Want to change your life, but don’t know where to start? There are several countries in Europe (and beyond) that will pay you to move there with your suitcases and luggage. From Spain to Italy, not forgetting Ireland, the list presented here is a brief summary for those looking for new horizons.
However, we recommend that you check all the prerequisites beforehand . As a rule, these incentive programs involve a long-term stay, among other requirements. That’s why it’s important to check the official websites for each region.
In this context, this article is intended as a starting point, a sort of glimpse of possible destinations. After all, these types of programs have emerged as a way of combating desertification in rural (and/or remote) areas, seeking to attract new residents.
Nuestros Hermanos
Across the border, a landscape of contrasts dominates between the large urban centers such as Madrid and Bilbao and some more remote regions within the communities of Galicia and Asturias. In rural areas, the main objective is to counteract the trend towards depopulation. In this regard, an article in the Spanish version of Idealista reveals some destinations.
Ponga
Located in the heart of Asturias, close to the Picos de Europa (a true Natural Paradise), Ponga is a small municipality with approximately 600 inhabitants and more than 200,000 square kilometers.
There, they can pay up to €3,000 to young couples, with an additional equal amount for each child born or adopted in the Asturian municipality, who remain in the town for up to five years, among other measures.
Rubiá
Galicia is right next door, literally a few hours’ drive from Porto. Known for its Atlantic coastline and fantastic islands, it is also a land of mountains, hills and enchanted forests.
In this context, as is the case in the interior of Portugal, many people ‘abandon’ their villages and small towns for the urban centers in search of more opportunities.
In Rubiá, a municipality in Ourense with around 1,300 inhabitants, some incentive programs have been implemented to attract new residents, including affordable rents and a rural employment plan.
‘La Dolce Italia’
Italy is famous for its culture and history, but also for its gastronomy and dreamy landscapes. However, it is also suffering from depopulation in certain regions.
For example, Sardinia, a popular Mediterranean island, offers up to €15,000 for people moving to towns with less than three thousand inhabitants. However, this amount must be invested in buying or renovating a house. It is also important to register for permanent residence after 18 months.
Ireland
Ireland is one of the European countries to consider, as it has a program called “Our Living Islands” to encourage people to move to its remote islands. It offers up to 80,000 euros to anyone willing to take refuge in its quieter locations.
To do this, you need to meet some of these requirements:
- You must be between 18-65 years old
- The money must go towards rehabilitating a house from before 1993 that has been vacant for two years.
- Live permanently on the island
Editor’s note: this article focusing on European countries with incentives for new residents was inspired by an original text published on the Secret NYC website. It’s also important to check the official websites of each region to make sure the programs are still accepting applications, as well as for more information.