Moving is expensive. Between down payments or security deposits and the cost of hiring a mover — not to mention buying new furniture and decor! — can be expensive even if your new place is on the other side of town. Moving on to another Earthmeanwhile, it’s enough to make you feel oblivious (and your wallet is a lot lighter).
But expats are made every day, so if you’re drawn to distant shores, know that it can be done. In fact, some countries are even willing to sweeten the deal to pay to move there. (Yes, really.) Why would the state pay you to move there? Maybe some need help repopulating communities, or want to stimulate the economy by encouraging entrepreneurs and business owners to set up shop there.
Of course, these aren’t perfect solutions, but it might sweeten the deal enough to help you figure out your visa situation, find a job, and, at the very least, download a foreign language app and start learning some local phrases.
Before you dive into the list of countries that will welcome new residents with financial incentives, there are a few things you should know.
What to consider before making an international move
If you need a passport to move, you’ll also need to do some serious research and thinking about the whole venture. “One of the biggest things to consider is how you’re going to sustain yourself and the fine print of some of these programs,” says Nicole Beauchamp, associate broker at Sotheby’s International Realty.
These programs may seem too good to be true, and they may be if you don’t meet the age or job requirements. Some countries will want you to work specifically in the country – including starting a new business – so digital nomads will want to make sure they understand everything before packing up their laptops and moving.
A word about telecommuting: Beauchamp says you’ll need to confirm with your current employer that they will indeed allow you to work abroad and what you or they must do now that you’ll be WFH in a distant time zone. And while she emphasizes that she’s a real estate professional, not a tax expert, you should do your best to see what your tax obligations will be in your new home country.
6 countries that will encourage you to move there
This list is by no means exhaustive, so don’t be alarmed if your new home isn’t here. But it can give you an idea of what might be available elsewhere and how you can (or can’t) make it work for your lifestyle.
A program called Startup Chile could be the ticket for entrepreneurs to move to South America. Depending on whether you are in the start-up or growth phase of your business, you could receive between $14,000 and $80,000 in funding, along with a workspace and a one-year visa.
Austria’s Red-White-Red Card program provides financial support and a one-year visa to help new residents set themselves up for success. Priority for this program is given to entrepreneurs, skilled workers in areas facing a shortage and other professionals.
Small towns in Spain need an increase in population. For example, Ponga in the northern province of Asturias will pay up to €2,000 for singles to move there and up to €3,000 for families with children. If children are in your future, the government will pay you an incentive of 3,000 euros for each birth.
Urban migration has left the village of Legrad feeling somewhat lonely. To cheer it up, Croatia will allow you to buy a house there for about 1 kuna (about 16 cents). No doubt a gut renovation is in your future, but it’s an extra $4,000 if you take the deal. You must be under 40 years old and have a diploma and stable finances, but otherwise a new Croatian home is waiting for you.
No, you can’t move into one of those amazing towers in Tokyo for Japanese government yen. But the country will grant foreigners a one-year visa and up to $10,000 to relocate to a more rural area in need of population growth/economic stimulus. If you have a family and want to make a life-changing move, there are more incentives available.
Portugal wants you to come live and work in one of its rural areas. Thanks to the Emprego Interior MAIS (Inland Employment PLUS) grant program launched in 2020, applicants could apply for funds that will cover the annual rent of a small house in that country. However, this program expired in December 2023 and there is no word yet on whether it will be extended.