Countries That Pay You to Move There

Moving overseas isn’t as expensive as you might think. In fact, there are some countries that pay you to move there. It’s an incredible opportunity for people with the right skills, resources, experience, and background. These programs not only help cover the costs of relocation, but they also fast-track your visa application ‒ smoothing your way through what can otherwise be a lengthy and complicated process.

Why There Are Places That Will Pay You to Move There

Be aware, these offers generally come with a few conditions. They aren't vacation offers. Governments have created them as a way to help rejuvenate communities struggling with:

Declining Populations. All over the world, people have been leaving small towns for big cities. In some places, the trend has become so pronounced that officials have started offering money to reverse the process and inject new life into rural areas.
Brain Drain. Lack of educated workers often slows economic growth. Communities can’t function without doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs. By subsidizing foreign talent, countries hope to encourage growth, improve basic services, and expand their business sector.
Dilapidated Properties. As a result of population loss, buildings in many historic towns have fallen into disrepair. In some cases, city leaders are willing to provide generous stipends to outsiders to move in and restore these old homes.

Most countries that pay you to move there require at least a one to three-year commitment. A remote town in Switzerland will give you and your family $35,000 or more if you’re willing to stay for at least ten years! So if you’re serious about life overseas, here are some of the countries willing to help you achieve your dream.

Top Five Places That Will Pay You to Move There Internationally

If you're ready to pack those bags and move overseas, here are the top five places that will pay to move there internationally:

1. Chile

Want to start your own business in Chile? Start-Up Chile is a program in Santiago that offers funding to entrepreneurs. With this program, you can receive up to $80,000 in equity-free funding plus a one-year visa.

The program has three different tiers: build, ignite, and growth. Each tier is geared towards different start-ups and businesses. It's recommended that you read through the tiers to see if you qualify should you decide Chile is the best place that will pay you to move there for your goals and aspirations. The program backs around 100 start-ups a year, so you must plan to secure funding.

2. Italy

Have you always dreamed of moving to Italy? Now is your chance. Italy has a great, well-thought-out program for students, making it one of Europe's best places that will pay you to move there internationally. Their program is called Invest Your Talent in Italy. Students can apply for $10,000 of funding and a one-year visa with this program. Applicants must reside in one of the participating countries and also enroll in an Invest Your Talent in Italy course.

Not a student? Candela, Italy, is looking for individuals to move to their small town to help increase the population size. With this program, individuals can receive up to 800 euros, and families of four or more can receive 2000 euros to move there. This is one of the best places that will pay you to move there. The only requirement is once you move, you must secure a job that pays at least 7500 euros a year.

3. Ireland

Dreaming of living in Ireland one day? The country will pay you to move to one of its smaller offshore islands. There are over 30 different islands with a total population of less than 3,000. Under its Our Living Islands Policy, Ireland will offer individuals and families a grant of up to €84,000 ($92,297) to make the move.

Many of the properties on the islands have been vacant for decades and were built before 1993. Individuals who qualify for the program must purchase a property on the island and use the grant to refurbish the home. This is a great program to consider, especially if you love the outdoors, hiking opportunities, and the lush greenery of Ireland.

3. Spain

Spain is one of the easiest and cheapest countries to move to from the USA. Spain has an Entrepreneur's Visa program providing individuals with funding to start their own businesses. Entrepreneurs who qualify can get up to $50,000 in funding plus a one-year visa. To apply, you need:

To fill out the application
Provide a photograph and a valid passport
Show proof of sufficient financial resources
Submit criminal record
Copy of the favorable report

You will also be required to submit other paperwork for the one-year visa.

If you aren't an entrepreneur or don't plan on starting a business anytime soon, Ponga also has a relocation program. Ponga is located in northwestern Spain and has a population of less than 600. The program pays couples €3000 to move there and an additional €3000 for every child they have. However, families are legally bound to live in Ponga for at least five years.

4. Greece

Ready to trade in the fast-paced life for a simple life on an island in Greece? Antikythera, Greece, is a small island known for its rich history and culture. The problem is the population has decreased significantly. Its island currently has a population of less than 50.

To help combat the ongoing decline, the Greek Orthodox Churn is offering a monthly stipend of 500 euros to anyone who will move there. Households that take the offer are expected to live in Antikythera for at least three years. The cost of living is low, plus you'll get to enjoy the stunning beaches and nature the island of Antikythera has to offer. What more could you ask for?

