From free houses in Greece to cash incentives of over £26,000, discover seven countries offering lucrative relocation schemes to attract new residents in 2026

As remote working becomes ever more widespread and growing numbers of people seek a complete change of lifestyle, countries across the globe are going to greater lengths to attract new inhabitants — offering financial incentives, free housing, or generous bonuses to bolster their populations.

Whether you dream of breathing crisp Alpine air in Switzerland, embracing the sun-drenched lifestyle of a Greek island, or settling into a peaceful Spanish village, the rewards on offer are remarkably appealing.

Here is a closer look at seven countries actively seeking new residents, and what they are offering to those willing to make the move.

Switzerland – Over £26,000 per family to settle in a picturesque Alpine village

Switzerland is well known for its exceptional quality of life, and one village is willing to pay handsomely to draw in new residents. The village of Albinen, located in the canton of Valais, launched an incentive scheme in 2017 to combat a shrinking population, reports the Express.

The programme offers CHF 25,000 (approximately £22,000) per adult and CHF 10,000 (approximately £8,800) per child. For a family comprising two adults and one child, this amounts to more than £26,000.

Conditions do apply: candidates must be aged under 45, commit to residing in Albinen for a minimum of 10 years, and purchase or build a property worth at least CHF 200,000. Anyone who leaves before the ten years are up will be required to repay the money.

Ireland – Up to €84,000 to revitalise island communities

Ireland’s “Our Living Islands” initiative stands as one of Europe’s most ambitious relocation schemes. Running until 2033, the programme aims to boost populations on remote islands off Ireland’s coast by offering grants to assist newcomers with purchasing and renovating vacant or derelict properties.

Applicants can secure up to €84,000, depending on the extent of refurbishment required. Properties must have been unoccupied for at least two years and constructed before 1993. Following renovation, they must serve as a primary residence or long-term rental – short-term holiday lets are not eligible.

The initiative welcomes both Irish citizens and international applicants. The grant is managed by local county councils and seeks to stimulate population growth, bolster local economies, and ensure a sustainable future for these historic communities.

For remote workers and digital nomads, it presents an attractive opportunity to relocate somewhere tranquil while receiving considerable financial support.

Greece – A free house and €500 monthly on remote island

For those drawn to the serenity of the Mediterranean, the Greek island of Antikythera offers a remarkable relocation package. Local authorities, backed by the Greek Orthodox Church, are offering prospective residents a free house, a parcel of land, and a monthly stipend of €500 for the first three years to families willing to put down roots there.

The scheme is aimed at young families and skilled workers, such as builders, bakers and tradespeople, who can make a genuine contribution to life on the island.

Mayor Efstaratios Charcalakis has previously stated the objective is to restore the sound of children playing in the island’s streets.

That said, relocating to Antikythera is not for everyone. The island remains small and remote, with limited amenities, and many properties require considerable renovation.

Those who do make the move are expected to embrace a quieter way of life and show a lasting commitment to breathing new life into the community.

For the right individual, however, it presents a remarkable chance to build a future on a peaceful Aegean island.

Spain – Cash grants and monthly stipends to attract digital nomads and families

Spain is actively seeking new residents to tackle rural depopulation, particularly in villages that have seen their populations dwindle sharply over recent decades. A number of regional schemes offer financial incentives to digital nomads, entrepreneurs and families. In Extremadura, remote workers may apply for grants reaching up to €15,000 provided they live there for a minimum of two years. Ponga, a town in northwest Spain, provides approximately £2,600 (€2,971) to encourage newcomers, alongside additional funding for each baby born locally.

Meanwhile, the village of Rubia in Galicia pays families €150 monthly to help strengthen local school enrolment figures.

Alongside these regional schemes, Spain’s digital nomad visa provides reduced corporate tax rates for newly established companies and a pathway to residency for remote workers and entrepreneurs.

Japan – Up to ¥4.8 million to leave Tokyo for the countryside

Japan has been promoting relocation from Tokyo to rural areas for several years, but incentives have recently been boosted amid record-low birth rates.

In 2023, only 758,631 babies were born – a 5.1percent drop compared to 2022 – prompting renewed efforts to breathe new life into rural communities.

Families can now receive 1 million yen (around £5,400) per child to relocate from Tokyo, with further financial assistance available for launching a business or working locally. In certain circumstances, total relocation support can reach ¥4.8 million.

The aim is to ease congestion in the capital while revitalising and bringing fresh energy to struggling communities. Families must remain in their new location for at least five years, and at least one adult must be employed or run a business locally.

USA – Cash payments and perks for remote workers

A growing number of towns and cities across the United States are dangling relocation packages to entice remote workers and skilled professionals, with the goal of bolstering local economies and halting population decline.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, operates the widely recognised Tulsa Remote programme, offering financial incentives and benefits to remote workers prepared to relocate, while Choose Topeka in Kansas provides up to $15,000 in incentives for individuals working within certain industries.

Mattoon, Illinois, offers a “Move to Mattoon” package comprising $5,000 in cash, vouchers for local businesses, and community memberships.

While each scheme carries its own set of eligibility criteria, the overarching goal remains consistent: to attract economically active newcomers who can invigorate communities while enjoying a significantly lower cost of living compared to major urban centres.

Canada – Up to CA$20,000 in tuition reimbursements for graduates

Canada’s Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Programme is specifically designed to keep skilled graduates within the province by reimbursing tuition fees of up to CA$20,000 (£11,580).

To qualify, students must have graduated from an approved Canadian institution and plan to live in or move to Saskatchewan upon completing their studies. The amount reimbursed is determined by the length of the degree undertaken. The initiative provides a valuable financial lift for young individuals starting their careers, while at the same time motivating them to support the local economy.