Why Stay Put? Countries that Pay You to Move There

Getting paid to move to a beautiful new country—sounds like a dream, right? For some, it’s a reality. What if we told you that some countries welcome newcomers and offer financial incentives to make the move? Yes, you heard that right!

With declining populations and economic stagnation, several nations are opening their doors and their wallets to attract new residents. From charming villages in Italy to peaceful islands in Greece, these places offer more than just a change of scenery. They promise new adventures, opportunities, and a little extra cash in your pocket.

So, why stay put when the world is offering such tempting deals? Let’s examine the reasons behind these offers and see which countries are paying you to call them home.

Why Do Some Places Pay People To Move There?

The question burning at the back of everyone's mind must be, why do some countries pay you to move there? It’s more common than you might think, and there’s a good reason for it.

• Population Decline: Cities like Buffalo, New York, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, offer money to attract new residents because they’re facing population decline. Buffalo, for example, offers up to $7,000 in incentives.
• Economic Boost: These programs help boost the local economy. For instance, Tulsa’s “Tulsa Remote” program offers $9,999 to remote workers to relocate there, which increases spending in the area.
• Affordable Housing: In places like Vermont, incentives often include housing help to address the shortage of affordable homes and draw in younger people.
• Community Growth: These offer support for community growth. For instance, Maine's "Move to Maine" program gives $5,000 to remote workers and entrepreneurs to encourage local business and community involvement.

Did You Know?

Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary are the 3 affordable European countries to live.

Benefits of Countries Offering Incentives to Move There

Making a move to a new country that pays you to move there can come with some handy benefits that make the transition easier. Countries offering incentives aren’t just simplifying relocation—they’re also driving community growth and economic progress.

Let’s see how these benefits support both people and businesses:

Did You Know?

Move to Ireland and get paid! Some companies offer relocation packages that cover moving expenses and provide financial incentives.

Top Moving Incentives Offered by State, City, and Country

After hearing about the appealing prospect of countries that pay you to move there, it is only natural to just pack the bags and head straight to that country where all the new possibilities await.  

Below, we have provided information about the best moving incentives offered by states, cities, and countries, which could make your relocation a win-win situation!

Here’s a closer look at some of the best moving incentives available right now:

Curious about your moving costs? Fill out the details, and we’ll calculate them for you.

States in the U.S. That Will Pay You to Move There

• Vermont: The state offers up to $10,000 for remote workers who relocate through its Remote Worker Grant Program. This cash helps with moving and setup costs, aiming to attract remote employees and entrepreneurs.
• Alabama: Hamilton provides up to $5,000 for homebuyers moving to the area. This incentive helps new residents settle in and support local growth.
• Mississippi: Natchez offers $6,000 for those moving to work in fields like healthcare or education. This program targets skilled professionals to support local businesses and institutions.

How to move to another state in 2024? Well, read to find out.

Cities That Will Pay You to relocation There

• Tulsa, Oklahoma: The Tulsa Remote program offers $10,000 to remote workers who move to the city, plus a $1,000 housing stipend and coworking space memberships.
• Chattanooga, Tennessee: The “Chattanooga Moving Program” provides up to $2,500 in cash to new residents, focusing on tech professionals and entrepreneurs.
• Topeka, Kansas: Topeka offers $10,000 to new residents who buy a home, aiming to boost the housing market and attract new settlers.

Countries That Will Pay You to Move There to Start a Business

• Portugal: Portugal’s “Tech Visa” program offers up to €5,000 to tech entrepreneurs and startups. The goal is to attract innovative business leaders to Lisbon and Porto.
• Estonia: The Estonia e-Residency program offers support and incentives for digital entrepreneurs. It provides resources for starting a business remotely.
• New Zealand: New Zealand’s “Entrepreneur Work Visa” includes grants and funding opportunities for international entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses.

Places That Pay You to Move and Renovate a Property

• Italy: Small towns like Mussomeli and Sambuca offer properties for just €1, provided buyers renovate them. The goal is to revitalize these rural areas.
• Spain: The "Pueblos Vivos" initiative provides financial assistance for transitioning to and renovating properties in rural areas. It aims to preserve cultural heritage and boost local economies.
• Greece: In some Greek islands, including Loutro, buyers can receive financial assistance for property renovations to encourage new residents and improve the islands' appeal.

One challenge that people face during an international move is finding reliable movers. Find the Best International Movers That Meet Your Needs.

Did You Know?

Move to Greece and get paid! Antikythera, a small Greek island, is offering €500 (about $542) per month for three years to new residents. This is part of an effort to attract families and counteract the island's population decline.

How to Apply to Countries that Pay You to Move There

Now that we have answered most of the questions surrounding the topic" Countries that pay you to move there or countries offering incentives to move there," The next step is knowing how to apply to countries that pay you to move there.

Below is almost everything there is to know about the application process of countries that pay you to move there:

Research Available Programs

• Find the Right Program: Look into countries with relocation incentives, like Canada, New Zealand, or some regions in Europe. Check official government websites and relocation guides. For instance, Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website provides detailed information.

Check Eligibility Requirements

• See if You Qualify: Make sure you meet the requirements, such as having specific skills or educational qualifications. Websites like Expatica and Moving to Canada can help you understand these requirements.

Prepare Your Documents

• Get Your Paperwork Ready: Collect necessary documents like proof of qualifications, job records, and health checks. VisaHQ has a checklist to help ensure you have everything you need.

Submit Your Application

• Apply Online: Many countries offer online applications. For example, you can apply for incentives in New Zealand through the Immigration Online portal.

Track Your Application

• Stay Informed: Use tracking tools provided by the government or agencies to keep up with your application status. Canada’s MyCIC portal is useful for this.

Follow Up

• Be Ready for the Next Steps: Watch for any requests for additional information or interviews. Make sure to respond quickly to any updates or notifications.

Did You Know?

You could get paid to move to Switzerland! The town of Albinen is providing 19,999 Swiss Francs to adults under 44, plus an extra 9,999 Swiss Francs for each child. To qualify, you need to buy a home worth over 200,000 Swiss Francs and stay for at least ten years.

What are the Criteria for Eligibility

If you’re eyeing a move to a country that offers financial incentives.

Here’s what you must know about the eligibility criteria for countries that pay you to move there:

Skills and Qualifications

To qualify, you often need specific skills or qualifications that are in demand. This might include professional experience or advanced degrees relevant to the job market.

Employment Status

Many countries require you to have a job offer or be self-employed. You may need to prove you can contribute economically to the local community.

Education Level

Higher education or specialized training is sometimes necessary. Ensure your educational background aligns with what is needed for the relocation incentives.

Health and Background Checks

Expect to undergo health checks and provide a clean criminal background record. This is to meet the country’s safety and health standards.

Financial Stability

You might need to demonstrate financial stability to support yourself initially. Some programs also require proof of funds to cover your move.

Residency and Visa Requirements

Each country has specific visa and residency requirements. Be prepared to show how you will integrate into the local community.

Did You Know?

You could move to Greece and get paid! Antikythera, a small Greek island, offers €500 per month for the first three years to attract new residents. With a dwindling population and a need for young families, this initiative is a unique opportunity to live in Greece while receiving financial support.