Packing up and moving to a new country is a big leap. Lately governments and regions around the world have gotten creative: some are offering cash, grants, or other incentives to lure new residents to struggling towns, to kickstart local economies, or to welcome entrepreneurs. 

Before you start dreaming of beaches or a cheap fixer-upper, know this: most of these offers come from regional or municipal programs, not a blanket “national government pays everyone.” Still, if you’re curious, here are five countries where you can realistically find programs that will pay you — or at least help fund your move — as of December 2025.

Moving somewhere new sometimes helps people reset a budget or a life plan. If you’re thinking about relocating to get out from under money worries, moving because of financial stress can make sense for some people. For that, you can also visit blogs like Stay Curious for tips on coping with financial stress and saving money. But treat incentives as one piece of the puzzle: visas, language, healthcare, taxes, and job prospects are key considerations too.

1. Spain 

Spain has become one of the clearest examples of local governments offering real money to attract residents. Extremadura, a rural region in western Spain, rolled out a “digital nomad / remote worker” grant that can amount to up to €15,000 for eligible remote workers who commit to living and working there for a period (the program targets tech and remote professionals and has eligibility rules about residence and proof of remote work). 

Besides Extremadura, small municipalities like Ponga in Asturias and other towns across Spain have year-by-year packages that include cash grants, housing help, and bonuses for having children. These programs vary in eligibility and scale, so check the official regional pages before you plan a move.

2. Italy

Italy’s rural and island regions have been experimenting with cash and renovation support for a few years. Sardinia has run an anti-depopulation fund that includes relocation grants for people who move to towns under a certain population threshold, plus support for renovating homes. 

Other Italian provinces and small towns offer yearly allowances or one-off relocation grants for newcomers who will live there full time and, in some cases, renovate a property. The offer sizes and application windows change, so it pays to read the local municipality notices. 

3. Greece

A handful of Greek islands and remote communities have put out targeted offers to attract families, skilled residents, or entrepreneurs. 

Antikythera (Antikythira), for example, has been reported to offer substantial support for families willing to relocate, including housing and monthly stipends in specific cases. These programs are usually small-scale, run by local authorities, and may prioritize families with children or people who can work locally or remotely. If you love island life and low population density, check local municipal announcements and be ready for limited application windows. 

4. Chile

Chile’s approach targets founders more than remote workers. Start-Up Chile is a long-standing government-backed accelerator that offers equity-free funding, mentorship, workspace, and visa support to entrepreneurs who agree to develop their startups in Chile. 

The program has evolved over the years but remains a concrete route to receiving significant support if you bring a qualifying startup idea. That support can amount to tens of thousands of dollars plus the practical help of a work visa and an entrepreneurial community, in effect paying you to move if you qualify. 

5. Canada

Canada does not have a single national “we’ll pay you to move” program for everyone, but several provinces and sectors offer meaningful incentives that can cover relocation costs or include cash bonuses. 

For example, Saskatchewan runs recruitment incentives for health professionals that can be quite sizable for people willing to work in rural or remote postings. Prince Edward Island and other Atlantic provinces run newcomer supports and wage subsidy programs designed to attract workers and strengthen rural economies. 

In short, Canada’s offers tend to be targeted by profession, region, or employer rather than an open cash-for-anyone program. If you are considering Canada, focus on provincial government and sector pages for exact details. 

A few practical things to keep in mind

1. Most incentives are conditional. You will usually need to live in the place for a fixed minimum term, register locally, and sometimes show employment or remote income. Grants can be paid in installments or tied to renovation receipts or business plans.
   
2. They are often regional, not national. A “country pays you” headline almost always means a region, island, or municipality within that country is offering the money. That’s why checking municipal or regional government portals beforehand is extremely important.
   
3. Visa and tax rules still apply. Non-EU nationals who want to relocate to Spain or Italy will need the appropriate residency or digital nomad visas. Entrepreneur programs often help with visas but expect paperwork and timelines.
   
4. The money rarely replaces a steady salary. Grants and bonuses help with setup costs, housing, or starting a business. They are not usually equivalent to a multi-year salary. Treat them as a cushion to make relocation feasible.
   

Final Thoughts

If you are tempted by the idea of being paid to move, do two things first: read the official regional program terms, and do a realistic budget that includes visa costs, travel, healthcare, and local taxes. These programs can turn an expensive leap into a manageable one, but they are not magic.