Top 20 Countries That Will Pay You to Move There in 2026

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In a world where cities are crowded, rural towns are emptying out, and remote work is on the rise, some governments have flipped the script—they’re not just inviting you to move, they’re offering to pay you.

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Yes, you read that right. In 2025, countries that pay you to move there are no longer rare exceptions—they’re part of a growing global trend. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a skilled professional, or a startup founder, you’ll find a range of opportunities waiting for you.

This guide explores 20 countries offering cash, tax breaks, free land, and other relocation incentives to attract new residents this year.

How These Incentives Work in 2025

Governments worldwide are dealing with aging populations, labor shortages, and declining rural communities. To solve these issues, many are offering relocation perks in exchange for your skills, business, or simply your presence.

Types of Incentives

Incentive Type	What It Includes
Cash Grants	Direct payments for moving or settling in
Housing Subsidies	Help with rent, property purchase, or renovation
Tax Relief	Reduced income or business tax for newcomers
Free Land or Property	Offers to build or settle in underpopulated areas
Startup or Remote Work Visa	Residency support plus funding or cost reimbursements

Top 20 Countries That Will Pay You to Move There in 2026

These 20 countries have active or newly announced relocation programs for 2025. Here’s a breakdown of who qualifies, how much you can earn, and where to apply.

1. Spain – Rural Repopulation Grants

Spain is targeting over 3,000 depopulated towns where homes and farmlands lie abandoned. Through local council programs, Spain offers generous cash grants, up to €15,000 per household, to those willing to relocate and start anew. Some towns also include low-interest business loans and free coworking spaces for remote professionals. Communities in Galicia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Aragon lead these efforts.

2. Italy – €30,000 to Move to Small Villages

Italy’s regional governments continue offering relocation incentives to revive aging villages. The “Active Residency Income” initiative in Calabria pays families up to €30,000 over 3 years to move to towns with fewer than 2,000 residents. Requirements include starting a small business or taking a local job. In Sardinia and Abruzzo, bonus packages also include tax breaks and free land plots.

3. Portugal – Digital Nomad Visa + Tax Perks

Portugal’s D8 visa and Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax program offer remote workers a dream relocation. Under the NHR scheme, new residents can benefit from up to 10 years of tax exemption on foreign income. Lisbon, Braga, and Madeira have become top destinations with affordable housing, high-speed internet, and tax benefits.

4. Ireland – Island Relocation Program

Ireland’s government is encouraging families to repopulate scenic offshore islands like Inishbofin, Bere Island, and Clare Island. Incentives include up to €92,000 in grants for home restoration, green retrofitting, and utility upgrades. Priority is given to those who work remotely or start community businesses such as tourism, crafts, or farming.

5. Greece – Remote Worker Tax Break (50%)

Greece is one of Europe’s most affordable relocation destinations. The 50% income tax break is available to professionals who relocate their tax base to Greece and stay for at least 2 years. The program targets engineers, IT workers, and creatives. Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete are highly recommended hubs with low cost of living and robust expat communities.

6. Japan – Rural Revitalization Subsidies

In response to severe rural depopulation, Japan has launched revitalization grants of ¥1 million (~$7,000 USD) or more per person, plus additional child support bonuses. The programs often come with free housing or land use rights and require relocation to specific towns like Okutama or Kamiyama. Eligible candidates can also access local employment assistance.

7. South Korea – Village Cash Incentives

South Korea offers up to ₩30 million (~$23,000 USD) in relocation support to citizens and selected foreign professionals who move to rural towns. The package includes housing loans, subsidies for small business startups, and sometimes agricultural land use. The Young Farmers Settlement Program also targets entrepreneurs aged under 39.

8. Canada – Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

Canada’s RNIP allows 11 rural communities to nominate foreign skilled workers for permanent residence. Each town has its own demand list—healthcare, hospitality, and trades top the list. Employers often assist with settlement and provide relocation incentives, housing search help, and school enrollment support for families.

9. Chile – Startup Chile Grant

Startup Chile is one of Latin America’s most successful accelerator programs. It offers up to $80,000 in equity-free capital, coworking spaces, visa support, and a built-in mentorship network. Accepted participants must stay in Chile for 6+ months and participate in workshops and demo days.

