Forget US & UK: These 6 Countries Will Pay You to Move & Work in 2025

Dreaming of a fresh start in a new country, but worried about the cost? What if some nations actually paid you to move there? While the US and UK might be popular choices, several other countries are offering exciting incentives to attract new residents, especially to boost smaller communities or fuel their startup scenes.

Based on recent data and local government initiatives, here are six countries that could offer you a financial leg-up to make the big move in 2025.

1. Ireland: Your Island Home Awaits (with a Grant!)

Ireland isn’t just about rolling green hills and vibrant culture; it’s actively working to revitalize its beautiful but sometimes overlooked offshore islands and rural areas.

• The Deal: Through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, you could get up to €50,000 (or €70,000 for derelict homes) to buy and renovate an old house. If you choose one of Ireland’s stunning offshore islands, these grants go up to €60,000 and €84,000 respectively! There’s also the Enterprise Ireland Pre-Seed Start Fund for entrepreneurs, offering €50,000 or €100,000 in equity-free funding for promising startups.
• Who Qualifies? For the housing grant, the property must be vacant for at least two years and built before 2008. You need to own or be buying it, and intend to live in it or rent it out. Crucially, you must have a legal right to reside in Ireland. For the startup fund, your business must be an early-stage, innovative manufacturing or internationally traded services company with high growth potential, and your management team should live in Ireland.
• The Vibe: Ireland boasts a strong job market with low unemployment (around 4.0% in May 2025). There’s high demand in tech (software, data), healthcare, construction, and education. While cities can be pricey, living on an island or in a smaller town offers a more affordable lifestyle amidst breathtaking scenery. Over 11,300 applications for the housing grant have been received, with approvals rising steadily.

2. Italy (Trentino): A Mountain Makeover on the House

Beyond the famous “1 Euro Houses,” Italy’s Trentino region is stepping up with a significant incentive to bring life back to its charming, depopulated Alpine villages.

• The Deal: The Autonomous Province of Trento is offering grants of up to €100,000! This includes up to €80,000 for renovating a property (covering 35-40% of costs up to €200,000) and an additional €20,000 towards its purchase.
• Who Qualifies? You generally can’t be a current resident of the specific municipality you’re moving to (unless you’re over 45). You must commit to living in the renovated property as your primary home or renting it out affordably for at least 10 years.
• The Vibe: Trentino offers stunning mountain landscapes and a peaceful lifestyle. Italy’s job market has needs in sectors like agriculture, construction, tourism, healthcare, and skilled trades. Applications for this program are expected to open in the coming months of 2025, with an initial budget of €10 million aiming to support around 100 new households.

3. Chile: Fund Your Startup, Live the Adventure!

If you’re an entrepreneur with big ideas, Chile’s Start-Up Chile program isn’t just a grant; it’s an accelerator that can significantly fund your venture while you live and work in Santiago.

• The Deal: Start-Up Chile offers equity-free funding across different stages:
  • Build: Around $15,000 USD for early-stage development.
  • Ignite: Around $25,000 USD (with potential extensions) for small startups looking to expand.
  • Growth: Around $75,000 USD for more advanced, high-impact businesses. They also have special funding for female founders!
• Who Qualifies? Your startup needs to be innovative, scalable, and technology-based. You (the team leader) must be at least 18, own at least 10% of the company (for Ignite), and commit to living in Chile for about 12 months during the program.
• The Vibe: Santiago is a thriving tech hub in Latin America. The IT services market is projected to reach $2.74 billion by 2029, with high demand for roles like Data Scientists, Software Engineers, and Cloud Architects. Start-Up Chile has supported over 3,000 startups, helping them generate over $2 billion in sales and raise over $5 billion in capital. It’s a dynamic environment for ambitious founders. 

4. Spain: The Call of the Countryside (with Local Support)

While widespread national “pay-to-move” schemes are rare, many smaller Spanish villages are desperate to reverse population decline and offer localized incentives or significant support for new residents.

• The Deal: These aren’t always direct cash payments from a central government. Instead, incentives can include:
  • Low-cost housing: Villages like Rubiá (Galicia) reportedly offer housing for as little as €50/month, along with small monthly stipends (€100-€150).
  • Free rent for a period: Griegos (Aragón) has offered three months of free rent, plus potential job opportunities and discounts for families with school children.
  • Community support: Platforms like “Volver al Pueblo” and “Hola Pueblo” connect you with towns offering various benefits, from affordable living to business support, helping you navigate the move.
• Who Qualifies? Conditions vary greatly by village, often requiring a commitment to live there long-term and contribute to the local community. Legal residency in Spain is generally required.
• The Vibe: Spain’s job market is growing, particularly in tech, healthcare, tourism, and green sectors. Rural areas often seek medical staff and teachers. Life in these smaller towns is significantly more affordable than in big cities, offering a tranquil, authentic Spanish experience. However, direct cash grants from these local initiatives for 2025 are often difficult to officially confirm and can be “patchy.”

5. Greece (Antikythera Island): A Remote Island Dream?

Antikythera, a tiny, picturesque island in the Aegean Sea, has been widely reported for an initiative to boost its dwindling population.

• The Deal: Reports suggest a monthly stipend of €500 for families with three or more children, along with offers of free food and accommodation.
• Who Qualifies? The program is reportedly aimed at families, especially those with children, and sometimes prioritizes individuals with specific skills like baking, fishing, or construction, who can contribute to the island’s economy.
• The Vibe: Antikythera offers a serene, remote island life with stunning natural beauty, far from the hustle and bustle. Greece generally faces labor shortages in tourism, agriculture, and construction. While the program is widely discussed in the media, it’s important to note that official, direct government or ecclesiastical verification of this specific individual relocation program for 2025 is difficult to find. Interested individuals should conduct thorough personal inquiries directly with local authorities.

6. Switzerland (Albinen): Alpine Living for a Price?

The charming Swiss village of Albinen has garnered attention for its unique offer to attract new residents to its scenic mountain setting.

• The Deal: The village reportedly offers significant sums, with figures around CHF 20,000-25,000 (approx. $22,000-$28,000 USD) per adult and CHF 10,000 (approx. $11,000 USD) per child. A family of four could potentially receive over CHF 60,000.
• Who Qualifies? The conditions are strict: you typically need to be under 45, commit to living in the village for at least 10 years, purchase a home worth over CHF 200,000, and potentially work towards Swiss citizenship. If you leave before 10 years, you may have to repay the funds.
• The Vibe: Albinen offers an idyllic, high-quality life amidst the Swiss Alps, with fresh air and stunning views. Switzerland has a strong economy but a very high cost of living. The local job market in Valais (the canton Albinen is in) sees demand in tourism and hospitality. Similar to Greece, while widely reported, direct official municipal verification for this specific individual relocation program for 2025 is not readily available. Those interested should contact the municipal authorities directly for the most current information.

Before You Pack Your Bags:

While these opportunities sound incredibly appealing, it’s crucial to remember a few things:

• Verify Directly: Always,confirm the latest details, eligibility, and application processes directly with the official government bodies or program administrators. Programs can change or close.
• Hidden Costs: “Free” often comes with conditions. Renovation costs, living expenses, and the commitment period are vital considerations.
• Cultural Fit: Moving to a small, often remote community requires a willingness to integrate, learn the local language, and adapt to a different pace of life.

These countries are looking for more than just residents; they’re looking for individuals and families ready to invest in a new lifestyle and contribute to their communities. If you’re up for the adventure, 2025 could be your year to get paid to move!