A number of countries around the world offer financial incentives for relocation, with one of the happiest countries in the world, Switzerland, among them
The prospect of moving abroad can be enticing, offering a fresh start and an exciting adventure. However, the financial burden and the daunting task of uprooting your life can often deter people. But what if you were actually paid to relocate?
A number of countries around the world are offering financial incentives to encourage people to move there. Switzerland, frequently ranked as one of the safest and happiest countries in the world, is one such place.
According to a ranking put together by US News which looked at safety, happiness and other quality of life factors, Switzerland is the best country in the world.
The Swiss government is offering young adults under 45 a bonus of 20,000 CHF (approximately £15,000), plus an additional 10,000 CHF (around £7,500) per child to settle in the picturesque alpine village of Albinen. There are conditions attached though: you’ll need to buy a home worth over 200,000 CHF (about £150,000), commit to living in Switzerland for at least ten years, and become a Swiss citizen.
“Switzerland is routinely mentioned as one of the safest and happiest countries in the world,” says Wayne Mills, Head of Operations at Seven Seas Worldwide, an international shipping company providing convenient and affordable solutions for international movers, reports the Express. He further added, “Albinen is set right in the middle of the stunning Swiss Alps, so if you fancy enjoying a serene lifestyle in one of the world’s most beautiful countries-snow-capped mountains included-consider moving to Albinen! ” This initiative is part of a broader effort by many countries to counter declining populations and talent drain by enticing new citizens to specific areas.
Living in Switzerland might be a bit pricey, similar to London and New York City, but the welcome package on offer could make a world of difference. The quality of life in this scenic country is one of the highest worldwide. Swiss citizens have an average lifespan of 84 years, which is four years more than the OECD average. The crime rate is also one of the lowest, and it ranks among the top ten countries for healthcare.
While Switzerland may the best country by one metric, Finland is the place to go for happiness, according to the World Happiness Report produced by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
The study assigns a happiness score on a scale of zero to 10, based on an average of data over a three-year period, using people’s own assessment of their happiness, as well as economic and social data.
According to Frank Martela, a Finnish psychologist and philosopher, part of the reason his countryfolk are so content is due to the nation’s non-competitive nature. The common phrase “Kell’ onni on, se onnen kätkeköön” which roughly translates as “Don’t compare or brag about your happiness” sums up the easy going atmosphere in the country.
The Finns also enjoy four weeks of summer holidays a year and love the country’s rugged natural landscape, with 87% of the population saying nature helped them to peaceful and relaxed.