If you're looking for opportunities outside of Brazil, whether to work, study, or start a new life, this might be your golden opportunity. In this article, we'll show you which countries are literally paying you to live there, why they do it, and how you can apply. Read on to the end!
Why is there a country paying you to move?
First of all, let's understand why these proposals are so unusual.
Many countries (or specific cities) face depopulation problems, such as rural areas where young people are leaving for large urban centers. Others suffer from an aging population, a lack of skilled labor, or economic stagnation.
The solution? Attract new people with ideas, energy, and a desire to undertake, study, or simply live there. And to that end, they offer financial benefits, such as cash bonuses, tax exemptions, or even free land. Now, let's look at the destinations that are giving you a helping hand ($$$) to change your life!
1. Italy – Villages that pay you to live there
Italy is one of the most well-known countries when it comes to "paying you to live there." That's right: charming villages with stone houses, movie-like landscapes, and delicious food are offering money to anyone who moves there.
Why?
These places are rapidly losing population. Young people leave in search of opportunities, and the villages are left empty.
How much do they pay?
Some cities even offer €30,000 (more than R$150,000) for those who accept to live and undertake business there. An example is the city of Presicce, in the south of the country, which offers €30,000 for those who buy an old house and renovate it.
Rules: be under 40 (in some cases), live permanently in the location and invest in a small business or renovation
2. Spain – Cities that need new residents
Spain has several small towns experiencing the same problem as Italy: rural exodus. As a solution, some of them offer financial aid for new residents.
Example: the city of Ponga, in the Asturias region, offers €3,000 per adult and €3,000 per child born there. Furthermore, Rubia, in Galicia, also offers similar incentives. The proposal is clear: revive the city with new families.
3. Ireland – Incentives for Digital Nomads
Ireland has created an incredible program for those who are freelancer, work remotely or have an online businessThe idea is to attract this audience to small towns and islands with low population density.
What do they offer?
Logistical support for relocation, a local support community. Some programs offer up to €84,000 in financing for entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable businesses. Oh, and not to mention Ireland's breathtaking landscapes!
4. Canada – Support for immigrants in small towns
Canada is one of the most open countries for immigration and has regional programs that encourage Brazilians and other foreigners to move to smaller cities.
Example:
THE Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot helps relocate workers to small towns and facilitates permanent residence.
Benefits: visa and housing support, plus some regions offer bonuses CAD$5,000 to CAD$15,000 and, finally, a very high quality of life.
5. Switzerland – Salary to attract young families
Yes, Switzerland! Despite being one of the richest countries in the world, some Swiss villages are nearly empty—and they are offering cash to attract new families.
The small village of Albinen, for example, offers CHF 25,000 (about R$140 thousand) per adult and CHF 10,000 per child
Additionally, you need to meet some required criteria, such as being under 45 years old, living at least 10 years in the village and buying or building a house worth at least CHF 200,000
6. United States – Cities that pay you to work from home
In the US, several cities have created programs to attract digital nomads — people who can work from anywhere in the world.
Example:
The city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers US$10,000 in bonuses, free coworking space and connections with local entrepreneurs Other cities like Topeka (Kansas) and Northwest Arkansas have similar initiatives.
7. Japan – Almost free houses
Japan faces a serious problem with abandoned houses, known as “akiya”. To address this, the Japanese government created programs that practically They give you houses or even pay you to live there.
Opportunities: Buy a home for less than US$$1 (yes, $1!) and receive incentives of up to US$10,000 to renovate and live in
Who can participate? Foreigners with valid visas, families willing to live in rural areas, and people interested in revitalizing historic villages.
8. Portugal – Incentive for those living in the interior
Portugal is another favorite destination for Brazilians, and for good reason. In addition to the similar language, the country now has programs to attract residents to the interior.
How does it work? The Portuguese government offers tax benefits, subsidies and financial support. In some regions, there are support of €4,800 per person for those who move and work in sparsely populated areas. Oh, and the cost of living outside of big cities is much more affordable!
9. Greece – A paradise with a house for €1
Like Italy and Japan, Greece also has islands and villages with abandoned houses — and it is offering houses for symbolic prices or even cash to those who move.
Where?
The island of Antikythera is an example. The government offers free housing, land, and ultimately, bonuses €500 per month for 3 years. All this to attract new families and revitalize the region.
10. Germany – Programs for workers and entrepreneurs
Germany offers several regional incentives for foreigners who want to live in smaller cities, especially entrepreneurs, students and IT professionals.
Some examples are subsidies for starting a business, programs that offer subsidized housing and help with bureaucracy and financing of up to €100,000 for startups.
But is there a catch?
Well, like everything in life, these opportunities come with rules and requirements. Therefore, before packing your bags, it is important to check, exactly what the requirements of each program are, be ready to live and integrate in the local culture. Finally, have your documents up to date (visa, passport, resume, etc.)
In many cases, you need to live in the place for a minimum number of years, buy a property or invest in a business
It is worth it?
If you want to change your life, want an international experience or are looking for peaceful places to live and work, It's definitely worth it!
In addition to the financial incentive, you gain quality of life, contact with new cultures, the possibility of studying or undertaking a business, and it also gives you an upgrade to your CV.
Living abroad is a dream for many, and now it's more affordable than ever. With these incentives from governments around the world, your next adventure can begin with a little help in your pocket and many doors open.
