Several countries worldwide are offering financial incentives, free accommodation, or substantial rewards to attract new residents, as remote working becomes more common and people seek lifestyle changes. These schemes range from cash payments in Switzerland and Spain to free property in Greece and tuition reimbursements in Canada.
Switzerland offers over £26,000 per household
Switzerland's Albinen, a settlement in the Valais canton, introduced an incentive programme in 2017 to address declining population numbers. The initiative provides CHF 25,000 (approximately £22,000) for each adult and CHF 10,000 (roughly £8,800) per child, meaning a household of two adults and one child receives more than £26,000.
Applicants must be under 45, pledge to live in Albinen for at least a decade, and acquire or construct property valued at a minimum of CHF 200,000. Those who leave before completing ten years must reimburse the payment.
Ireland offers up to €84,000 for island relocation
Ireland's "Our Living Islands" initiative, running through to 2033, aims to boost populations on remote islands by providing grants to help newcomers buy and restore empty or dilapidated properties. Successful applicants may receive up to €84,000, depending on the extent of restoration required.
Eligible properties must have stood empty for at least two years and have been built before 1993. After renovation, they must serve as a principal residence or long-term rental, with short-term holiday accommodation excluded. Applications are open to both Irish nationals and international candidates, with local county councils administering the grants.
Greece offers free property and monthly allowance on Antikythera
On the Greek island of Antikythera, local authorities, supported by the Greek Orthodox Church, are offering a free house, land parcel, and a monthly allowance of €500 for the first three years to new families. The initiative targets young families and skilled tradespeople, including builders, bakers, and craftspeople.
Mayor Efstaratios Charcalakis previously said the aim is to bring back the sound of children to the island's streets. However, Antikythera is small and isolated, with few modern conveniences, and many homes need substantial refurbishment. Those moving must be prepared for a slower pace of life and a lasting commitment to rebuilding the community.
Spain, Japan, USA, and Canada offer various incentives
Spain is actively recruiting new inhabitants to combat rural depopulation. In Extremadura, remote workers may get grants up to €15,000 if they pledge to reside there for at least two years. Ponga, in northwest Spain, provides approximately £2,600 (€2,971) to new arrivals, with an extra grant for each baby born there. The Galician village of Rubia awards families €150 monthly to help increase pupil numbers at the local school. Spain's digital nomad visa also provides reduced corporate tax rates for newly established businesses.
Japan has been promoting relocation from Tokyo to rural regions, with incentives growing amid low birth rates. In 2023, just 758,631 babies were born - a 5.1% decline compared to 2022. Families can claim 1 million yen (approximately £5,400) per child to relocate from Tokyo, with extra financial assistance for launching a business or securing local employment. In some cases, total support can reach ¥4.8 million. Families must reside in their new location for at least five years, and at least one adult must be employed or operate a business locally.
In the USA, Tulsa, Oklahoma operates the Tulsa Remote programme, providing financial incentives and benefits to remote workers. Choose Topeka in Kansas offers up to $15,000 in incentives for individuals in specific sectors. Mattoon, Illinois provides a "Move to Mattoon" package featuring $5,000 in cash, vouchers for local establishments, and community memberships.
Canada's Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Programme refunds tuition fees of up to CA$20,000 (£11,580) for graduates from approved Canadian institutions who intend to reside or relocate to Saskatchewan. The reimbursement sum depends on the duration of the degree.
