Countries and towns that offer relocation incentives in 2026
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Some countries, regions, and towns offer relocation incentives, but they usually come with conditions. The most credible options in 2026 include entrepreneur funding in Chile, property-renovation grants in parts of Ireland and Italy, housing-linked incentives in places like Albinen and Kaitangata, and targeted tax benefits such as Saskatchewan’s graduate rebate.
Relocation incentives explained
Here is a breakdown of each incentive we cover, as well as who they are best for and any additional considerations you need to know about:
| Place | Scope | Incentive type | Direct cash? | Best for | Main catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chile | Country-level program | Startup grant + visa/startup support | Sometimes | Entrepreneurs | You need a qualifying startup and must apply through a competitive program. |
| Italy | Town/municipality-level offers | Cash incentive or ultra-low-cost home deal | Sometimes | Homebuyers, renovators, remote workers, families | These are local offers, not a national Italy program, and often require residency, home purchase, or renovation. |
| Denmark | Country-level program | Startup visa / residence pathway | No | Founders and digital entrepreneurs | Better framed as a business immigration route than a relocation payout. |
| Ireland | Mixed national/local support | Startup support or property-refurbishment support | Sometimes | Entrepreneurs and homebuyers | Depends on the specific program; this is not a simple “move here and get paid” offer. |
| Albinen, Switzerland | Village-level program | Housing/family subsidy | Yes | Families and buyers planning a long stay | Usually tied to buying/building a home and meeting strict residency rules. |
| Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam | Country/employer mix | Teaching job package | No | Teachers and first-time expats | This is better framed as paid employment with perks, not a relocation grant. |
| Mauritius | Country-level business support | Startup/business support scheme | Sometimes | Entrepreneurs | Funding is tied to an approved business idea or support scheme, not a general relocation bonus. |
| Ponga, Spain | Village/municipality-level offer | Family relocation incentive | Yes | Young couples and families | Local program with residency/family-focused conditions. |
| Saskatchewan, Canada | Province-level program | Tax credit / graduate retention rebate | No | Recent graduates | Not an upfront move bonus; you must be an eligible graduate living and filing taxes there. |
| New Zealand | Town-level offer | Affordable housing / land package | No | Homebuyers | This is more of a low-cost housing opportunity than a cash payment to relocate. |
Note: Programs change often, and many are local, temporary, or highly conditional. Always verify the current rules before applying.
10 countries that pay you to move there
Moving abroad is no easy feat. Not only do you have to decide where to go, you have to consider how you’ll make the actual move. When you’re ready to pull the trigger, use our moving cost calculator to start the process.
They have years of experience helping people move abroad and can transport your belongings as well as provide advice on how to make the move seamless.
Thinking about moving abroad and looking for the best place to go? Here are 10 countries that pay you to move there.
What’s the catch?
These relocation incentives can be real, but they’re rarely as simple as “move here and get paid.” Most programs come with rules around visas, employment, property purchases, renovations, long-term residency, or startup eligibility. Before making plans, double-check that the program is still active and make sure you understand the requirements.
- Chile: This is primarily a startup opportunity, not a general relocation bonus. To qualify, you typically need a business idea, a competitive application, and approval through a startup support program.
- Italy: Italy’s best-known offers are usually local town or village incentives, not nationwide “get paid to move” programs. Many require you to buy or renovate a home, move your official residence, or meet local income or family requirements.
- Denmark: Denmark is better viewed as a startup- and entrepreneur-friendly destination than a place that pays people to relocate. In most cases, you need an approved business idea and the right visa or residence pathway.
- Ireland: Ireland’s support is often tied to startups or vacant-property refurbishment rather than a simple cash payment for moving. In other words, you may need to launch a business, buy a home, or take on a renovation project to benefit.
- Albinen, Switzerland: Albinen’s incentive is one of the most talked-about offers, but it comes with strict conditions. You generally need to buy or build a home, meet residency rules, and stay long term or risk having to repay the subsidy.
- Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam: These are usually better thought of as work-based opportunities than relocation grants. The biggest benefit is often a teaching job, income, or employer support — not free money just for moving.
- Mauritius: Mauritius is more relevant for entrepreneurs and remote professionals than for people simply looking for a relocation check. Any financial support is usually tied to a qualifying business plan, permit, or approved support scheme.
