Relocating overseas can sometimes come with financial incentives. Several countries and cities offer cash rewards to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.
These programs aim to boost local economies, reverse population decline, or restore neglected areas.
Whether you’re a digital nomad or an entrepreneur, some locations provide relocation grants, tax benefits, and fast-tracked visas. Below is a detailed look at the motivations behind these programs and where you can find them.
Why Do Some Countries Pay You To Relocate?
Many regions offer financial incentives to solve economic or demographic challenges. A common reason is population decline, especially in rural or post industrial towns.
Offering relocation packages helps attract young professionals, families, and skilled workers who can contribute to local life and services.
Another key motive is economic development. Areas struggling with job shortages or a lack of innovation may target entrepreneurs and remote workers who can bring new skills and spending power.
This not only boosts the local economy but also encourages new business growth and job creation.
Some places suffer from “brain drain”, when educated professionals leave for better opportunities elsewhere.
To counteract this, governments or municipalities invest in return migration schemes. Others seek help restoring aging infrastructure by inviting people to move in and take part in revitalization projects.
Education is another draw. Teachers in high-demand fields or international students may receive support to relocate, helping improve local education systems and cultural diversity.
These programs vary widely in eligibility, funding, and duration, but they all share the goal of making certain regions more attractive and livable.
USA’s States That Will Pay You to Relocate
Several US states have introduced creative programs to attract new residents, especially in smaller cities and towns with declining populations.
Here are key examples of active relocation incentives:
| State | City/Program Name | Incentive Offered | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | Tulsa Remote | Up to $10,000 grant | Remote workers must relocate to Bemidji and participate in the community program |
| Minnesota | 218 Relocate (Bemidji) | $2,500 moving expenses, free coworking, concierge help | Must work full-time and make Topeka the primary residence |
| Alaska | Permanent Fund Dividend | Annual cash dividend (e.g., $3,284 in 2022) | Must reside in Alaska for a full dividend year |
| Vermont | Worker Relocation Incentive | Up to $7,500 grant | Must become a full-time Vermont resident and either work in-state or remotely |
| Kansas | Choose Topeka | Up to $15,000 for on-site workers; $5,000+ for remote | Must build a home in Newton and follow the city planning approval process |
| Iowa | Get to Know Newton | $10,000 grant + $2,500 welcome coupons | Must build a home in Newton and follow city planning approval process |
| Tennessee | GeekMove (Chattanooga) | Forgivable second mortgage | Only for computer programmers; must move 50+ miles to Chattanooga |
Oklahoma – Tulsa Remote Program
Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers a relocation grant of up to $10,000 to eligible remote workers through its Tulsa Remote initiative. The package includes co-working space access and community-building events. Applicants must commit to living in Tulsa for at least one year.
Minnesota – 218 Relocate in Bemidji
Bemidji, Minnesota, offers up to $2,500 for moving expenses, free co-working space, and a personalized support program through 218 Relocate. The city also boasts some of the fastest internet speeds in the country, ideal for digital professionals.
Alaska – Permanent Fund Dividend
Alaska residents benefit from the Permanent Fund Dividend, which distributes annual payments to locals from state oil revenues. In 2022, each resident received $3,284. There’s no state income tax, though living costs can be high, particularly in remote areas.
Vermont – Worker Relocation Incentive
Vermont’s Worker Relocation Incentive Program offers up to $7,500 to new residents employed full-time either within the state or remotely. Applicants must meet income criteria and commit to long-term residency.
Kansas – Choose Topeka
Topeka, Kansas, provides relocation bonuses of up to $15,000 for employees moving into the city. The Choose Topeka program supports both on-site and remote workers, offering cash grants and housing support with proof of employment and residency.
Iowa – Get to Know Newton
Newton, Iowa, encourages new home construction through its Get to Know Newton initiative. Relocators can receive up to $10,000, plus additional tax breaks and a $2,500 discount pack for local businesses, making it attractive for families seeking affordability.
Tennessee – Chattanooga’s GeekMove
Chattanooga’s GeekMove program supports programmers relocating from over 50 miles away. Qualifying individuals receive a forgivable second mortgage to reduce housing costs. However, slots are limited and competitive, favoring applicants in software-related fields.
Countries That Will Pay You to Relocate
Beyond the US, many countries have launched compelling programs to encourage relocation.
