The idea of escaping the nine-to-five for a new life abroad is a fantasy for many Brits.
There is a reason why shows such as A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Continent are so popular; they offer escapism and a glimpse into the ‘what if’ reality of leaving the UK behind for an idyllic life abroad.
If you’re one of the many people thinking about packing it all in and jetting off overseas, there are many countries currently offering up to £72,000 for people to move and settle there.
Some of the most generous offers are found in Europe, meaning that you wouldn’t be more than a short flight away from friends and family.
Whether you plan on starting a new business or renovating an empty property, read on to find the locations you could be paid to move to.
Italy – £25,800
Italy, a country visited by 57 million tourists from around the world every year, is offering families cash to move to the idyllic regions – but there’s a catch.
The offer is a move from the Italian government to repopulate areas of the nation that are seeing populations decline due to an exodus of young Italians moving to larger cities or overseas for work, meaning the towns from which they hail are somewhat left behind.
Pictured is Presicce-Acquarica, the ‘heel’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, where those seeking a new start in life are being offered up to £25,800 to up sticks and make Italy their permanent residence
One of the areas on offer is the scenic southwestern area of Calabria, where families are being given a £24,080 sum to move to one of nine villages and call the close-knit community their new home.
Other options include Presicce-Acquarica, the ‘heel’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, where those seeking a new start in life are being offered up to £25,800 to up sticks and make Italy their permanent residence.
Applicants must be no older than 40 and move within 90 days of acceptance of their application.
And there’s another condition – anyone moving over to the Mediterranean country will have to either start a new business that benefits locals or fill an in-demand job that the local community are struggling to do.
Switzerland – £18,342
A stunning village in Switzerland that boasts views of the Alps is offering to pay people to relocate there in an attempt to welcome more families to the area.
Set in the southwest of Switzerland, Albinen is offering up to £18,342 to anyone willing to uproot their life for the European spot, in a bid to combat the continuing depopulation of the stunning area.
While it sounds almost too good to be true, there is a big catch that comes with the lucrative cash offer.
A stunning village in Switzerland that boasts views of the Alps is offering to pay people to relocate there in an attempt to welcome more families to the area. A garden in Albinen, Switzerland, is pictured
Prospective movers will need to be able to fork out up to 200,000 Swiss Francs (£180,000) for a home in the picturesque village.
They will also need to be under 45 years of age to register for the scheme.
But that’s not the biggest requirement.
To get the big payout, you’ll also need to commit to living in Albinen for 10 years and eventually become a citizen of Switzerland.
Ireland – £72,240
Ireland’s ‘Our Living Islands’ policy provides up to £72,240 to anyone renovating vacant or derelict properties on specific offshore islands.
This initiative aims to boost the population and revitalise remote communities off the West Coast of Ireland.
In total, there are 23 inhabited offshore islands that qualify for the scheme. As of 2016, these islands had a combined population of just 2,734.
Ireland’s ‘Our Living Islands’ policy provides up to £72,240 to anyone renovating vacant or derelict properties on specific offshore islands. Pictured: Inisheer, Aran island, Ireland
One of the most famous islands included in the scheme is the Aran Islands, consisting of three picturesque rocky isles, Inishmaan, Inisheer and Inishmore, where parts of The Banshees of Inisherin were filmed.
Anyone can apply, even if they’re not an Irish citizen. However, there are some important things to note.
The property must be vacant or derelict, built before a certain date (2007) and unoccupied for a minimum period.
Each property must also be situated on islands not connected to the mainland by a bridge or causeway, and is often cut off daily by the tide.
Greece – £15,372
Greece takes a different approach on the island of Antikythera, where new residents are offered £427 per month for three years, paid through the Greek Orthodox Church, to encourage people to settle there.
Successful applicants receive a free house, a plot of land, and a monthly stipend of 500 euros for three years.
The remote and peaceful island has a very small population, and the goal of the scheme is to increase the island’s population and economy.
Greece takes a different approach on the island of Antikythera, where new residents are offered £427 per month for three years, paid through the Greek Orthodox Church
The scheme is primarily aimed at attracting young families with children and skilled workers in areas like agriculture, fishing, or hospitality as well as remote professionals.
Japan – £24,010
Outside of Europe, incentives can be just as creative.
Japan’s ‘Regional Revitalisation Program’ gives households up to £24,010 to relocate to rural areas.
This is part of a national strategy in Japan to curb population imbalances, which also includes reviving rural economies.
The initiative is designed to breathe new life into quieter parts of Japan that have seen young locals moving to bustling metropolises such as Tokyo and Kyoto.
One place joining this scheme may take you is the small fishing town of Takahama.
One place joining this scheme may take you is the small fishing town of Takahama (pictured)
Located in the Fukui Prefecture, this idyllic village is known for its stunning beaches.
USA – £8,923
Small towns across America are offering remote workers thousands of dollars in cash and other incentives to move in an attempt to reinvigorate their economies.
US states such as West Virginia, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Alaska offer cash grants and perks like free outdoor activities or co-working spaces to entice remote workers.
This image shows the historic town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers
The drive from small towns to boost their economies with work-from-home residents comes as many employers have retained out-of-office working hours since the pandemic.
Those who enjoy such perks have the freedom to live wherever they want, and small cities have taken note.
In West Virginia, you can be paid $12,000 (£8,923) to move to the area over two years through the Ascend WV program.
Participants also receive other perks, such as a year of free outdoor recreation and free access to co-working spaces.
Spain – £2,555
A town in Spain is encouraging Brits to move there with cash incentives.
Ponga, a town and municipality in northwest Spain, says it will pay £2,555 to each person who chooses to relocate there.
The scheme aims to bolster the local economy, like many similar initiatives launched in rural Italian towns and villages.
The village of Viego, located in the Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain, is pictured
In addition to the initial sum per person who chooses to relocate to the town, Ponga will add another £2,600 for each baby born there.
The initiative hopes to give the area of around 600 residents a much-needed boost.
But there is a catch to this seemingly idyllic scheme.
In order to take advantage of the offer, Brits have to commit to living in Ponga for five years or more.
