Several countries are offering financial incentives of up to £70,000 to encourage people to relocate there during 2026. These relocation packages are designed to address declining population figures and revitalise regional economies, particularly in areas contending with an ageing labour force.
Chile and Switzerland lead with cash grants
Chilean authorities are offering equity-free grants valued at up to £74,000 to technology-oriented start-ups willing to set up and run operations from the South American nation. Available to citizens from any country, the programme provides successful candidates with a two-year work visa, plus networking opportunities, workspace provision, mentorship, and enterprise assistance.
Since 2018, the Alpine village of Albinen in Switzerland has been enticing potential residents with financial rewards. The initiative provides adults with up to 25,000 Swiss francs (approximately £23,600 in 2026) and children with as much as 10,000 Swiss francs (around £9,400) to move to the mountain village. A family comprising two adults and one child stands to gain 70,000 Swiss francs (nearly £66,100) in total.
To be eligible, applicants must be under 45 years of age and pledge to remain in Albinen for a minimum of ten years. They must also buy or build a property worth at least 200,000 Swiss francs and possess either Swiss nationality or a C Residence Permit.
Italy, Spain, and Denmark offer relocation schemes
The Sicilian village of Sambuca di Sicilia, which houses roughly 6,000 residents, is offering homes for a symbolic €1. Purchasers must completely refurbish the run-down property within three years, with renovation costs anticipated to reach approximately €15,000 (around £12,955), while also providing a €5,000 (about £4,318) security deposit, which is returned upon completion of the works.
In the southern Italian town of Candela, with roughly 2,700 residents, financial incentives range from €800 (approximately £690) for individuals to €2,000 (around £1,727) for families. The requirements are to establish a primary home in Candela, secure employment, and buy a property constructed before 1991.
Young couples intending to raise a family could claim €3,000 (about £2,591) by moving to a Ponga village in Spain for a five-year period. This is a small area with fewer than 1,000 residents, where the population keeps dropping. A further €3,000 becomes available for every child, whether they join or are delivered in Ponga.
Denmark's Start-up Denmark programme offers residency permits for international business founders establishing innovative expansion-focused enterprises. The scheme permits the continuation of entrepreneurial activities in Denmark that began under alternative residence arrangements, and also allows residency permits for conducting business via a Danish division of a global self-employed venture.
Mauritius, Asian nations, and Ireland
Mauritius, the island east of Madagascar, offers 20,000 Mauritian Rupees (£313) in financial backing to start-up companies moving there. Candidates must present their business strategies to a panel of judges who will evaluate their credentials.
Thailand, South Korea, and Vietnam run comparable relocation schemes targeted predominantly at European and American nationals. After moving, individuals are provided with teaching positions for English and other academic disciplines. Individual programmes vary based on the employer and location, so prospective applicants are advised to investigate what's on offer before making a final decision.
Enterprise Ireland supports promising start-ups with strong growth potential. Once accepted and relocated to Ireland, qualifying start-ups can access thousands of euros in financial support and tax advantages, plus gain entry to the European Union.
Ireland also runs the Our Living Islands scheme, which offers eligible candidates up to €50,000 or potentially €80,000 (£43,000 - £70,000) to move to specific Irish islands. The funds must be used to purchase and restore derelict properties via the Irish government's Croí Cónaithe Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme. The property must have been built before 1993 and no later than 2007, must have stood empty for a minimum of two years, and must be used as a primary residence, ruling out its use as an Airbnb or short-term rental. Irish residency is required, as the scheme doesn't automatically confer immigration rights.
New Zealand and Canada
New Zealand's Kaitangata, a modest town looking to boost its population, offers affordable land and housing options designed to lower upfront expenses, though there's no direct cash payment. Contact the Clutha District Council directly for up-to-date availability and costs, as publicly available details are several years old.
Saskatchewan's Graduate Retention Programme aims to keep university graduates in the province by providing CAD 20,000 (roughly £10,731) worth of tax rebates. Eligible graduates can claim a tax credit for up to ten years, so long as they remain resident in the area and file their tax returns accordingly. Applicants must have completed their studies at a post-secondary institution listed on their register of approved establishments.