- Ponga, Spain: Ponga-style offers are local and highly specific, often aimed at younger families willing to settle in a shrinking community. Availability, eligibility, and terms can change, so this is one to verify carefully before counting on it.
- Saskatchewan, Canada: This is not an upfront “move here” payment for everyone. It’s better described as a tax credit for eligible graduates who live in Saskatchewan and file taxes there over time.
- New Zealand: The Kaitangata opportunity is more about affordable housing than cash in hand. It may help lower the cost of relocating, but it’s not the same as being paid to move there.
Bottom line: Many of these programs are real, but most are conditional, local, or temporary. Always confirm the latest rules with the official program or municipality before making a move.
1. Chile
If you love travel, you’re familiar with the out-of-this-world landscapes in Chile. From the Atacama Desert and thriving Santiago to the towering mountains in Patagonia, Chile delivers the goods. While its economy was historically centered on mining, the country has made active investments in becoming an innovative tech hub. One of those investments is Start-Up Chile, an accelerator program.
Since 2016, the organization has offered grants for three programs:
- Build: A 4-month program designed to help startup entrepreneurs launch their business. You’ll receive 10 million pesos (around $14,000) and access to a co-working space along with a 1-year resident visa.
- Ignite: A 4-month program aimed at small startups that are already off the ground, but need help expanding. The program allocates around $30,000 equity-free, and offers an additional $30,000 extension.
- Growth: Targeted to advanced or larger startups, this program allocates $80,000 in funding to help innovate and build a better community.
To apply to any of the programs, you have to fill out a form with details about your startup idea or business. It’s similar to other VC and startup accelerator application programs and can be done entirely in English. If you pass that stage, you’ll be invited to an interview.
Last verified: March 2026
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2. Italy
There are several municipalities in Italy that will pay you to move there. Here are two of our favorites!
Candela
Candela has the crowded streets of urban Italy without the masses of people. It’s home to about 2,700 people, and the mayor is offering between €800 (around $870) for singles and €2,000 (around $2,175) for families to move there.
The only catch is that you must move your permanent residence to the southern Italian town, have a job, and invest in a house built before 1991. About one third of Candela’s homes meet that requirement.
Candela is only two hours from Naples and one hour from the beach, so you have everything you could want close to your new small-town home. And if you’re an Italian food fan, you’re in for a treat! Look into a one-year work visa or start a new business once you’re settled in and looking at your new life in Italy! Moving to the country isn’t so bad when you can dine on world-class food and hop on a train to famous sites in just a few hours.
Sicily
Sambuca di Sicilia is a small town of about 6,000 people in Sicily that has been shrinking as residents move to larger cities. The town is selling homes for only €1 to boost the population. In return, you must refurbish the run-down home within three years, which will likely cost around €15,000 (around $17,800), and provide a €5,000 (around $5,900) security deposit that will be returned when the renovations are complete.
Sicily is a dream for many people worldwide, and you can make that dream a reality! Sicily has food that borders on the divine and it’s also healthy. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to learn one of the most beautiful romance languages in your new home.
Last verified: March 2026
3. Denmark
Denmark loves entrepreneurs and encourages startup businesses and digital nomads to relocate there. Relocating there grants you access to Denmark’s excellent education, healthcare, and welfare systems. Even if you’re an investor, moving to Denmark isn’t a bad idea for the financial incentives!
Denmark is a primarily coastal country with pristine waters and flat terrain. Bicycles are a common mode of transportation, both environmentally friendly and health-conscious. It’s also considered one of the happiest countries in the world, so it’s worth considering!
Last verified: March 2026
4. Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is a program that’s attracting expats from around the globe. If you think your startup has potential, submit an application. If approved and you move to Ireland, your business will receive thousands of Euros in funding and tax credits. Plus, you’ll get access to the European Union, one of the largest markets in the world!
The Irish countryside is spectacular, and the people are even more remarkable. As a new resident, you’ll find a unique and generous culture in Ireland that you’ll immediately love. Also, pubs are prime socializing hotspots, so you’ll get to know the locals quickly!
Last verified: March 2026
5. Albinen, Switzerland
Albinen is experiencing a population decline among young people, so they will pay you $25,000 to move to Switzerland. New residents are eligible for the grant and an additional $10,000 for their children. The catch is that you’ve got to be under the age of 45 and maintain full-time residency for at least 10 years.
