Some nations are offering cash incentives to move in as many Brits claim to be looking to escape the UK
Relocation doesn’t always have to drain your bank account; certain destinations are offering financial incentives to attract new residents. Wayne Mills of Seven Seas Worldwide commented: “It’s a win-win: you get a fresh start and a helping hand, while local economies enjoy a much-needed boost.” However, it’s important to understand that these offers typically come with strings attached — from settling in particular areas, specific professional qualifications, to family size.
Take Ireland for example: if you’re willing to make the move to one of its 30 charming coastal islands and invest in vacated property there, you could pocket up to €84,000 in cash grants. The Professional at Seven Seas noted: “Ireland is looking to revitalise and future-proof these beautiful islands by attracting a newer, younger population.”
To qualify for this enticing deal, buyers must commit to purchasing and renovating a home on one of these islands, plus reside there for a minimum of a decade. Targeted mainly towards the growing demographic of remote workers and digital nomads, the Irish government also promises enhanced transport connections, better internet access, and improved health services across these picturesque localities.
Switzerland is beckoning young families with an enticing offer: move to the picturesque alpine village of Albinen and you could pocket a hefty bonus of 20,000 CHF (£17,000), plus an additional 10,000 CHF (£8,900) for each child. However, there’s a catch – you must be under 45, buy a property worth at least 200,000 CHF (£178,000), commit to living there for ten years, and take up Swiss citizenship.
Meanwhile, Spain’s northern Asturias region, particularly Ponga, is also luring new residents with a financial incentive of €2,971 (£2,475), and the same amount for every baby born there. Travel expert Wayne gushed about Ponga, saying: “Ponga is a little off the beaten track for tourists, but its mountainous landscape is absolutely jaw-dropping. It’s the perfect place to live in tune with nature – and the region produces amazing wines! “.
Greece, on the other hand, opts for a monthly approach, offering a stipend of €500 (£416) to newcomers on the sparsely populated island of Antikythera. With only 45 permanent residents, Greece is keen to attract young families to settle and rejuvenate the community over a three-year period.
Italy is luring new residents with tempting cash incentives across three regions. Calabria is dishing out a hefty €28,000 (£23,000) to under-40s who move to their quaint villages and either start a business or take on vital jobs.
Over in Presicce and Acquarica, families are being enticed with up to €30,000 (£24,000) to purchase homes, plus a sweet €1,000 (£800) bonus for every newborn. And not to be outdone, Sardinia is offering €15,000 (£12,000) to those willing to buy and refurbish homes in smaller towns and commit to becoming full-time residents.
Venturing outside Europe, Japan’s Regional Revitalisation Program is handing out up to ¥4,800,000 (£24,000) to those ready to embrace life in the countryside. Wayne shared: “A lot of young Japanese people don’t want to go through the hassle of trying to find a buyer when they inherit old family homes, so there are hundreds of traditional Japanese countryside houses offering amazing locations, space, and architecture that are just going to waste right now.”
Canada, targeting students, offers a unique program where it reimburses up to CA$20,000 (£11,000) for those who study at a Canadian institution for four years. Graduates must permanently move to Saskatchewan to address the local need for skilled professionals.