From paradise islands to remote mountain villages, these are the countries offering relocation programmes in 2026 as ‘pay to move’ initiatives grow increasingly common.
‘Pay to relocate’ schemes are becoming more common across the globe, with various nations introducing their own tailored programmes for international applicants in a bid to attract additional residents to towns, villages and cities struggling with declining populations and a weakening economy.
There are 10 stunning countries offering payment to relocate there in 2026, meaning those wanting a fresh beginning, who satisfy the programme criteria, can seriously consider their options.
These apparently too-good-to-be-true relocation incentives are usually aimed at reversing the declining population of these areas and revitalising the local economy, considering that the overwhelming majority of places offering these schemes often have an ageing workforce.
Chile
In an effort to attract investment and bolster the national economy, the Chilean government is offering equity-free grants worth up to £74,000 to technology-focused start-ups willing to establish themselves and operate from the South American nation, reports the Express.
The scheme is open to citizens of any country and will grant participants a two-year work visa. Those benefiting from the programme will also gain access to networking opportunities, office space, mentors, equity-free funding, and startup support to grow their businesses while operating in Chile.
Albinen, Switzerland
Since 2018, the stunning mountain village of Albinen in Switzerland has been attracting potential residents with a range of appealing financial incentives.
The scheme provides adults up to 25,000 Swiss francs (roughly £23,600 in 2026) and children up to 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately £9,400) to move to the scenic rural community.
This means a family of two adults and one child would be given a total of 70,000 Swiss francs (around £66,100) – a figure that could go towards buying a property or starting a new life in the village.
To be eligible, applicants must be under 45 years of age and pledge to live in Albinen for at least 10 years. You would also need to buy or build a property worth 200,000 Swiss francs or more and possess either Swiss citizenship or a C Residence Permit.
Italy
Sicily
The tiny Sicilian town of Sambuca di Sicilia, home to around 6,000 people, has been gradually losing residents to bigger urban cities. In an attempt to halt this population decline, the town is offering homes for just €1.
In return, buyers must completely renovate the run-down home within three years, a process anticipated to cost in the region of €15,000 (around £12,955), and place a €5,000 (around £4,318) security deposit, which will be returned upon completion of the works.
Candela
The town, home to roughly 2,700 residents, has its mayor offering between €800 (approximately £690) for individuals and €2,000 (approximately £1,727) for families willing to move there.
The only requirement is that you must relocate your primary residence to the southern Italian settlement, secure employment, and purchase a property constructed prior to 1991. Numerous older homes in Candela meet this specification.
Ponga villages of Spain
Young couples looking to start a family can pocket €3,000 (around £2,591) just by moving to Spain and settling in a Ponga community for five years. It’s a tiny area with fewer than 1,000 residents, and the population keeps dropping. An extra €3,000 payment is on offer for each child, whether they come with you or are born in Ponga.
Denmark
Start-up Denmark is an initiative aimed at international business founders, offering the possibility to secure a Danish residence permit for establishing and running an innovative growth enterprise.
The scheme also allows you the opportunity to maintain a self-employed venture in Denmark that was previously established while you were living in the nation under alternative residency arrangements. Furthermore, you may be granted a residence permit under the programme for conducting business in Denmark via a Danish branch of an international self-employment company.
The initiative is available to both individuals and groups of up to 3 people who – working from a shared business plan – want to launch or keep operating a venture together in Denmark, or run business through a Danish branch of an international self-employment firm.
New Zealand
To take advantage of the relocation programme, you’ll need to move to Kaitangata, a modest town looking to grow its population. While there’s no direct cash incentive, the town has put together affordable land and housing packages designed to lower upfront costs.
Contact the Clutha District Council directly for up-to-date availability and pricing, as previously published details are considerably out of date.
Mauritius
For those with a business idea they’re passionate about, Mauritius, the paradise island located east of Madagascar, offers 20,000 Mauritian Rupees (£313) to startup businesses that move there. Applicants must present their innovative and commercially sound business plan to a committee to determine eligibility.
Thailand, South Korea, and Vietnam
These three countries offer comparable relocation schemes primarily targeting European and American nationals. In return for moving to South Korea, Thailand, or Vietnam, participants are offered positions teaching English and other subjects.
Individual programmes vary according to employer and location, so thorough research into current opportunities is advisable before making any decisions. The process is generally straightforward once international relocation expenses have been covered.
Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is a government body that supports high-potential startups. Those who reckon their business has potential can put in an application. Once approved and relocated to Ireland, qualifying startups could land thousands of Euros in funding and tax breaks, plus access to the European Union, one of the world’s biggest commercial markets.
Ireland also runs the Our Living Islands scheme, which offers to pay eligible applicants €50,000 or up to €80,000 (£43,000 – £70,000) to move to selected Irish Isles. Those willing to make the shift would get the promised amount as long as the money is spent on buying and refurbishing derelict properties as part of the Irish government’s Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme Croí Cónaithe.
The property must have been constructed prior to 1993 and no later than 2007, and must have remained unoccupied for at least two years. It must also function as a genuine primary residence, meaning short-term rentals such as Airbnb are strictly prohibited. Irish residency is likewise required, as the scheme does not automatically confer immigration rights.
Saskatchewan, Canada
Saskatchewan’s Graduate Retention Programme aims to keep university graduates in the region by providing CAD 20,000 (approximately £10,731) in tax rebates. Eligible graduates can claim a tax credit for as long as 10 years, on the condition they remain resident and file their tax returns. The only requirement is that candidates must have completed their studies at a post-secondary institution included on their list of recognised establishments.
10 countries that will pay you to move there in 2016
- Chile
- Albinen, Switzerland
- Italy
- Denmark
- Ponga villages of Spain
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam
- Mauritius
- Saskatchewan, Canada
