Dreaming of a fresh start abroad—with cash incentives to help you settle in? Believe it or not, several countries and cities around the world are offering financial rewards, tax breaks, and other perks to attract remote workers, entrepreneurs, and even families.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery and some extra financial support, here are some of the best places where you can get paid to move there.
1. Italy – €30,000 to Move to Rural Villages
Several small towns in Italy are struggling with population decline and are offering incentives to newcomers. For example:
- Sardinia: Offers up to €15,000 to buy or renovate a home in certain villages.
- Calabria: Pays €28,000 over three years to those who relocate to towns with fewer than 2,000 residents.
- Presicce (Puglia): Provides €30,000 for buying an abandoned home and turning it into a residence.
Who qualifies? Remote workers, freelancers, and families willing to settle in rural areas.
2. Portugal – Tax Breaks & Remote Work Perks
Portugal has become a hotspot for digital nomads and retirees, thanks to its Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which offers 10 years of tax exemptions on foreign income. Some regions also provide additional incentives:
- Madeira Island: Offers free coworking spaces and networking opportunities for remote workers through the Digital Nomad Village.
- Santa Fe (Alentejo): Provides land for €1 if you commit to building a home and living there.
Who qualifies? Remote workers, retirees, and entrepreneurs.
3. Greece – 50% Tax Discount for Remote Workers
Greece launched the “Digital Nomad Visa”, allowing remote workers to live there tax-free for up to 7 years if they relocate to certain islands or rural areas. Additionally:
- Antikythera: Offers €500/month for three years to families who move to this tiny island.
- Other villages: Some provide free land or housing to attract new residents.
Who qualifies? Self-employed professionals, freelancers, and remote employees.
4. Switzerland – €60,000 to Move to Albinen
The picturesque Swiss village of Albinen was losing residents, so they introduced a program to pay up to CHF 25,000 (€25,000) per adult and CHF 10,000 (€10,000) per child (totaling up to €60,000 for a family) to move there.
Catch: You must commit to living there for at least 10 years and invest in property.
Who qualifies? Families and individuals under 45 years old willing to settle long-term.
5. Ireland – €84,000 for Remote Workers in Rural Areas
Through the “Our Rural Future” program, Ireland offers grants up to €84,000 to refurbish abandoned properties in rural towns—if you agree to live and work remotely from there.
Who qualifies? Remote workers and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the local economy.
6. Spain – Free Housing & Cash in Empty Villages
Several Spanish villages are offering free or cheap housing to repopulate declining areas:
- Ponga (Asturias): Pays €3,000 to couples who move there and have children.
- La Rioja: Offers €15,000 for home renovations in small towns.
Who qualifies? Remote workers, families, and those willing to start businesses.
7. Japan – $18,000 to Move Out of Tokyo
Japan’s government is offering ¥1 million (about $7,000) per child (up to ¥3 million/$18,000 per family) to relocate from Tokyo to rural areas suffering from depopulation.
Who qualifies? Families with children and remote workers.
8. Chile – $12,000 for Remote Workers & Startups
Chile’s “Start-Up Chile” program offers $12,000 in equity-free funding for entrepreneurs willing to move and grow their businesses there.
Who qualifies? Founders, digital nomads, and tech professionals.
9. New Zealand – Work Visas & Relocation Support
While not direct cash payments, New Zealand offers fast-track visas for skilled workers and entrepreneurs, along with settlement support for those moving to smaller towns.
Who qualifies? Skilled professionals, investors, and startup founders.
10. Tulsa, USA – $10,000 Remote Worker Grant
Not a country, but Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers $10,000 in cash plus coworking memberships to remote workers who relocate there for at least one year.
Who qualifies? U.S.-based remote workers.
These programs are perfect for digital nomads, families, and entrepreneurs looking for affordable living, scenic locations, and financial incentives. However, always check visa requirements, tax implications, and long-term commitments before making the move.
Would you take advantage of these offers? Let us know in the comments!
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