For those working remotely and digital nomads, it offers an appealing chance to move somewhere peaceful while benefiting from substantial financial assistance.
Greece – Complimentary accommodation and €500 per month on secluded island
For individuals drawn to Mediterranean serenity, the Greek island of Antikythera offers an exceptional relocation arrangement.
Regional authorities, backed by the Greek Orthodox Church, are providing a complimentary house, a parcel of land, and a monthly payment of €500 for the initial three years to new families willing to establish themselves there. The scheme is aimed at young families and skilled tradespeople, including builders, bakers and craftspeople, who can contribute meaningfully to the island’s community.
Mayor Efstaratios Charcalakis has previously said the goal is to bring back the sound of children’s laughter to the island’s streets.
However, moving to Antikythera isn’t for everyone. The island is still small and remote, with limited facilities, while many homes require significant renovation work.
Those who relocate are expected to embrace a quieter way of life and show a long-term dedication to rebuilding the community.
For the right individual, though, it offers an exceptional chance to build a life on a peaceful Aegean island.
Spain – Financial grants and monthly payments to draw digital nomads and families
Spain is actively seeking new inhabitants to tackle rural depopulation, especially in villages that have seen their populations fall sharply in recent decades. Several regional schemes offer financial support to digital nomads, entrepreneurs and families.
In Extremadura, remote workers can apply for grants of up to €15,000 on condition they reside there for at least two years. Ponga, a town in northwest Spain, offers around £2,600 (€2,971) to attract newcomers, plus extra support for each child born in the area. In the meantime, the Galician village of Rubia offers families €150 each month to bolster local school attendance numbers.
Beyond these regional initiatives, Spain’s digital nomad visa offers reduced corporation tax rates for newly formed businesses and a route to residency for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
Japan – Up to ¥4.8 million for relocating from Tokyo to rural areas
Japan has been encouraging migration from Tokyo to the countryside for several years, though incentives have recently been enhanced in response to historically low birth rates.
In 2023, just 758,631 babies were born – a 5.1% decline from 2022 – triggering renewed attempts to revitalise rural communities.
Families can now claim 1 million yen (approximately £5,400) per child when relocating from Tokyo, with additional financial support available for starting a business or securing local employment. Under certain conditions, total relocation assistance can reach ¥4.8 million.
The objective is to ease congestion in the capital while injecting energy and entrepreneurship into struggling communities. Families must remain in their new location for at least five years, and at least one adult must work or run a business locally.
USA – Financial incentives and benefits for remote workers
Numerous towns and cities throughout the United States are providing relocation packages to attract remote workers and skilled professionals, aiming to strengthen local economies and reverse population decline. Tulsa, Oklahoma operates the renowned Tulsa Remote scheme, providing financial incentives and perks to remote workers prepared to move there, while Choose Topeka in Kansas offers up to $15,000 in rewards for people working in specific sectors.
Mattoon, Illinois, delivers a “Move to Mattoon” package featuring $5,000 in cash, vouchers for local establishments, and community memberships.
While each scheme has its own eligibility criteria, the goal is identical: to draw economically active newcomers who can bolster communities while enjoying a substantially lower cost of living than major cities.
Canada – Up to CA$20,000 in tuition reimbursements for graduates
Canada’s Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Programme aims to keep skilled graduates within the province by refunding tuition fees of up to CA$20,000 (£11,580).
To qualify, students must have graduated from an approved Canadian institution and plan to live in or move to Saskatchewan after finishing their studies. The sum refunded depends on the length of the degree.
The initiative provides a valuable financial lift to young people starting their careers, while simultaneously encouraging them to contribute to the local economy.