5. Denmark

As an entrepreneur, Denmark is one of the best places that will pay you to move there. Their government-run program, Start-up Denmark, welcomes entrepreneurs to launch their businesses in cleantech, design, tech, or life science. If the program approves your business plan, you can receive up to 143,328 DKK ($20,846) of funding. The funding increases if you have children or a spouse who will also be accompanying you in Denmark. You'll also get instant access to healthcare once approved.

The goal is to attract top talent to help continue building on their thriving economy and position themselves as one of the best countries for entrepreneurship. It's a great program to consider, especially if you're looking for a place that will pay you to move there in Europe.

The best part? A visa will get you access to the entire European Union.

6. Switzerland

If you've always wanted to live in a small town nestled in the mountains, there is a program that will pay you to move to Albinen, Switzerland. This program pays individuals up to 20,000 Swiss Francs to relocate to the small town to help with repopulation. If you have kids, they offer an additional 11,000 Swiss Francs for each kid. To qualify, you need to:

Agree to stay for at least 10 years
Be under the age of 45
Become a Swiss citizen
Buy a home in Albinen

7. New Zealand

While there aren't active programs that pay you to relocate to New Zealand, there are programs that can help you successfully relocate if you’re under the age of 30. The Green Heart Travel program will provide you with the assistance to move to New Zealand and find a job in the country. They'll help you find a job and coordinate all aspects of the move for you. The program is available for individuals between the ages of 18 and 30. It's a year-long program, perfect for individuals looking to experience a new culture or make new friends. This program is recommended for college or high school graduates looking to take a gap year before entering the workforce.

8. Japan

If you enjoy working with kids, consider applying to the JET USA Program. Through the JET USA Program, you can get paid to teach English to students in Japan. To qualify, you need:

A bachelor's degree
Have not lived in Japan in the last 6 years
Be a United States citizen
Have an interest in teaching students in pre-k to 12th grade

This program pays United States citizens up to ¥4,020,000 to relocate and teach. If you decide to stay up to four or five years, the salary increases to ¥4,320,000.

9. Croatia

While Croatia doesn't have any active programs that will pay you to relocate, the country does have a flexible digital nomad program. This digital nomad program is designed to encourage individuals to relocate to Croatia for up to 18 months at a time. All you need to do is:

Have a monthly income of at least €3,295
Complete a thorough criminal background check
Show proof of accommodation
Secure health insurance

With this program, you can legally live in Croatia for up to 36 months at a time.

10. Canada

If you're a skilled worker willing to live in a rural part of Canada, consider applying to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program. Through the program, Canada pays skilled foreign workers to relocate to smaller communities in rural areas. While the program is not currently accepting applications, you can still apply for a working permit and reap some of the benefits of living in Canada.

How to Choose the Right Country for Your Relocation

When exploring the countries that pay you to move, consider your goals and interests. You want to find a country that complements your lifestyle and offers the right career opportunities. You also want to fully understand the ins and outs of the program before you apply, to ensure you’re eligible.

Eligibility Requirements: What Most Programs Ask For

Every program is different. Before relocating, confirm your eligibility by thoroughly reading the requirements. Almost all programs will require you to fill out an application and submit a criminal check. For certain places that pay you to move, such as Albinena, Ponga, or the offshore islands of Ireland, you may be required to live in these places for a specific amount of time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Relocating for Incentives

Moving is an exciting experience. However, the last thing you want to do is make a mistake on your application that jeopardizes your eligibility for relocation incentives. Some common mistakes to avoid when applying for these programs include:

Moving before you get approval
Forgetting specific documents or files for the application
Not thoroughly reading the terms and conditions of the incentive
Not fully understanding the requirements of the program

International Movers That Meet Your Needs

That’s only skimming the surface of the opportunities available if you’re looking for a place that will pay you to move there. There are 20+ other countries with different programs worth considering if you’re ready to make that international move!

For more than 90 years, North American Van Lines has been helping people relocate overseas. No matter where you’re going, our international network provides on-the-ground support every step of the way. Expert planning, packing, shipping, and storage services eliminate logistical headaches, ensuring the process runs as smoothly as possible from start to finish.