In today’s age of remote work and lifestyle flexibility, more people than ever are open to packing up and starting fresh somewhere new. Whether it’s escaping city chaos, embracing a slower pace, or simply working with a better view, moving abroad has never been more appealing.
But here’s the exciting part — many countries actually want you to move there. From financial grants and free homes to monthly stipends, several destinations are rolling out generous relocation programs to attract new residents, boost local economies, and revive declining rural communities.
If you’ve ever dreamed of trading the hustle of London for mountain air, island serenity, or coastal calm — this list is for you. Let’s take a look at seven countries actively encouraging people to relocate in 2025 — including one that’ll pay your family over £26,000 just to move there.
1. Switzerland — Earn Over £26,000 to Settle in a Dreamy Alpine Village
If snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and postcard-perfect views sound like paradise, Switzerland’s village of Albinen might just be your new home.
This charming spot in the canton of Valais is facing a population decline, and local officials are determined to reverse it. Under an incentive scheme launched in 2017, Albinen offers CHF 25,000 (around £23,000) per adult and CHF 10,000 (around £9,300) per child to families willing to settle there.
That means a family of three could receive nearly £65,000 — simply for moving in!
However, there are a few conditions:
- Applicants must be under 45 years old.
- You must commit to living in Albinen for at least 10 years.
- You’re required to buy or build a property worth at least CHF 200,000 (£186,000).
If you leave before the decade’s up, the funds must be repaid. But for those seeking a permanent Alpine escape and a balanced lifestyle, this deal is hard to beat.
2. Ireland — Up to £73,000 to Rebuild Island Communities
Next up is the Emerald Isle, where Ireland’s government is taking bold steps to revive its picturesque offshore islands.
Under the “Our Living Islands” initiative, the Irish government is offering grants of up to €84,000 (£73,000) to anyone willing to purchase and renovate an abandoned or derelict home on these remote islands.
The program runs until 2033 and aims to bring life back to communities that have dwindled over the decades.
Here’s what you should know:
- The home must have been vacant for at least two years and built before 1993.
- Renovations should make it a primary residence or long-term rental — short-term holiday lets don’t qualify.
- Both Irish citizens and foreign applicants can apply.
For remote workers, freelancers, or digital nomads craving solitude and natural beauty, this program is a golden opportunity to start a new chapter — and get paid for it.
3. Greece — Free Home and Monthly Allowance on a Peaceful Island
If the Mediterranean lifestyle calls your name, then Antikythera, a tiny Greek island tucked between Crete and the Peloponnese, might be your perfect match.
To revive its small population, local authorities and the Greek Orthodox Church are offering newcomers a free home, a plot of land, and €500 (£435) per month for the first three years.
That’s not just a relocation package — it’s a chance to live your island dream.
The initiative primarily targets young families and skilled professionals — think builders, bakers, electricians, and artisans who can contribute to community life.
Life here is tranquil and traditional, far from the busy streets of Athens or Mykonos. The island’s slow pace, tight-knit community, and untouched landscapes are ideal for those ready to embrace simplicity and sustainability.
Just be prepared for a quieter existence — limited amenities and renovation work may be part of the experience. But if you’re looking for peace, purpose, and a place to truly call your own, Antikythera is a hidden gem.
4. Spain — Cash Grants and Perks for Digital Nomads and Families
Spain continues to be one of Europe’s most beloved destinations — and it’s now paying people to make it their permanent home.
To combat rural depopulation, several regions have launched financial incentives to attract digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and young families.
Here are some of the most enticing offers:
- Extremadura provides up to €15,000 (£13,000) to remote workers who commit to living there for at least two years.
- Ponga, a charming town in northern Spain, pays around €3,000 (£2,600) to new residents — plus a bonus for every baby born locally.
- Rubia in Galicia gives €150 (£130) per month to families, helping support school enrolment and community growth.
Spain also offers a Digital Nomad Visa, making it easier for remote workers to settle long-term while enjoying reduced corporate tax rates and eventual residency.
Whether you prefer Andalusia’s sunshine, Galicia’s green hills, or Catalonia’s creativity, Spain’s blend of affordability, lifestyle, and opportunity makes it a top pick for relocation in 2025.
5. Japan — Up to £24,000 to Move from Tokyo to the Countryside
Japan may be known for its futuristic cities, but it’s the peaceful countryside that’s now calling for help. Facing record-low birth rates and urban overpopulation, the Japanese government is actively encouraging citizens — and foreigners with residency status — to move out of Tokyo.
Under the expanded relocation scheme, families can now receive up to ¥4.8 million (£24,000) in total incentives.
That includes:
- 1 million yen (£5,000) per child.
- Additional funding for those starting a business or taking local employment.
To qualify, families must live in the new area for at least five years, and at least one adult should either work locally or run a business.
It’s part of Japan’s broader push to revitalize rural towns, preserve local culture, and create sustainable communities outside the capital.
For anyone seeking balance — a place where nature meets tradition — rural Japan offers a refreshing alternative to city life.
6. Italy — Homes for €1 and Cash for Moving In
Italy’s “1 Euro Home” campaign made headlines worldwide — and it’s still going strong.
Several Italian villages, particularly in regions like Sicily, Sardinia, and Molise, are offering abandoned houses for as little as €1 to attract new residents and investors.
But that’s not all — some towns are now adding cash incentives of up to €30,000 (£26,000) for families who settle, renovate, and start small businesses locally.
For example:
- Presicce-Acquarica, in southern Italy, offers €30,000 grants for new families buying and restoring properties.
- Sambuca di Sicilia, made famous by the program, still lists homes starting at €1, requiring a renovation commitment within three years.
Beyond the financial perks, the true charm lies in the Italian lifestyle — great food, friendly locals, and a slower pace of life surrounded by history and beauty.
7. Portugal — Tax Breaks and Remote Work Visas for Expats
Portugal has long been a top destination for British expats, and its relocation incentives continue to make it even more attractive.
While it doesn’t offer direct cash grants like some countries, Portugal’s tax breaks, low cost of living, and digital nomad-friendly visas make it a smart move for remote professionals.
The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2022, allows remote workers earning at least €3,040 (£2,640) per month to live and work in Portugal legally for up to a year, with the option to renew.
Additionally, under the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme, newcomers could enjoy reduced tax rates for up to 10 years.
Combine that with over 300 days of sunshine a year, coastal towns like Lagos and Cascais, and a booming expat community — and Portugal easily ranks among the world’s most inviting destinations.
The Global Trend: A World That Wants You to Move
The post-pandemic world has made one thing clear — where you live no longer limits how you work. Countries that once struggled with aging populations or shrinking rural towns are now embracing newcomers with open arms (and open wallets).
From Switzerland’s snowy peaks to Greece’s sunny shores, the opportunities are endless for those willing to take the leap. Whether you’re a remote worker seeking inspiration, a young family looking for community, or a dreamer ready to start over, there’s a country out there waiting to welcome you home — and even pay you to come.
Final Thoughts
Relocating abroad is about more than just financial incentives — it’s about lifestyle, community, and purpose. These seven countries offer not just money but the promise of a better way of living.
So, if you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming of a simpler life in the mountains, on an island, or in a sunny European village — maybe 2025 is the year to make that dream real.
After all, when the world is literally paying you to move, the only question left is — where will you go first?
