Looking for countries that pay you to move there in 2025? Explore cash bonuses, free homes, and grants in towns across Europe and beyond.
Most people think moving abroad means draining your bank account, selling furniture on Facebook Marketplace, and crying into bubble wrap. But some countries are so desperate for new residents, they’ll literally pay you to pack your bags.
From Italy’s €1 houses to Japan’s cash-for-kids incentives, these programs aren’t scams – they’re real opportunities with quirky rules. You’ll need visas, patience, and maybe some renovation skills (or at least a YouTube crash course in plastering).
Sounds too good to be true? Sometimes these tempting offers come with hidden challenges you’ll want to uncover before packing your bags. But if you do your homework, plan carefully, and embrace the adventure, these relocation incentives can turn a dream move into a rewarding reality.
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💰 10 Countries That Pay You to Move There in 2025
Whether you’re looking for a list of countries that pay Americans to move there, or countries that pay you to move there for free, you’ll find that most of the countries in the list below fit the bill.
Here’s a guide to the most enticing countries that pay you to live there in 2025. These generous programs offer cash, free homes, and relocation perks for adventurous newcomers.
🍝 Italy: €1 Homes & Cash for New Residents
Italy’s villages are whispering, “Please don’t leave us to the ghosts!” Mayors are dangling cash, cheap houses, and renovation perks to lure newcomers and bring life back to sleepy piazzas, cafés, and schools.
Towns Offering Incentives:
- Sambuca, Sicily – Sold 200 homes for €1; pizza nights included (sort of).
- Ollolai, Sardinia – Sardinian charm and €1 villas waiting for brave renovators.
- Candela, Puglia – Singles get €800, families €2,000 – perfect for making new friends.
- Presicce, Puglia – Historic streets, €1 houses, and sunny afternoons.
- Teora, Campania – A small town with big dreams for new residents.
- Vermiglio, Trentino – Alpine paradise with renovation grants up to €100,000.
What They Offer:
- €1 Homes with Renovation Grants – Buy an abandoned gem for the price of a coffee, then bring it back to life.
- Cash Bonuses – Extra incentives from €800 to €30,000 depending on the town.
- Tax Incentives for Entrepreneurs – Start a café, gelato shop, or tiny vineyard and get rewarded.
Who Qualifies:
- Age: Under 40–45 years.
- Residency: Must live full-time, usually 3 – 5 years.
- Renovation: Property must be renovated within a set timeframe.
What to Keep in Mind:
- Renovation Costs: That €1 house? The purchase is cheap, but roofs, plumbing, and floors may cost €10,000 – 50,000 to fix.
- Legal Fees: Notaries, registration, and municipal paperwork add up – so don’t forget the small print.
- Language & Culture: Italians love chatting, so learning basic Italian will save you from awkward hand gestures.
- Infrastructure: Some villages have fewer amenities, so plan for healthcare, groceries, and schooling.
If you’ve ever dreamt of sipping espresso in a medieval piazza, rescuing a crumbling villa, and getting a little cash along the way, Italy’s €1 homes might just be your fairy-tale move. Just pack patience, a sense of humor, and maybe a hammer or two.
💃 Spain: Sun, Sangria, and Subsidies
Spain’s rural villages are losing residents faster than tapas disappear at a Friday night feast! To fill empty plazas, reopen schools, and keep bakeries bustling, towns are offering cash incentives and affordable housing to attract families and entrepreneurs – keeping fiestas, traditions, and community life alive.
Towns Offering Incentives:
- Ponga, Asturias – Up to €3,000 per child and moving allowance.
- Rubia, Galicia – Relocation bonuses to attract new residents.
- Griegos, Teruel – Incentives for families and small business owners.
- A Xesta, Galicia – Subsidized housing, around €100/month.
What They Offer:
- Cash grants for relocation and children.
- Affordable or subsidized housing.
- Support for small business startups.
Who Qualifies:
- Families with children are often prioritized.
- Applicants must commit to long-term residency.
What to Keep in Mind:
- Residency Commitment: Grants and housing require living in the village full-time, usually for several years.
- Infrastructure: Some villages have limited schools, healthcare, and transport.
- Integration: Learning basic Spanish and participating in local life is often expected.
- Hidden Costs: Moving, renovations, and daily living expenses may reduce the net financial benefit.
⛷️ Switzerland: Alpine Living with Cash Incentives
Even the cows are feeling lonely in Albinen! This postcard-perfect Alpine village is at risk of turning into a ghost town, so paying new residents is the plan to keep schools open, traditions alive, and the mountains buzzing with life.
Towns Offering Incentives:
- Albinen, Valais – Offers cash to attract families and young residents.
What They Offer:
- CHF 25,000 per adult and CHF 10,000 per child.
- Must buy or build a property worth at least CHF 200,000.
Who Qualifies:
- Individuals under 45 years old.
- Commitment to live in Albinen for at least 10 years.
What to Keep in Mind:
- Long-Term Commitment: The program requires a decade-long residency.
- Property Costs: CHF 200,000 minimum property purchase or construction required.
- Lifestyle & Infrastructure: Remote Alpine location means limited amenities and services.