If the scenery alone doesn’t take your breath away, you’re just a short trip from nearby Geneva and Zurich. It’s basically the ideal life with a stable economy and access to the Swiss Alps.
Last verified: March 2026
6. Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam
These three countries offer similar benefits and target mostly European and United States residents. In return for moving to Korea, Thailand, or Vietnam, they’ll give you a job teaching English and other courses. The process is simple and relatively quick, so once you’ve covered the international moving costs, you’ll be off to Asia sooner than you think! To get a better idea of your moving costs, use our free moving cost calculator.
Each country offers a history and culture different from Western countries. They also have incredibly delicious food and a low cost of living. Many people find an excellent quality of life in these three Asian countries.
Last verified: March 2026
7. Mauritius
Do you have a business idea that you’re passionate about? Mauritius, an island east of Madagascar, offers 20,000 Mauritian Rupees ($440) to startup businesses that move there. You’ll have to present your unique and profitable business idea to a committee to determine whether you qualify.
While it may not be an isolated island paradise as you’d expect, Mauritius has so much to offer. It has beautiful weather, a thriving economy, high-quality schools, and free healthcare for residents. It’s also a multicultural hub full of diversity!
Last verified: March 2026
8. Ponga villages of Spain
If you’re part of a young couple that wants to have kids, you can earn €3,000 (around $3,262) just by moving to Spain and staying in a Ponga community for five years. It’s a small region of fewer than 1,000 people, with a dwindling population. You’ll also receive an additional €3,000 incentive for each of your children, whether they moved with you or are born in Ponga.
Besides paying you to move there, Spain is a great place to live. The Asturias region in Northern Spain has a gorgeous landscape, welcoming communities, and booming job prospects. We also love the idea of “siestas” that give you a two-hour break in the middle of the day!
Last verified: March 2026
9. Saskatchewan, Canada
Saskatchewan’s Graduate Retention Program aims to keep college graduates by offering CAD 20,000 (around $15,000 USD) in tax returns. Canada will give a tax credit for eligible grads for 10 years as long as they maintain residency and file taxes. The only catch is that you must have graduated from a post-secondary school on their list of approved institutions.
If you want the benefits of the city and the country, moving to Canada — specifically, Saskatchewan — might be a good transition for you. Saskatchewan has several national parks and historic sites to experience all the best of the great outdoors. It also has excellent job opportunities, especially for college graduates.
Last verified: March 2026
10. New Zealand
One of the most gorgeous countries in the world, it’s no surprise why people would want to move here. Fortunately for them, it’s one of several countries that pay you to move there. However, this is not a cash payment. To take advantage of the program, you’ll need to move to Kaitangata, a small town looking to boost its population. While they technically don’t hand over any cash, they’ve created land and housing packages for $165,000, making it more affordable to make the move.
Moving to New Zealand is an adventurer’s dream. There’s world-class skiing, incredible hiking, and action sports like jet boats and bungee jumping. From majestic fjords to sandy beaches and green vineyards — the landscapes are made for movies (Lord of the Rings was filmed here after all!). Make the move to New Zealand to see all this stunning country has to offer.
Last verified: March 2026
Ready to make the move?
With these 10 countries that pay you to move there, moving abroad has never been more enticing. If you’re ready to leave your home and make an exciting new move, be sure to check out the best international moving companies. They’re experts at navigating the process, from moving your things to offering advice for visas and more.
To budget for your move, compare quotes from several different companies using our moving cost calculator. Be sure to factor in added costs and fees including visas, health insurance premiums, immunizations, and pet relocation services. Want to bring your car over? Look into professional car shipping services that can get your car abroad in one piece.
Be sure to do some research before settling on a place to move to. Many of these programs are temporary, periodically stop accepting applications, or make changes to the requirements and benefits. In fact, one of the most exciting options (which is still listed on dozens of sites!) was the Greek island of Antikythera. The Greek Orthodox Church on the island of Antikythera in Greece offered a very short-lived program that no longer exists. So double check and look into each program before making the move.
This list is also just a start. Check out other countries with incentive programs and states within the US that will pay you to move there — including Vermont’s remote worker grant, the Tulsa Remote program, and more.
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