6 Countries That’ll Pay You to Move

Ever dreamt of starting anew in a picturesque locale that pays you to settle down? While these offers aren’t quick routes to wealth or guaranteed citizenship, they present enticing opportunities for those ready for a long-term commitment.

Here’s a curated list of destinations offering financial incentives to new residents, with all amounts converted to Singapore dollars (SGD) for clarity.

#1: SWITZERLAND

Where: Villages like Albinen
Incentives: Up to S$38,000 per adult and S$15,200 per child
Requirements: Applicants must be under 45, invest in a property worth at least S$340,000, and commit to residing there for a minimum of 10 years
Lifestyle Perks: Stunning mountain landscapes, high-quality public services, and a tranquil lifestyle

Albinen, a charming Swiss village, offers substantial financial incentives to attract younger residents and counteract depopulation. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the community by bringing in new families.

#2: GREECE

Where: Island of Antikythera
Incentives: Approximately S$720 per month for the first three years (totaling around S$25,920)
Requirements: Primarily aimed at young families willing to relocate permanently
Lifestyle Perks: Crystal-clear waters, rich history, and a close-knit community

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Antikythera seeks to revitalize its population by attracting young families, offering monthly stipends to support their resettlement.

#3: ITALY

Where: Regions like Calabria and Sardinia
Incentives: Up to S$51,000 for relocating and starting a business; Sardinia offers S$19,300 to new residents
Requirements: Applicants should be under 40, start a local business, and establish residency within 90 days
Lifestyle Perks: Rich cultural heritage, Mediterranean climate, and exquisite cuisine

Italy’s initiatives aim to rejuvenate small villages facing population decline by attracting young entrepreneurs and residents.

#4: JAPAN

Where: Various suburban towns
Incentives: Up to S$47,800 for relocating and restoring traditional houses
Requirements: Commitment to reside in designated areas and participate in community revitalization
Lifestyle Perks: Blend of traditional and modern living, scenic beauty, and cultural immersion

Japan’s Regional Revitalization Program encourages migration to suburban towns, offering financial support to those willing to restore traditional homes and invigorate local communities.

#5: CANADA

Where: Saskatchewan province
Incentives: Up to S$19,200 in tuition reimbursements for graduates
Requirements: Graduates must live and work in Saskatchewan for a specified period after completing their studies
Lifestyle Perks: Expansive natural landscapes, vibrant communities, and diverse cultural experiences

Canada offers tuition reimbursements to attract graduates to less populated provinces, aiming to bolster local economies and communities.

#6: SPAIN

Where: Ambroz Valley, Extremadura
Incentives: Approximately S$22,500 for remote workers willing to relocate for at least two years
Requirements: Commitment to live in the Ambroz Valley and work remotely
Lifestyle Perks: Scenic countryside, rich cultural heritage, and a tranquil environment

The “Live in Ambroz” program aims to attract digital nomads to counteract population decline and stimulate the local economy.

TOP CONSIDERATIONS

While these financial incentives are appealing, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and consider factors such as language barriers, cultural differences, employment opportunities, and long-term sustainability. Relocating to a new country is a significant decision that requires careful planning and consideration.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Disclaimer: The information provided is based on available data as of March 2025. Incentive programs and their requirements may change over time. Prospective applicants should consult official sources or contact relevant authorities for the most current information.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Thinking of migrating? Here’s what you need to consider first

passport and boarding pass

There are many factors to consider when deciding if and where to migrate.

Can you get a valid visa? Are there job opportunities in your new country? Will you have access to quality healthcare? How long will it take for you to adjust to a new culture?

The answers to these questions will help you make the right decision for yourself and your family. In this article, we will explore some of the key issues you will need to think about before taking the plunge and moving abroad.

Understand the cost of living in your destination country

You may have already decided on a list of countries to migrate to—but now it’s time to figure out if you can live there comfortably.

The cost of living varies greatly from place to place, and before you can judge if you will be able to afford to move abroad, you need to understand it.

You can start by researching online and reading up on what the cost of food, transportation, rent, and other essentials may look like in your destination country.

Once you have an idea of what your expenditure level could look like, create a mock budget for yourself to get a better idea of how much money you’d need to survive in the country—and whether or not it’s doable for the lifestyle you want.

You want to avoid any unpleasant surprises after relocating, so a better understanding of expenses is crucial here. Put in the extra effort now and save yourself from unwanted disasters later!

Connect with other immigrants or locals
woman having a video call

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Talking with others who have gone through the process of migrating, or those who live in the country you’re considering can go a long way in helping you gain clarity and peace of mind.

It’s best to connect with several people and seek opinions from different angles. This will help you get a better sense of the daily life in your desired city or country and what to expect, such as job opportunities, cost of living, etc.

You may be surprised at how many helpful and supportive people are out there. Reaching out is an essential step as it allows you to hear about their experiences directly and ask specific questions that give you a more realistic view before taking any next steps.

Consider language & cultural differences

Migrating to a new country is more than just packing up your bags and finding a place to stay. 

After all, you will be living in a completely different place, with a different culture, possibly different language, and customs.

To have the best possible experience and make sure that you will feel at home in your new country, it’s important to do some reading beforehand.

  • Knowing the local language

One of the first things you should consider when preparing for your move is learning the language of the country you’re moving to.

Knowing at least basic phrases will help you settle into your new life more easily, helping you with day-to-day tasks like shopping or getting around. Having an understanding of the local language will also help with networking and making friends who can help you along each step of the journey.

  • Learning about the culture

Another meaningful thing to keep in mind when planning your move is learning about—and respecting—local customs and traditions.

Doing some research before your move will not only help you fit into this new social landscape but also avoid any cultural missteps that could embarrass or offend someone else.

Finding a job and accommodation
person holding a house key

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Once you’ve considered the immediate and long-term consequences of your move to a new country, it’s time to think about how you’re going to make a living and live there. This can be either exciting or daunting depending on your perspective, but it is an essential component of the migration process.

  • Finding a job

Your first task is to research the job market in your chosen destination.

A good place to start is by understanding which industries are growing, what skill sets are in demand, and whether any incentives exist for businesses to hire foreign workers.

Additionally, if you don’t already have an offer from an employer in your desired country, it might be worth looking at job search websites for opportunities that fit your skill sets.

  • Accommodation

Before leaving your home country, think about where you’re going to live.

In some cases, this could be provided as part of an employment package. However, if you don’t have that option available, make sure you research homes that fit within your budget before committing to move.

What’s clear is that the decision to move to a different country is not one to be taken lightly, and the impact on your life, well-being, and financial situation can be significant. The best way to approach migrating is to consider the opportunity and potential available to you, thoroughly research your options and develop an action plan with realistic goals to achieve your objectives. Above all, make sure you have a solid understanding of the laws, regulations, and cultural norms of the country you are planning to move to, so you can make an informed decision about what will be the best for you (and your family) in the long term.

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