- Integration: Active participation in village life is expected, and familiarity with local customs or German/French may help.
🏝️ Greece: Island Life with Monthly Stipends
On tiny islands like Antikythera, goats might outnumber people! With schools, shops, and villages at risk, cash, free homes, and land are on the table to lure families and adventurous souls to keep island life thriving – and your new neighbors might include a friendly goat or two.
Towns Offering Incentives:
- Antikythera Island – A remote island offering financial support and property to new residents.
What They Offer:
- €500 per month for up to three years.
- Free housing or land.
- Access to local produce, fishing, and island amenities.
Who Qualifies:
- Families or individuals committed to permanent residence on the island.
What to Keep in Mind:
- Residency Requirement: Must live full-time on the island.
- Remote Location: Limited transport, healthcare, and other services.
- Adaptation: Island life may require adjusting to a slower pace and rustic living conditions.
- Community Involvement: Participation in local life is often expected.
☘️ Ireland: Digital Nomad-Friendly Grants
Empty classrooms, quiet pubs, and lonely ferries – Ireland’s rural coasts need some new neighbors! Grants for remote workers give you a reason to trade city chaos for cliffside views, helping keep schools, pubs, and island communities buzzing with life.
Towns Offering Incentives:
- Valentia Island, Kerry County – Offers grants and support for relocating digital workers.
- Arranmore Island, Donegal – Encourages remote workers to settle and contribute to community life.
What They Offer:
- Relocation grants for remote workers.
- Shared office hubs with high-speed internet.
- Affordable housing and support for community integration.
Who Qualifies:
- Remote workers and entrepreneurs.
- Commitment to live in the town for several years.
What to Keep in Mind:
- Residency Commitment: Grants require living on the island full-time.
- Infrastructure: Limited transport, healthcare, and services compared to cities.
- Integration: Participating in local life is expected.
- Lifestyle Adjustment: Island life may involve a slower pace and adapting to local customs.
🗾 Japan: Rural & National Revitalization Bonuses
As one of the top countries that pay you to move, Japan is paying people to bring villages back to life! Swap city crowds for rice paddies, local festivals, and friendly neighbors — all while getting generous cash, housing, and startup perks to make rural living fun and rewarding.
Towns Offering Incentives:
- Nagano Prefecture – cash and relocation grants for families and entrepreneurs
- Hokkaido towns – municipal packages with housing and business support
- Akita towns – child allowances and long-term residency perks
- Shimane towns – relocation subsidies and monthly stipends
What They Offer:
- Up to ¥1,000,000 per child for families relocating from urban areas
- Relocation grants and housing support
- Startup or business-support grants for entrepreneurs
- Monthly stipends in some municipalities for long-term residents
Who Qualifies:
- Families moving from Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, or Kanagawa
- Entrepreneurs or remote workers looking to settle in rural communities
- Foreign nationals with proper visas or long-term residency (check eligibility with local authorities)
What to Keep in Mind:
- Eligibility: Requirements vary by town and prefecture
- Commitment: Most programs expect several years of residence
- Due Diligence: Some towns may face challenges like aging populations, limited infrastructure, or environmental risks
- Hidden Costs: Moving, renovations, or lifestyle adjustments can add up
🌄 Chile: Start-Up Chile: Cash + Visas for Entrepreneurs
Chile isn’t just looking for residents — it’s chasing innovators! With Start-Up Chile, get funding, visa support, and mentorship while building your startup amid glaciers, deserts, and beaches.
Locations Offering Incentives:
- Santiago – central hub for acceleration programs
- Valparaíso – creative and tech-focused startups
- Concepción – growing entrepreneurial community
What They Offer:
- Equity-free funding from CLP 10M–75M (~$15k–$100k USD) depending on program track
- One-year resident visa for founders
- Mentorship, acceleration resources, and networking opportunities
- Optional additional funding for scaling innovative projects
Who Qualifies:
- Entrepreneurs with scalable startup ideas
- Individuals or teams ready to commit to building a business in Chile
- Open to Americans and other foreign nationals (check program requirements)
What to Keep in Mind:
- Eligibility: Incentives are for startup founders, not general relocation
- Commitment: Must actively develop your business during the program
- Due Diligence: Ensure your idea aligns with program objectives and regional needs
- Hidden Costs: Travel, living expenses, and local setup may not be fully covered
🍁 Canada: Free Land & Tax Incentives
Quiet streets, empty homes, and tumbleweed vibes? Canada’s rural towns are calling for new neighbors!
With free land, sweet tax breaks, and a helping hand from welcoming communities, it’s your chance to bring life back to these charming towns – and maybe finally have room for that dream garden or giant snow fort.
Towns Offering Incentives:
- Girouxville, Alberta – Offers land and incentives for new residents.
- Canso, Nova Scotia – Supports families relocating to rebuild the community.
- Pipestone, Manitoba – Provides land and guidance for newcomers.
What They Offer:
- Free land and housing assistance.
- Tax incentives for residents and businesses.
- Support for community integration and local engagement.
Who Qualifies:
- Families or individuals willing to relocate and build.
