This may come as a surprise to some but there are in fact many countries in the world that have been paying foreign citizens and residents in lakhs for them to relocate to their remote cities. Sounds too good to be true? Well, these perks are usually provided with the intention of boosting the dwindling populations of these countries. Not all of these schemes and grants are available to Indian passport holders without residence permits so do make sure to check the country's individual requirements. That said, time to dream about the lush green meadows in the small towns of Europe and South America.
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Cities Which Pay Individuals To Relocate
1. Santiago, Chile
In 2010, the Production Development Corporation, a Chilean governmental organization launched the Start-Up program in the Chilean capital, Santiago. This program is a public accelerator of high-impact technology-based ventures, offering these start-ups with an interesting idea up to INR 36 lakhs of equity-free seed capital, a 1-year work visa, and access to local financial and social networks. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, "The objective is to raise funds, hire talent, create networks, and launch their businesses from Chile while leveraging and interacting fully with the local entrepreneurship ecosystem. The grant is awarded to people irrespective of nationality, but the business needs to be founded in Chile. You will also have to stay in Chile for at least 12 months after receiving the grant for the project. The program also has a mission to promote the "participation of women to encourage their contribution to the economic reactivation of Chile."
2. Multiple Interior Cities, Portugal
In 2020, the Portuguese government launched an incentive program to stimulate foreign workers and families to move to the less inhabited regions of the country. This Employment Interior Mais program or "Interior Employment Plus - Supported Mobility for a Sustainable Interior" welcomes foreign citizens and expats who are open to living and working in the Portuguese interiors. You can claim one-time financial support of up to INR 4,29,183 (Rs 4,29,183) which includes a direct grant of around INR 2,34,107 with additional grants of 20% for each member of the household and relocation costs. The website states that "Unemployed workers or employees looking for a new job can apply. Beneficiaries must have a full-time contract with a minimum duration of more than one year, or they can apply by creating their own job."
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Chile
3. Albinen, Switzerland
Albinen, a small village in Switzerland, perched 1,300 metres high above the Rhone valley in canton Valais is facing depopulation with residents moving away in great numbers over the last few years. More than half of those left are elderly. And with only 240 residents left the town's economy is in need of repopulation. As per Swiss Info, the Government will pay you around INR 20 lakh for singles over the age of 45, around INR 40 lakh for a couple and an additional INR 8 lakh per child to live there but with certain conditions. To qualify for the program, though, one must be under the age of 45, a resident of Switzerland or be married to a Swiss resident and must have or acquire a new Swiss home over that 10-year period that costs at least 200,000 francs (approx. INR 1.8 crores).
4. Presicce -Acquarica, Italy
A town in the south of Italy named Presicce -Acquarica is offering up to INR 26 lakhs to those willing to relocate and buy a house there. This charming little town in the sunny region of Puglia of southeastern Italy is one of the latest in a series of Italian cities that are launching schemes to combat their declining population and abandoned homes. What's more, to sweeten the deal, they have houses on offer from about INR 22 lakhs too. To qualify for this scheme, one must be a resident and acquire a home within the stipulated territory.
5. Island Cities, Ireland
The Government of Ireland will pay generous cash incentives to people who move to the country's remote islands aiming to boost the population of its islands. On their website they state that the 30 islands off the coast of Ireland are cut off daily by the tide, are not connected to the mainland by a sustainable means of transport and have permanent year-round populations that are not in private ownership. The aim of the Government's policy is to ensure that sustainable, vibrant communities are revitalised and continue to thrive for many years to come. Under the 'Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant' if you are "turning a vacant house or building into your permanent home or a rental property" you will be eligible for a grant of up to €50,000 (INR 44.8 lakhs) and a top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 (approx INR 18 lakhs). To qualify, you have to have proof of ownership or evidence of active negotiations to buy the property, the property should have been made before 2008, you must live in the property as your principal private residence or make it available for rent, and have proof that the property has been vacant for at least 2 years.
6. Tulsa, Oaklahoma in USA
Tulsa in Oklahoma pays remote workers employed outside Oklahoma to work from the city. According to a CBS report, the Government offers a grant of around INR 8 lakhs with certain conditions. The other perks include a free desk space in coworking communities and access to networking events. The catch is you have to be more than 18 years old and qualified to work in the USA. They should also have full-time employment or be self-employed outside of Oklahoma
Alaska's grant has been in place since 1967 and is called the Permanent Fund Dividend. As of 2022, you can qualify for annual dividends of up to INR 2,70,000 if you decide to move there.
Alaska, USA
7. Ponga, Spain
According to Euro News, many towns in Spain offer purchasing grants, cheap rents and cash payouts to move there to combat their declining populations. Ponga in Spain is a delightful little village town and the oldest in the country has a population of around 1,000 and pays you to move there. It will pay approximately INR 1.5 lakhs to each young couple who moves there. Near the town is a UNESCO-designated area nestled in the heart of the Cantabrian Mountains. And every child born in the town will also get paid approximately INR 2.5 lakhs. Again there are eligibility requirements, you would have to be a resident of the EU or UK citizen and have to commit to living there for up to 5 years.
These towns have various perks along with pay. Do not forget to check out the conditions before applying.
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