Want To Move to Europe? These Places Will Actually Pay You To Live There
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If you’ve ever dreamed of living in Europe, you’re in the right place. Europe has beautiful cities, cozy towns by the sea, and lots of history. But let’s be honest, living there can get expensive, and that might make you think twice.
What if we told you there are places in Europe that will actually pay you to move there? Sounds hard to believe, but it’s true. We found 12 amazing places in Europe that can help make your dream come true. Keep reading to see which one could be your perfect match.
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Which dreamy European spot would you move to if they paid you? Pick wisely, your future self might thank you—or not.
This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.
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England, United Kingdom
The first European destination on our list is England, famed for its rich history, bustling cities, and picturesque landscapes. History buffs can get lost exploring the Shambles in York. Foodies can tuck into international cuisine at one of London’s food markets, and music fans can visit the home of the Beatles in Liverpool.
Better yet, England currently offers an International Relocation Payment (IRP) that pays teachers, particularly those in physics and language, to help with the country’s teacher shortage. If you’re a teacher, you could be paid up to $12,858 (£10,000) to move to England. You must be a foreign-qualified teacher or trainee teacher to qualify.
Read also: Best Cities To Live in Europe
Ireland
If you’ve always wanted to live the cozy island lifestyle, head to Ireland, where you can be paid to purchase and renovate a property on one of the nation’s remote islands. The Our Living Islands scheme allows new residents to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Wannabee residents are given up to $91,444 (€84,000) to move to one of the islands. When you move into and commit to restoring an abandoned property, you’ll receive the money. This will allow you to build your dream island escape. Some beautiful islands you can move to as a part of the scheme include Bere Island, Arranmore Island, and my favorite, Inis Mór Island.
Read also: Most Sustainable Cities in Europe
Presicce-Acquarica, Italy
Considering how beautiful Italy is, the government offers a surprising number of schemes that pay people to move to the country. One of the best schemes is in Presicce-Acquarica, a small commune in the Province of Lecce, Southern Italy. This area is known for its stunning architecture and lush natural surroundings.
However, despite its apparent beauty, the town has experienced a declining population for many years. Therefore, the town will now pay new homeowners up to $30,000 to move in and renovate a property built before 1991. In Presicce-Acquarica, you’ll live a tranquil lifestyle jam-packed with Italian charm, scenic hikes, and gorgeous architecture. What’s not to like?
Read also: Unmissable Things To Do in Italy
Candela, Italy
Candela is a picture-perfect hilltop town in southeast Italy. It has breathtaking pastel-colored properties, sweeping landscape views, winding cobblestone streets, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to live if you want to live the Italian lifestyle. Better yet, the government will pay you to move there.
A new scheme was introduced to encourage people to move to the town. Families who make the move receive $2,175 (€2,000), and singles receive $870 (€800). However, like in Presicce-Acquarica, you must invest in a property built before 1991 and have a job. In Candela, you can spend your free time hiking in the great outdoors and exploring the town’s medieval historic center.
Read also: Impressive UNESCO Sites in Italy
Sardinia, Italy
Another beautiful destination in Italy that will pay you to move there is Sardinia, an island region in the Mediterranean Sea renowned for its breathtaking scenery, pristine beaches, and charming seaside towns and villages. In Sardinia, you’ll never tire of hiking along the coast, sipping Aperol Spritz by the sea, and exploring the lively streets of Cagliari, the island capital.
However, like many rural places in Italy, Sardinia faces a depopulation crisis. As such, the government implemented a financial scheme that will see applicants who take up official residence in a Sardinian village paid up to $16,240 (€15,000) towards housing expenses. To qualify, applicants must be willing to move to a village with under 3,000 inhabitants.
Read also: Amazing Countries To Visit With a Schengen Visa
Ponga, Spain
If you like the thought of living remotely in the Spanish mountains, Ponga is the place for you, especially if you want to get paid to move somewhere. This laid-back mountain town in Northern Spain offers rugged hiking landscapes, a relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful scenery.