- Commitment to long-term residency in the town.
What to Keep in Mind:
- Residency & Building Commitment: Land is typically granted with the requirement to construct a home within a set timeframe.
- Infrastructure: Rural towns may have limited access to healthcare, schools, and transport.
- Climate & Lifestyle: Winters can be harsh, and rural life may require adapting to local conditions.
- Community Involvement: Active participation in town life is expected to maintain incentives.
🏡 United States: Cash, Land, and Remote Work Perks
How is the USA in a list of countries that pay you to move? Well, some U.S. towns are feeling a little too quiet. Empty streets, shuttered schools, and lonely Main Streets have locals waving “help wanted” signs – sometimes with actual cash attached!
These incentives lure families, remote workers, and entrepreneurs to revive communities, offering you the chance to enjoy extra perks.
Towns Offering Incentives:
- Tulsa, Oklahoma – Offers relocation bonuses and support for remote workers.
- Poplar Bluff, Missouri – Cash incentives and housing assistance to attract new residents.
- Paducah, Kentucky – Helps cover moving costs and provides support for community integration.
- Cumberland, Maryland – Student loan relief and tax perks for newcomers.
- Neodesha, Kansas – Grants for families or remote workers willing to settle long-term.
What They Offer:
- Cash bonuses ranging from $6,500 – $20,000.
- Housing or land assistance.
- Student loan relief or stipends for remote work setups.
Who Qualifies:
- Individuals, families, or remote workers who are committed to living in the town.
- Proof of income and agreement to stay for a set minimum period.
What to Keep in Mind:
- Residency Requirement: Most programs require living in the town full-time for several years.
- Community Engagement: Some towns expect participants to contribute to local life or economy.
- Hidden Costs: Moving, utilities, and property adjustments can eat into financial perks.
- Lifestyle Adjustment: Small-town life may involve fewer amenities and a slower pace than city living.
🥝 New Zealand: Affordable Housing Packages
Small towns like Kaitangata are waving ‘welcome’ signs and hoping you’ll answer! With affordable land-and-house packages, families and workers can snag a cozy home, enjoy peaceful Kiwi living, and help keep schools, shops, and community life buzzing.
Towns Offering Incentives:
- Kaitangata – Rural town with low-cost housing opportunities.
What They Offer:
- Land-and-house packages starting around NZ$165,000.
- Opportunities to join a close-knit community.
Who Qualifies:
- Individuals or families willing to relocate and commit to living in the town.
What to Keep in Mind:
- Residency Commitment: Must live full-time in the town.
- Infrastructure & Environment: Check for limited services or past challenges – for example, mining-related issues and floods.
- Building & Maintenance: Some packages may require renovation or construction.
- Lifestyle Adjustment: Rural living offers tranquility but requires adapting to a slower pace.
❓ What to Ask Before You Pack Your Bags
Getting paid to move abroad sounds like a dream – sunshine, sangria, and storybook villages – but it’s not all postcards and pasta.
Most programs have strings attached: renovation deadlines, minimum residency, proof of income, or community contributions. Before you chase that adventure, ask yourself these essential questions:
- Why the incentive? Why are they paying people to move in? Is it population decline, economic struggles, or past disasters you should know about? Don’t just take the money – do your homework.
- Visas & Residency: Do you have the right paperwork? Some programs want specific nationalities, long-term commitments, or proof you’re serious.
- Costs & Budget: What’s the real cost? Free houses and cash bonuses sound dreamy, but shipping, renovations, utilities, taxes, and local fees can pile up. Have you budgeted for the hidden stuff?
- Income & Jobs: How will you actually make money? Can you work remotely, start a business, or contribute locally as required?
- Housing & Condition: Is your new home move-in ready, or a fixer-upper straight from a horror movie? Are you ready to wield a hammer – or pay for renovation costs?
- Schools & Kids: Are there good schools nearby? Will your kids be welcomed or become instant local celebrities?
- Healthcare & Safety: Can you get to a hospital, clinic, or emergency service quickly if something goes wrong?
- Community & Culture: Will you fit in? Knowing the language and customs helps you make friends, survive village gossip, and the bureaucracy.
- Transport & Accessibility: How easy is it to grab groceries, see a doctor, or hop on a plane for a weekend escape? Adventure is fun, but convenience counts too.
- Legal & Tax Obligations: Free house ≠ tax-free. Know the property, residency, and income rules before surprises hit your wallet.
- Commitment & Expectations: Are you ready for multi-year residency, community participation, or other program conditions? Can you handle being part of the local life?
- Support Network: Who’s got your back? Friends, family, or fellow expats can make all the difference – otherwise, you may end up chatting only with goats.
- Climate & Environment: Snowy Alps, sunny islands, or endless rain – are you ready for what Mother Nature throws your way?
- Too good to be true? Could there be hidden challenges behind that cash bonus or €1 villa? Investigate before you pack that suitcase.
Moving for perks can be an incredible adventure, but asking these questions ensures you’ll be sipping sangria (or hot chocolate) instead of stressing over surprise costs, paperwork, or renovations.
Plan smart, stay curious, and embrace your new village life like a local hero!
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