6 Places In Europe That Will Pay You To Move There

Have you ever dreamed of dropping everything and moving to a sunny seaside town in Italy or a picturesque mountain village in Switzerland?

Imagine if you were also paid to do it. Well, it’s not a fantasy. Across Europe, communities are in search of new residents and are willing to throw generous financial incentives into the bargain.

Here are six places in Europe that are luring new inhabitants with cash grants.

Funds For Families Relocating To Albinen, Switzerland

Albinen in the Swiss canton of Valais is, like many places on this list, struggling with depopulation. There are now fewer than 250 residents in the Alpine village.

To boost numbers, the Swiss government is offering families over $53,000 to relocate there—25,000 Swiss Francs (almost $27,000) for Adults under 45 years old plus 10,000 Swiss Francs (almost $11,000) per child.

To benefit from the cash incentives, you must be a Swiss citizen or have lived long enough in Switzerland to gain a permit C residence. Applicants also have to commit to buying a home in Albinen and living there for ten years.

Get Paid $16,000 To Move To Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is a tourist hotspot with pristine (and pink) beaches and plenty of coastal resorts. But its wild hinterland attracts fewer visitors and a dwindling number of inhabitants.

With an increasing number of Sardinian villages facing a depopulation crisis, the regional government has introduced a scheme to lure new residents. Applicants who move to a settlement with under 3,000 inhabitants will receive a payment of up to €15,000 ($16,000).

The money must be used to buy or renovate a property. The government has earmarked over €45 million ($47 million) for the relocation funds, enough to cover 3,000 grants.

Get $30,000 To Buy Property In Presicce-Acquarica, Italy

Presicce-Acquarica is a town of around 10,500 inhabitants in the southern region of Puglia. Formed by two municipalities—Presicce and Acquarica del Capo—it lies in the Salento area deep in the ‘heel’ of Italy’s boot.

To boost its population, the town launched a campaign last year called “Welcome to Presicce-Acquarica,” which promises a grant of €30,000 ($30,000) for those who buy a house and register their residency in the town.

The initiative is aimed at individuals or families and requires them to invest in a house, the cost of which will be subsidized by a grant. The financial aid will be available to cover 50% of the costs of purchasing a house, including renovations, up to a maximum of €30,000 ($30,000). Around 30% of the town’s housing is eligible for the scheme.

Money For Brits To Move To Ponga, Spain

The town of Ponga in northwest Spain is home to just 600 residents. To increase its population, it has started offering cash grants.

These are just available to Brits at the moment and promise £2,600 ($3,150) for anyone who commits to living in the town for at least five years, and another £2,600 for each baby born there.

Cash Incentives To Relocate To Calabria, Italy

There’s yet another chance to grab a slice of la dolce vita in the southwestern region of Calabria. Those who choose to move to a village with 2,000 residents or fewer can earn up to €28,000 ($29,000).

Those interested in applying for the scheme have to be 40 years old or under and move to the region within 90 days of their application being accepted. They must also start up a business or find employment in the area.

Get Paid To Live On An Island In Ireland

Ireland is offering substantial financial incentives for people willing to move to one of its remote islands . The project is part of a wider policy called “Our Living Islands” that is working to boost the population of the nation’s offshore communities. Ireland has 30 islands with no bridge connection with the mainland.

Under the scheme, Ireland hopes to revitalize these coastal communities by increasing the resident population and boosting the economy. The Irish government is offering grants of over €80,000 ($87,600) for those who commit to renovating a property on one of the islands. Prospective residents need to purchase a house with a construction date prior to 1993 that has been vacant for at least two years.

By Rebecca Ann Hughes, Contributor