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You’ll likely spend most of your time exploring the great outdoors, visiting the local sights, and indulging in traditional Spanish cuisine. Notable attractions include Sobrefoz Palace, Ruta del Valle de Ponga, and Parque Natural de Redes. If you make the move, the Spanish government will pay you and anyone you move with $3,244 (€2,970).
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Read also: Cheap Places To Visit in Spain
Legrad, Croatia
Legrad was once one of Croatia’s most popular villages. This rural town was even the most populated village in the country. However, its population has dramatically declined over the last century to the point that approximately only 2,000 people live there now. Luckily, a scheme has been introduced to fight the population decline.
To attract new residents, homes in Legrad are sold for about 0.16 cents. Furthermore, the government will pay new residents up to $4,000 to relocate and refurbish a property. However, you must commit to the town for 15 years and be under 40 to qualify.
Read also: Budget-Friendly Places To Visit in Europe
Austria
The next European destination on our list that will pay you to live there is Austria. This vibrant country is best known for its classical music, baroque architecture, Alpine traditions, and luxurious capital city, Vienna. In Austria, you can expect a high quality of life, many things to see and do, and abundant picturesque scenery.
Noteworthy places to live include Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, and Innsbruck. Regarding payment to move to Austria, the government offers a Red-White-Red Card scheme that grants financial aid and a one-year visa to help new residents move to the country. Skilled workers and entrepreneurs in fields facing a shortage are given priority. German speakers are also given priority, so you better download Duolingo.
Read also: Amazing Places in Europe for Digital Nomads
Antikythera Island, Greece
If you’ve always dreamt of spending your days off swimming in turquoise waters, sunbathing on white sand beaches, and eating authentic Greek food on a Greek island, now’s your chance, as Antikythera Island is paying people to move there. Tucked between the Peloponnese and Crete in the Aegean Sea, the island aims to boost its population.
Therefore, the Greek Orthodox Church of Kythera promises to pay new residents $544 (€500) monthly and provide free property for moving to the island. We don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty awesome. Unfortunately, though, the scheme is only available to five families. We’ll race you to the island.
Read also: Inexpensive Small-Town Getaways in Europe
Albinen, Switzerland
If you prefer rugged mountain ranges and charming mountain villages as opposed to white sand beaches and vibrant seaside towns, Albinen is the perfect destination for you. This picturesque village in Central Switzerland offers impressive views, endless hiking trails, and a peaceful community. If you’re under 45, you can get paid to move there.
Albinen offers a financial scheme to tackle a declining population that pays new residents $21,000 (20,000 Swiss Francs) to move to the town. New residents are paid a further $10,000 (10,000 Swiss Francs) for every child they bring. This is just another epic reason to move to Switzerland.
Read also: Charming Medieval European Towns
Rubia, Spain
Rubia, a picturesque village in Galicia, Northern Spain, is a fantastic place to live if you want to enjoy the Spanish countryside, spend your days hiking in the great outdoors, and experience a lower cost of living. It’s also a top choice if you want to be paid to move somewhere in Europe.
To increase the village’s student population, Rubia attracts people to relocate by offering up to $162 (€150) monthly. The village prefers to take in families, but you don’t necessarily need one. $162 might not cover all your costs, but it will help. Admittedly, there isn’t much to do in Rubia, but you’ll never tire of exploring the lush landscape.
Read also: Spectacular UNESCO Sites in Spain
Calabria, Italy
The final European destination on our list is Calabria, a sun-soaked region at the toe of Italy’s boot-shaped peninsula. This stunning part of Europe is best known for its dramatic coastline, tranquil beaches, and rich history. Explore the region’s historic cities and towns when you’re not relaxing on a beach or swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Significant points of interest include Reggio Calabria, Sila National Park, Riace Bronzes, and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. To get paid to move to Calabria, new residents must move to one of several villages with fewer than 2,000 residents. If you do that, you could receive a relocation grant of up to $30,000 (€28,000) over three years to help you settle in.
Read also: Cheap Cities in Italy To Live In
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