According to Forbessmaller regions and countries facing population decline are increasingly offering such programs to attract new residents. At the same time, the rise of digital nomadism is weakening the traditional link between work and location, making it easier for people to consider moving without changing careers or long-term plans.

Here are eight countries currently offering relocation incentives:

1. Italy

Several villages in the southern region of Calabria are offering up to 30,000 euros (US$34,000) to newcomers willing to move to towns with fewer than 2,000 residents and start a business. Payments are typically spread over several years, and applicants must be under 40 and commit to living there full-time.

Italy has also drawn attention for its symbolic one-euro home schemes aimed at revitalizing abandoned properties, though buyers must invest in renovations.

Last year, Reuters reported that Italy’s birth rate fell to a record low in 2024, contributing to a population decline of 37,000 and bringing the total to 58.93 million, extending a downward trend that has persisted for more than a decade.

2. Switzerland

The Alpine village of Albinen offers 25,000 Swiss francs (US$31,500) per adult, plus additional payments for children, to families who relocate permanently.

Participants must purchase property worth at least 200,000 francs and remain in the village for at least 10 years or repay the subsidy.

3. Japan

To combat rural depopulation, Japan offers grants of up to 1 million yen (US$6,200) per child to families moving from major cities to designated rural areas.

Some municipalities also provide housing support and startup assistance.

4. Spain

Regional governments in areas such as Asturias and Galicia, often working with private initiatives, offer housing subsidies, relocation grants and employment opportunities to attract new residents. In some cases, families receive financial aid or subsidized housing to offset moving costs.

5. Greece

On the island of Antikythera, authorities offer housing, land and monthly stipends of 500 euros to families willing to settle long-term.

The Guardian reported last year that projections show Greece’s population could fall from about 10.2 million to well under 8 million by 2050, with 36% of residents expected to be aged 65 or older.

6. Ireland

Ireland’s “Our Living Islands” initiative provides grants of up to 84,000 euros to renovate vacant or derelict homes on selected islands, with the goal of reversing population decline in remote communities.

7. Croatia

Croatia offers subsidies covering up to 50% of property purchase costs in certain areas, along with a digital nomad residence permit that allows remote workers to stay for up to a year.

As of April last year, the World Bank estimated that the country had lost nearly 400,000 residents over the previous decade, placing it among the five fastest-shrinking populations in the European Union. The share of people aged 65 and older rose from 17.9% in 2012 to 22.5% in 2022, and is projected to reach 30% by 2050.

8. Chile

Chile takes a different approach by targeting entrepreneurs. Its Start-Up Chile program provides up to US$80,000 in equity-free funding, along with mentorship and business support, to founders building companies in the country.

Experts note that these incentives often come with strict requirements. Many programs require recipients to buy property, start a business or remain in the area for a set number of years. Payments are also frequently distributed over time rather than provided upfront.