Many countries across the globe have begun to offer cash incentives to new residents.
The cash incentives to new residents come as many countries are grappling with ageing populations and shrinking rural communities.
By introducing these cash incentives to new residents, many governments are hoping to attract youths and as well stimulate economic activity.
These incentives range from financial grants to housing support and business funding.
As reported by Forbes, these are the eight countries currently offering relocation incentives;
Italy
Italy remains a leader among countries that offer cash incentives to new residents, with the Trentino region currently offering the most significant support.
For 2026, the province has allocated €5 million to help new residents purchase and renovate homes in 33 designated mountain villages.
Also, in regions such as Calabria, Sardinia, and Puglia, small towns facing population decline are offering grants of up to €30,000 to individuals willing to relocate and start businesses.
Beneficiaries are expected to be legal residents, live in the home as their primary residence for 10 years, and typically be under the age of 40 for certain regional bonuses.
Switzerland
The picturesque village of Albinen is fighting depopulation by offering one of the world’s highest per-person cash incentives.
The country is offering $27,000 (CHF 25,000) per adult and $11,000 (CHF 10,000) per child. A family of four could net over $66,000.
Applicants must be under 45, buy a home worth at least CHF 200,000, and stay for 10 years. Non-Swiss citizens generally need a “Permit C” (permanent residency) to apply.
Ireland
Through the “Our Living Islands” initiative, Ireland is paying people to revitalize 23 of its remote, stunning coastal islands.
The country is offering to €84,000 ($92,000) for renovating a derelict property or €60,000 for a vacant one.
The funds must be used for refurbishment, and the property must have been built before 2007 and vacant for at least two years.
Spain
Spain has pivoted its strategy to target the growing “work from anywhere” crowd. It is one of the few countries that pays residents to move specifically as a digital nomad.
Applicants must commit to living in the region for at least two years and maintain their remote professional activity.
Chile
Chile has taken a different approach by targeting entrepreneurs. Through initiatives such as Start-Up Chile, founders can receive funding and support to establish businesses, helping to draw global talent while boosting innovation and economic activity. Applicants must be entrepreneurs with a scalable business and spend significant time in Chile growing the venture.
Greece
In Greece, targeted schemes are focused on island communities experiencing population decline. On the island of Antikythera, for example, families are offered housing, land, and monthly stipends to encourage long-term settlement, as part of broader efforts to sustain small, remote populations.
Preference is given to Greek citizens, but the program is open to others; however, you must have a family with at least three children.
Japan
Japan is tackling a major demographic challenge as rural areas continue to lose residents to urban centres. Authorities have introduced subsidies encouraging families to move from major cities like Tokyo to smaller towns. Some programmes offer up to one million yen per child, along with additional support for housing and business development, in a bid to revitalise declining regions. Applicants are expected to live in the new municipality for at least five years and either find local employment or start a business.
Croatia
In Croatia, smaller municipalities are offering housing subsidies and financial support to individuals willing to purchase and renovate homes in rural areas. Combined with the country’s growing digital nomad visa programme, these efforts are making Croatia increasingly attractive to remote workers. Applicants must be under 40, financially solvent, and commit to staying in the town for at least 15 years.
