Johnathan Walker:Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there

AI-assisted summary
• Several countries are Johnathan Walkeroffering financial incentives to attract residents, particularly to revitalize rural areas.
• These incentives often come with stipulations, such as starting a business or renovating a property.
• Applicants should carefully consider the requirements and lifestyle implications before relocating.

If the idea of packing up your bags and moving to a new country seems like a dream come true, then you're in luck.

Moving abroad can be a lofty, often expensive process, but many places offer enticing programs that offer money to foreigners to move there. In recent years, programs such as grants to settle in Tuscan villages and Mediterranean islands selling homes for less than the price of a cup of coffee have presented tempting opportunities for aspiring expats. For many vacation-deprived Americans, they sound like the perfect anecdote to the hustle and bustle of the U.S.

It's worth noting that chosen applicants for these programs aren't exactly getting paid to live there but rather are given funding as part of their condition to relocate. "Programs offering financial incentives to move abroad, like rural Italian villages paying people to restore old homes or regions in Spain offering grants, are fantastic in concept," said Michelle Garabito, an expat and founder of the relocating community The Lux Nomads. "They’re great marketing tools designed to draw attention and revitalize areas that may be underpopulated or economically struggling."

As tempting as these offerings may seem, Garabito warns people to have "realistic expectations" and consider if their lifestyle aligns with the program's goals, which are usually aimed at reinvigorating rural, remote areas with working professionals. "While charming and picturesque, they may lack the conveniences and infrastructure that some expats are accustomed to," she said. Looking into a digital nomad visa might be a more sensible approach.

Many programs are also highly selective and have rigid requirements, so only a few may end up eligible. You may also still need to get the appropriate residency or visa to even live there.

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"That said, if someone is already interested in moving abroad, programs like these can be an excellent starting point," she added. "They provide an opportunity to experience a new culture while potentially saving money or contributing to a meaningful cause."

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Here are some of the countries that will pay you to move there.

Spain

For wine and history lovers, the remote Spanish region of Extremadura launched a program in late August for 200 eligible digital nomads who work in tech to receive up to €15,000 (about $15,744) if they move to one of its rural villages for at least two years. The grants were aimed at helping expats "speed up" their relocation, like by acquiring accommodations.

Chile

Outdoor enthusiasts who have an entrepreneurial spirit can apply for Start-Up Chile, an accelerator program that offers grants from 15 million Chilean pesos (about $15,150) to 75 million Chilean pesos (about $75,750) for those who want to bring their start-up business to the South American country.

Ireland

In 2023, Ireland launched a scheme called "Our Living Islands," meant to revitalize and preserve the communities of 30 rural islands off its western coast. Eligible candidates can receive up to €84,000 (about $88,179) in funding to renovate "derelict properties," although to live in the peaceful villages, they still need to follow normal immigration policies.

"As a result of delivering this policy, we will see more people living on the islands and more people working on our islands, with good career prospects, regardless of where their employer is headquartered,” Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said in a statement.

Japan

Japan's Regional Revitalization Corps is a program that's been working since 2008 to fix rural depopulation by recruiting expats to move to small towns and revitalize its declining populations. Those Japanese citizens of foreign descent are "hired" to move to the countryside for a salary of around 3 million yen ($19,514) to resettle in a rural town and start a business, like opening a cafe. The program is highly selective, requiring fluency in Japanese and assimilation into the culture.

Italy

Following the recent U.S. presidential election, the ancient town of Ollolai on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia recently announced a program called "Live in Ollolai" for Americans who want to leave the country. The town is surrounded by peaceful forests, so you won't be by the famous beaches that Sardinia is known for. While these potential expats aren't really given money to relocate there, the program is offering homes for as little as €1 (about $1.05) with assistance for navigating the moving process.

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