12 Countries That Will Pay You Millions to Move and Settle There

As the cost of living continues to rise and remote work becomes more common, several countries and regions around the world are offering financial incentives to attract new residents. From cash grants to tax breaks and housing support, these programs are designed to revive shrinking communities, fill labor shortages, and boost local economies.

While most offers come with conditions such as minimum residency periods, employment requirements, or property purchases, they can provide a significant financial boost for people looking to start a new chapter abroad.

Here are 12 places that will pay you to move and stay.

1. Ireland

Ireland’s rural islands are offering generous grants under the “Our Living Islands” initiative. Eligible applicants can receive up to €84,000 (about Shs350 million) to renovate vacant or derelict homes on islands such as Arranmore and Clare Island.

The program aims to increase permanent populations while preserving local communities.

2. Italy

Several Italian villages continue to offer cash incentives and inexpensive homes to attract newcomers. Regions including Calabria have offered up to €28,000 (around Shs117 million) to people willing to relocate, start a business, or take up jobs in communities facing population decline.

Many towns also continue to sell abandoned houses for as little as €1, provided buyers renovate them.

3. Spain

The village of Ponga in northern Spain has previously offered around €3,000 (about Shs12.5 million) to couples who move there, with additional payments for each child born in the community.

Other rural municipalities have introduced similar incentives to reverse decades of depopulation.

4. Switzerland

The Swiss village of Albinen has attracted international attention for offering up to CHF70,000 (approximately Shs320 million) to families willing to settle there permanently.

Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements, including purchasing property and committing to remain in the village for at least 10 years.

5. Japan

Dozens of rural towns across Japan provide relocation grants ranging from thousands to millions of yen to encourage young families and professionals to move away from crowded cities.

Many local governments also provide subsidized housing, childcare support, and business grants.

6. Chile

Chile’s famous “Start-Up Chile” program doesn’t simply offer residency opportunities. Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas can receive funding worth tens of thousands of dollars, mentoring, and access to one of Latin America’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems.

7. Canada

Several Canadian provinces encourage immigration through provincial nominee programs, while communities in regions such as Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia offer incentives for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs.

Some rural communities also provide relocation assistance to fill critical labor shortages.

8. Greece

Remote islands and rural villages in Greece have introduced financial incentives for families willing to relocate permanently. Some programs include monthly allowances, housing support, and childcare benefits to encourage population growth.

9. Portugal

Portugal continues to attract digital nomads and remote workers through tax incentives and residency programs. Some municipalities also provide financial support to entrepreneurs and professionals willing to relocate to less populated areas.

10. South Korea

South Korea has launched several regional revitalization initiatives that provide relocation grants, housing subsidies, and business support to people willing to settle outside major cities like Seoul.

The incentives are aimed at reversing population decline in rural regions.

11. Croatia

Croatia has introduced programs where certain municipalities sell abandoned homes at heavily discounted prices while providing grants to young families willing to renovate and live there permanently.

The country is also encouraging entrepreneurs and remote workers to settle in smaller communities.

12. United States

Several cities and states across the United States now pay remote workers to relocate. Programs in places such as Tulsa, Oklahoma, and West Virginia offer cash grants worth thousands of dollars, free coworking spaces, and other benefits to attract skilled professionals.

Things to Know Before Moving

Although these programs can appear highly attractive, they usually come with conditions. Applicants may be required to:

• Live in the area for several years.
• Purchase or renovate a property.
• Start a business or secure employment.
• Meet age, income, or citizenship requirements.
• Repay the grant if they leave before the required period ends.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to carefully review each program’s eligibility rules before making relocation plans.

As countries compete for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and young families, relocation incentives are becoming increasingly common. For those seeking new opportunities abroad, these offers could provide not only a fresh start but also substantial financial support worth millions of Ugandan shillings.