10. Uruguay – Welcome Package for Remote Workers

Uruguay’s new digital nomad visa makes relocation seamless. Benefits include one-year tax-free income for freelancers, instant bank account access, and fast-track residency. Montevideo’s Ciudad Vieja is especially welcoming, with free coworking trials and language exchange groups.

11. Germany – New Berlin Talent Subsidy

Germany’s capital Berlin is actively recruiting global professionals with tech, design, and green industry skills. The new Berlin Talent Subsidy provides up to €5,000 to help cover relocation costs, short-term housing, and language classes. Some startups offer additional incentives such as bonus equity or remote-friendly contracts.

12. New Zealand – Tech Relocation Reimbursement

New Zealand’s Global Impact Visa and sector-specific immigration streams offer relocation reimbursements and permanent residency pathways. Tech and healthcare professionals are especially in demand. Employers co-sponsor flight costs, visa fees, and temporary housing. Government settlement services help families transition smoothly.

13. Finland – Helsinki Talent Relocation Bonus

Finland’s capital Helsinki is offering €7,000 relocation bonuses to attract tech experts in AI, cybersecurity, and cleantech. The city also provides family integration assistance, daycare access, and startup mentorship. Those moving with families receive higher subsidies.

14. Czech Republic – Freelancer-Friendly Visa + Perks

Czechia’s “Zivnostensky” (trade license) visa is ideal for freelancers in creative, consulting, or digital fields. The visa allows long-term residence plus access to EU markets. Some city councils in Brno and Prague offer grants of up to €2,000 for workspace rent or business registration costs.

15. Croatia – Digital Nomad Grants

Croatia offers a 12-month digital nomad visa with the added benefit of no local income tax. The coastal cities of Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar provide digital nomad welcome packages that include subsidized housing, coworking credits, and community networking events.

16. Estonia – E-Residency + Startup Fund Access

Estonia’s e-Residency allows entrepreneurs to launch and manage EU-based businesses fully online. E-residents gain access to local accelerators, grants, and European startup funding. Tallinn’s tech ecosystem is particularly welcoming to fintech and SaaS founders.

17. Mexico – Incentives for Retirees and Remote Workers

Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa is easy to obtain for remote workers and retirees with proven income. Some cities like San Miguel de Allende, Mérida, and Puerto Escondido offer municipal relocation incentives such as healthcare discounts, low property taxes, and subsidized language courses.

18. Mauritius – Relocation Support for Professionals

Mauritius offers 10-year occupation permits to foreign professionals and entrepreneurs. Relocation grants may include subsidized office space, support for family schooling, and income tax holidays for tech sector workers. This island nation is fast becoming an innovation hub for Africa.

19. United Arab Emirates – Business Setup Funding

Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer extensive support for entrepreneurs via free zone incentives. Benefits include 0% corporate tax, 100% foreign ownership, co-working access, and streamlined Golden Visa processing. Government-backed startup funds support innovation in AI, healthtech, and fintech.

20. Barbados – Welcome Stamp + Tax-Free Earnings

Barbados launched the Welcome Stamp program for remote workers earning over $50,000/year. In 2025, applicants also enjoy waived visa fees, airport pickup, and rental discounts. Families with children get fast-tracked enrollment in top-rated international schools.

How to Apply for These Programs in 2025

Here’s a general roadmap: Step-by-Step Guide:

Step	Description
1. Research	Visit government websites
2. Check Eligibility	Verify your age, profession, and income
3. Prepare Documents	Passport, proof of income, background checks
4. Apply Online or In Person	Submit through the country’s portal
5. Wait for Approval	May take from 2 weeks to 6 months

Tip: Keep scanned versions of all documents ready to speed up the process.

Pros and Cons of Moving Abroad for Money

Pros:

Get paid to live in new places
Lower cost of living
Tax breaks or business funding
Cultural and professional growth

Cons:

Language or cultural barriers
Visa processing time and conditions
Long-term commitment in some programs

Takeaways

As more people embrace remote work and lifestyle freedom, countries that pay you to move there in 2025 are becoming serious options for digital nomads, families, and professionals alike.

With grants, tax breaks, and visa perks, the opportunities are bigger than ever. Whether you’re chasing adventure, lower costs, or financial support, these 20 countries could be your next home—and they’ll thank you for coming.