These incentives often target specific demographics such as young professionals, retirees, educators, and digital nomads. Below are some of the most notable international opportunities:
| No. | Country | Program Name/Location | Incentive Amount | Eligibility Criteria | Program Goal | Residency Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Spain | Ponga, Asturias | €3,000 per family + €3,000 per child | Families, establish residency | Repopulate rural village | 5 years |
| 2. | Switzerland | Albinen, Valais | $28,000/adult, $11,000/child | Under 45, Swiss residency, home worth $223,000+ | Boost population in remote town | 10 years |
| 3. | Italy | Candela, Apulia | €800–€2,000 (singles–families) | Residency, €7,500 min. income | Revive depopulated village | None specified |
| 4. | Canada | Saskatchewan GRP | Up to CAD 20,000 ($15,000) | Graduates from approved institutions | Retain talent in province | 7 years |
| 5. | England | International Relocation Payment | £10,000 ($12,500) | Non-UK teachers (languages/physics), 2023/24 | Address teacher shortage | 1 academic year |
| 6. | Ireland | Our Living Islands | Up to €84,000 | Purchase/renovate pre-1993 island homes | Boost island economies | None, but residency needed |
| 7. | Chile | Start-Up Chile | Up to $100,000 | Tech startups (Build/Ignite/Growth categories) | Build Santiago tech hub | 1 year (visa duration) |
| 8. | Mauritius | Startup Funding | 20,000 MUR ($440) | Innovative business plan | Support entrepreneurial growth | None specified |
| 9. | Greece | Antikythera | €500 ($542)/month for 3 years | Families with 3+ children, Greek residency | Repopulate remote island | 3 years |
| 10. | Croatia | Legrad | $0.16 homes + $4,000 renovation | Under 40, financially stable, no property | Revitalize rural town | 15 years |
1. Spain: Revitalizing Rural Towns
Spain’s rural villages, or pueblos, have seen declining populations due to urban migration. To counteract this, local governments offer financial incentives to attract new residents.
- Ponga, Asturias: Offers €3,000 to families relocating, plus an additional €3,000 per child born in the town.
- Rubiá, Galicia: Provides a monthly income supplement of €100–€150 for new residents.
- Village Purchase Opportunities: Some towns allow buyers to purchase abandoned villages at low prices, provided they invest in restoration and revitalization projects.
These incentives aim to rejuvenate communities and preserve cultural heritage through new economic activity.
2. Switzerland: Cash Incentives in Albinen
Switzerland’s mountain town of Albinen in the canton of Valais offers significant financial support to increase its shrinking population.
- Incentive Amount: Up to 25,000 Swiss Francs (approx. US$28,000) per adult and 10,000 Swiss Francs (US$11,000) per child.
- Total Potential Payout: A family of four could receive up to US$70,000.
- Requirements: Minimum 10-year residency commitment, ownership of a property valued at least 200,000 Swiss Francs (US$223,000), and applicants must be current Swiss residents meeting specific residency criteria.
This program seeks to stabilize the town’s demographic structure while maintaining its Alpine charm.
3. Italy: Village Revival Programs
Italy faces depopulation in several historic towns, prompting local governments to launch relocation incentives.
- Candela, Apulia: Offers up to €2,000 for families, with lower amounts for singles and couples. Residents must earn at least €7,500 annually and register formal residency.
- Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Abruzzo: Grants up to €44,000 to EU and non-EU residents aged 18–40 who commit to starting a business and living there for five years.
- Calabria Region : Provides up to €28,000 over two to three years for applicants under 40 willing to contribute to local development.
These programs aim to restore historical villages and promote sustainable economic growth.
4. Canada: Graduate Retention in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan encourages graduates to settle in the province through its Graduate Retention Program (GRP).
- Eligibility: Graduates from approved institutions within the past seven years.
- Total Benefit: Up to CA$20,000 in tax rebates paid over seven years.
- Structure: 10% annually for the first four years (CA$ 2,000/year) and 20% for the final three (CA$ 4,000/year).
- Benefits: Low cost of living, access to national parks, and growing job markets.
This initiative supports workforce development and long-term economic growth.
5. England: Teacher Recruitment Incentives
England addresses teacher shortages through its International Relocation Payment (IRP) scheme.
- Target Audience: Non-UK trainee teachers and foreign-qualified language and physics educators.
- Incentive Amount: £10,000 lump sum.
- Eligibility: Applicants must move to England for the 2023/24 academic year and not already reside in the UK.
The program aims to fill critical education gaps and enhance classroom diversity.
6. Ireland: Island and Startup Opportunities
Ireland’s vibrant culture and business-friendly environment make it a top relocation destination.
- Our Living Islands
- Enterprise Ireland
7. Chile: Startup Hub in South America
Chile aims to transform Santiago into a tech hub with generous startup incentives.
- Start-Up Chile
- This program offers up to $100,000 in equity-free funding, a one-year visa, coworking spaces, and networking for startups.
- Categories include Build ($15,000 for early-stage), Ignite ($25,000–$45,000 for growing startups), and Growth ($100,000 for established firms).
- Female-led startups receive priority. Applicants must have a tech-based, scalable business less than one year (Build) or three years (Ignite) old.
8. Mauritius: Tropical Startup Incentives
Mauritius, a multicultural island, supports entrepreneurs with modest funding.
- Startup Funding
9. Greece: Island Life Incentives
Greece’s aging population and low birth rates have led to programs encouraging relocation to remote islands.
- Antikythera
10. Croatia: Affordable Rural Living
Croatia’s rural areas face population decline, prompting unique housing incentives.
- Legrad
- Legrad sells homes for 1 Kuna ($0.16) to those under 40, financially stable, and without property ownership.
- A $4,000 renovation grant is provided, but residents must stay for 15 years. The town’s serene setting by the Drava River attracts nature lovers.
Bottom Line
Each program has unique requirements, such as minimum residency periods, proof of income, or business plans.
Non-EU citizens may need visas, like Spain’s digital nomad visa or Ireland’s entrepreneur residency.
Applicants should research visa processes, local living costs, and cultural factors. For example, Ponga, Spain, requires contacting the municipal office directly, as online application details are limited.
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