With more people working remotely than ever, it’s perhaps no surprise that there are increasing numbers of people keen to experience the expat or digital nomad lifestyle.
However, with moving abroad being an expensive ordeal, it can be stressful even starting to think about where to go. That’s where the following list comes in. Due to depopulation and dwindling economies, there are certain places across the world that are actually willing to pay expats to move there.
Our experts at MoneyTransfers.com have compiled a list of the places all around the world currently offering grants and financial incentives for individuals and families willing to move there – plus four rumours we’ve busted once and for all. Read on to find out where in the world might appeal to you.
Jonathan Merry, CEO of MoneyTransfers.com, comments:
“Individuals seeking the expat or digital nomad life but on a budget can kill two birds with one stone with these unique destinations offering a financial incentive to move there.
While these locations might not be hubs of activity, they’re well worth considering if you’re looking for a quiet, beautiful place to settle and work on your business or create a home for your family.”
1. Vermont, USA
The state of Vermont offers a program called the Remote Worker Grant Program. Eligible remote workers can receive up to the maximum amount of $7,500.
However, the downside is that you won’t receive your grant until you have relocated, completed your application to declare what labour market area you reside in, and upload your qualified relocation expenses for moving to Vermont.
2. Curtis, Nebraska, USA
The Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF) provides competitive matching grants to non-profit development organisations that administer workforce housing investment funds in Curtis, Nebraska. To increase the supply of workforce housing in Nebraska’s rural communities and reduce costs, these funds are invested in eligible projects.
3. Albinen, Switzerland
The picturesque village of Albinen in Switzerland offers financial incentives to attract new residents.
The Albinen local authority will provide grants of up to CHF 70,000 (~£61,400) per family for relocating to the village.
4. Griegos, Teruel, Spain
Situated in the Aragón region of Spain between Madrid and Valencia, the pretty village of Griegos is offering financial incentives to families (with children) that settle in the area.
5. Sicily, Italy
Some towns in Sicily, Italy, have introduced initiatives to attract new residents. One of Italy’s and Sicily’s most beautiful villages – Petralia Soprana – dipped below 3,000 residents in recent years, and has introduced incentives to reduce the effect depopulation is having on the local community and economy.
6. Presicce-Acquarica, Province of Lecce
Presicce-Acquarica, in southern Italy, comprises the towns of Presicce and Acquarica del Capo. For new residents, Presicce-Acquarica is currently offering grants of up to €30,000.
7. Candela, Italy
A few hours from Naples, in the province of Foggia, Candela is home to about 2,700 people and is another small Italian village feeling the negative effects of depopulation. The mayor of the town is offering between €800 for singles and €2,000 for families to move there and settle down.
8. Chile Start-Up Programs
While many of the European destinations that will pay you to live there may seem more aimed at families, Chile is one destination ideal for budding entrepreneurs and digital nomads.
The country’s accelerator program, Start-Up Chile, offers grants for three separate programs.
9. Irish Grants For Start-Ups
Ireland is another country investing in entrepreneurship via financial incentives, Enterprise Ireland is a program available to expats all over the world, giving approved businesses thousands of Euros in funding and tax credits.
10. Offshore communities
Non-business owners can also get paid to move to the stunning country of Ireland. 23 secluded islands are included in the program offering people €80,000 (~£68,700) to settle there.