With tax changes potentially seeing many Brits moving abroad, there are some countries that will pay certain people to move in
Some budget changes have left many Brits disgruntled and looking to immigrate to escape the tax shifts now that the domicile system is also getting a fresh look. While leaving the country can prove to be an incredibly expensive affair, there are some countries that will pay certain foreigners to move in.
Wayne Mills, the Head of Operations at Seven Seas Worldwide shared: “It’s a win-win: you get a fresh start and a helping hand, while local economies enjoy a much-needed boost.” However, it’s worth noting many of these countries have additional criteria such as moving to specific places within the country, being in a specific career or even based on the number of children you have.
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Ireland
Moving to one of Ireland’s 30 coastal islands, and buying a vacant home there, could earn you €84,000 (£69,000) in cash grants. The expert said: “Ireland is looking to revitalise and future-proof these beautiful islands by attracting a newer, younger population.”
To be eligible, you must be willing to buy and renovate a home on one of these islands and live in it for at least 10 years. The program specifically targets remote workers and digital nomads as the government has pledged to improve transport links, internet coverage and health services over the islands.
Switzerland
The Northern European country is urging young families, consisting of adults under the age of 45, to move over and enjoy a bonus of 20,000 CHF (£17,000) with an extra 10,000 CHF (£8,900) per child they have. You will have to specifically move to the alpine village of Albinen, buy a home worth over 200,000 CHF (£178,000), pledge to live in Switzerland for at least a decade, and become a Swiss citizen to be eligible.
Spain
If you move to the northern Asturias region of Spain, specifically to Ponga, you could receive €2,971 (£2,475), plus another €2,971 for each newborn you welcome there. Wayne noted: “Ponga is a little off the beaten track for tourists, but its mountainous landscape is absolutely jaw-dropping. It’s the perfect place to live in tune with nature – and the region produces amazing wines!”
Greece
Unlike the countries so far, Greece pays a monthly stipend of €500 (£416) a month instead of a lump sum to new residents on the island of Antikythera for three years after they move in due to the island’s declining population. It currently only has 45 permanent residents, explaining the desperate push from the government to attract young families and build up the community.
Italy
Italy has 3 regions offering bonuses for new residents. The Calabria region provides around €28,000 (£23,000) if you’re under the age of 40, move to one of their small villages and create a business or fulfill essential jobs.
The neighbouring towns Presicce Acquarica offer up to €30,000 (£24,000) for families to buy a house as well as a bonus of €1,000 (£800) per newborn. Finally, the island of Sardinia offers €15,000 (£12,000) for people who buy and renovate a home in one of the island’s towns with less than 3,000 residents and become a full-time Sardinian resident.
Japan
Outside of Europe, Japan’s Regional Revitalisation Program offers newcomers up to ¥4,800,000 (£24,000) to move to rural areas. Wayne explained: “A lot of young Japanese people don’t want to go through the hassle of trying to find a buyer when they inherit old family homes, so there are hundreds of traditional Japanese countryside houses offering amazing locations, space, and architecture that are just going to waste right now.”
Canada
One of the only programs geared towards students, Canada offers to reimburse up to CA$20,000 (£11,000) for students who study at a Canadian institution for four years. You’ll also have to permanently move to Saskatchewan to help fill the town’s need for skilled professionals.
