Top 6 Legitmate Places You Get Paid to Move In

Moving to a new country involves selling belongings, handling legal paperwork, and navigating regulations that vary significantly between nations. The process is more complex than relocating within the same country or region.

Several countries and cities offer relocation grants and incentive programs that can offset some of those costs.

Santiago, Chile ($15,400 to $77,000)

Santiago is positioning itself as a technology hub, and its Start-Up Chile program offers equity-free grants for entrepreneurs and founders at different stages.

City skyline of Santiago, Chile · March, 2025

Three grant tracks are available:

• Build: A four-month acceleration program for early-stage companies, offering 15 million pesos ($15,400) equity-free.
• Ignite: For businesses under three years old, the same four-month program is available with funding increased to 25 million pesos ($25,600).
• Growth: An eight-month accelerator for expansion-stage startups, offering 75 million pesos ($77,000) equity-free.

The Build track is open to founders without a fully formed business, making this program accessible to early-stage entrepreneurs as well as established companies.

Japan ($19,000)

Japan's rural regions have faced sustained depopulation as residents concentrate in major metros. To address this, the government launched the Regional Revitalization Corps program, which recruits volunteers to relocate to rural communities.

Street scene in a rural area of Japan · March, 2025

Participants receive a salary of around three million yen ($19,000) and commit to living and working in the community for one to three years. Volunteers support local residents and contribute to regional development.

A high level of Japanese language proficiency is required to qualify. The program suits candidates who want extended immersion in Japanese culture alongside a structured community role.

Italy ($15,000 to $30,000)

Several Italian municipalities are actively recruiting new residents and offering grants for home purchases or renovation. Some locations have also listed properties at €1, subject to renovation commitments.

Vineyard at sunset in Tuscany, Italy · March, 2025

Three locations with active programs:

• Sardinia: Offers grants of up to €15,000 for purchasing or renovating a home in a town with fewer than 3,000 residents.
• Tuscany: Pays between €10,000 and €30,000 to relocate to a mountain town with fewer than 5,000 residents, with the grant capped at 50% of eligible expenses.
• Ollolai: Prioritizes US citizens for relocation and welcomes digital nomads, who can live there at low cost for up to one month. You can also make money online while based there.

Earning through Freecash is one way to cover smaller moving costs over time.

Extremadura, Spain ($10,000 to $15,000)

Extremadura, a region north of Seville, is actively recruiting residents to help grow a community of around 5,000 people. The program targets remote workers and digital nomads.

Rural landscape in Extremadura, Spain · March, 2025

Applicants must hold Spain's digital nomad visa and be under 30 years old. The grant is €10,000 on arrival, with an additional €5,000 available after completing two years of residency and committing to a third.

Extremadura suits those who want a quieter pace of life without leaving Spanish culture behind. It pairs well with earning online while based in Spain.

Ireland Islands (Up to €70,000)

Ireland offers up to €70,000 through its Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, with a further 20% top-up available under the Living Islands Program. The property must become the applicant's permanent residence.

Coastal view of an Irish island · March, 2025

Over 30 islands are covered by the program, most located far from the mainland. New arrivals contribute directly to the local economy.

Foreign nationals are eligible, though immigration procedures can take several months to complete. Ways to make money in Ireland are worth exploring while the process moves forward.

Albinen, Switzerland (Up to €25,000)

Albinen is a Swiss village of around 200 residents offering grants of up to €25,000 to attract younger residents and slow population decline. The program is open to current Swiss residents holding a B permit who are working toward a C permit, and applicants must be under 45.

Small mountain town in Switzerland · March, 2025

The grant supports both Swiss nationals and long-term permanent residents. Full eligibility details are available in the official Albinen municipal document.

For those planning a move, earning options in Switzerland are a practical first step to understand.