Several stunning countries around the world are offering hefty sums of money to individuals willing to move there in 2026, aiming to boost population and energise their economies. These 'pay-to-move' programmes have become increasingly popular in recent years as towns, villages, and cities grapple with falling population numbers and struggling economies.
Albinen, Switzerland
Since 2018, the picturesque mountain village of Albinen in Switzerland has been offering attractive incentives to relocate there. The scheme provides adults with up to 25,000 Swiss francs (roughly £23,600) and children with up to 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately £9,400). A family of two adults and one child would receive a total of 70,000 Swiss francs (around £66,100), which can be used towards purchasing a home or building a new life in the village.
Conditions include being under 45, pledging to remain in Albinen for at least 10 years, purchasing or constructing a property valued at 200,000 Swiss francs or above, and being a Swiss citizen or possessing a C Residence Permit. Former Mayor Nicole Köppel noted that the village has no school, bank, or post office, with only one pub, one shop, and a bus every hour.
Chile
The Chilean government is offering equity-free grants worth up to £74,000 to tech-focused start-ups prepared to establish themselves in the country. The programme is available to citizens of any nation and provides a two-year work visa, along with networking opportunities, office space, mentors, and startup support. While primarily aimed at entrepreneurship, the initiative has successfully drawn thousands of founders and startups from across the world.
Sardinia, Italy
To revitalise rural areas, the Italian island of Sardinia offers a grant of up to €15,000 (around £13,000) per household to those willing to register as residents in settlements with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants. The funding helps with buying or renovating a home, but must not exceed 50% of total expenditure. Applicants must complete their move within 18 months of purchasing a property or completing refurbishment. Additional incentives include monthly payments of approximately €600 (£500) for a first child and €400 (£350) for a second child until age five. The grant applies only to smaller municipalities, and current residents of comparable towns are ineligible.
Ireland's Isles
In 2023, the Irish government launched the 'Our Living Islands' scheme, offering between €50,000 and €80,000 (£43,000 - £70,000) to relocate to selected remote islands not linked to the mainland by bridges. The funds must be used to purchase and restore derelict properties built before 1993 and empty for at least two years. The property must serve as a primary residence, not a short-term let. Irish residency is a prerequisite, and the scheme does not grant automatic immigration rights.
Rural Portugal
The Emprego Interior Mais programme offers eligible applicants a one-off cash payment of up to roughly €5,000 (£4,300) to cover moving and relocation expenses. Direct financial support includes €2,633 (£2,300) for relocation, plus an additional 20% for each household member (up to €1,316 or £1,100), and relocation assistance of up to €878 (£760). To qualify, applicants must hold permanent residency in Portugal, sign a new employment contract (minimum one year) or establish a new business, and relocate to designated rural areas within the country's interior regions.
