Get paid to move to another country

Get Paid To Move To Another Country: 16 Places You Can Go To

Do you want to get paid to move to another country? As a globe-trotting gal myself, getting paid to move somewhere is indeed living the dream!

Guess what? There are 16 countries that do just that! 

From the polite and welcoming atmosphere of Canada to the startup opportunities in Chile.

From the “hygge” lifestyle in Denmark to the Mediterranean charm of Greece.

Just to name a few!

Having been to, lived in, and worked in many of these places, I can vouch for the unique experiences they each offer. 

So, let’s dive into how you can turn this incredible dream into a reality.

Summary

16 Countries That Will Pay You To Move There:


1. Canada

2. Chille 

3. Denmark

4. Greece

5. Ireland

6. Italy

7. Korea

8. Mauritius

9. New Zealand

10. Portugal

11. Spain

12. Switzerland

13. Thailand

14. United Kingdom

15. United States

16. Vietnam

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Get paid to move to another country
Photo by Agus Dietrich

16 Countries That Will Pay You To Move There:

1. Canada

If you’ve graduated or are from Saskatchewan, Canada, the government has a special retention program that’ll keep you hooked more than Tim Horton’s donuts!

The government is offering CAD 20,000 (USD $15,000) in tax returns. 

As long as you maintain residency and file taxes in Saskatchewa, you can get paid for up to 10 years!

Anyone who pays taxes will tell you that having this huge a tax return is to die for!

Saskatchewan is a gorgeous place with many national parks and historical sites. 

So if you haven’t gone to post-secondary school, you might want to go to school here if you want to have the chance to apply for the program! 

2. Chille 

The next country where you can get paid to move is Chile. Chile is a gorgeous country that shares a border with Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. 

You’ve probably heard of wines from Chile, one of the more popular things about the country, but there’s way more to Chile. 

Chile has incredible landscapes and nature, like the unique landscapes of the Atacama Desert.

Not forgetting the Historic Quarter of Valparais which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As one of the countries that pay you to move there, Chile began offering incentives for startups in 2016

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, this could be the answer when you wonder, “how do I permanently move to another country?”

The program, called Start-Up Chile, is set in 3 stages. Read on for more details:

1. BUILD

  • Beginner program designed to help you kick start your journey. 
  • The program runs for a 4-month period.
  • Approximately USD $14,000 of equity-free funding.
  • You’ll get a 1-year resident visa.

2. IGNITE

  • An advanced program designed to help take your business to the next level.
  • The program lasts for a 4-month period.
  • Approximately USD $30,000 of equity-free funding.

3. GROWTH

  • Top-tier program crafted for mature technology startups ready for the next level.
  • Runs for 8 months. 
  • Approximately USD $80,000 of equity-free funding.

As part of the package, you’ll gain access to co-working spaces. You can use the space to set up offices, network, and meet other entrepreneurs. 

You’ll also be given a whole wide network of mentors and potential investors to connect with. 

Through this, you can get guidance and more open doors for your business. This is a good initiative if you are considering to move to another country and get paid.

Chile has really set itself apart with this fantastic program, and they currently have more than  80 nationalities who have been part of the program. 

So if you’ve got a great technological idea, why not consider Chile when you’re thinking of countries paying you to move there?

3. Denmark

One of the countries in Europe that will pay you to move there with a start-up program is Denmark.

The Danish government is offering USD $50,000 in funding and a one-year visa for any new startup that wants to make Denmark the base of its operation. 

Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world, with a 7.59 out of 10 on the happiness index. 

It’s also super safe. Denmark ranks 4th out of 163 countries on the peace index. 

So, not only will you be paid to relocate, you’ll be living in a happy and safe environment too.  

The only catch is that, unlike Start-Up Chile, The Startup Denmark program does not have global access.

Only people from non-Eu/EA and non-Swiss nationals are eligible for the program.

4. Greece

If you’ve never heard of the beautiful island of Antikythera in Greece, you will want to know all about it now. 

This Greek hidden gem has crystal-clear turquoise waters with the beautiful Aegean Sea as your daily backdrop.

Tucked between Crete and the Peloponnese, this little island covers an area of only 24 square kilometers, making it a small yet charmingly intimate location to live in.

The island is facing depopulation.40 years ago, the island was home to more than 300 people. 

But this number has dwindled, and currently, there are only about 24 permanent residents usually, which goes up to 40 in the summer. 

So, Antikythera is actively seeking new residents.

The Greek Orthodox Church on the island has come forward with an attractive plan to draw more people to live there.

If you move to Antikythera, you will receive  €500 (USD $548) monthly for the first three years you live there. 

You will also receive a home and a piece of land as part of the deal!

If you’re looking for a little peace and solitude on a beautiful little island, here’s your answer!

get paid to move to another country

5. Ireland

Now, if you want to join me on this Emerald of Isle, there are several ways you can do that. 

If you’re an entrepreneur, Enterprise Ireland is offering you USD $1,200 grant to move your startup to Ireland. What a great offer to get paid to move to another country!

Plus, you’ll get access to the European Union, one of the largest markets globally!

You must create at least 10 jobs to prove you can provide opportunities. 

And, your business has also already to be growing, with at least USD $1.1M in sales in your first 3 years.

If you don’t run a business and can’t secure a job yet with companies that will pay you to relocate, don’t worry!

The “Our Living Islands” project offers you €80,000 (USD $88,610) from the government to move into a home on one of its islands. 

The home must be built before 1993 and empty for at least 2 years.

There are 30 different islands currently included in the scheme. 

Among them is Inis Mór, the setting for the movie “The Banshees of Inisherin,” and Árainn Mhór. 

Located off the Donegal coast, Árainn Mhór is Ireland’s first offshore digital hub.

get paid to move to italy

6. Italy

Wondering, “how do I move to Italy and get paid”? Well, let me count the ways 🙂 

There are multiple towns in Italy that are offering you to move there, and they’re all every bit as charming and exciting as one another! 

I’d be hard-pressed to choose just one! 

Let’s take a look at 10 towns that has programs that pay you to move there:


1. Borgomezzavalle

  • Situated near the Swiss border in northern Italy.
  • The current population is around 320 people.
  • They’re selling vacant houses for €1 (USD $1.10).
  • Provides cash incentives of €1,000 (USD $1,112) for every newborn and €2,000 (USD $2,224) for each new business.

2. Vetto

  • Located in the Emilia Romagna region.
  • Houses are auctioned starting at €1 (USD $1.10).
  • Expedited paperwork for new homeowners so you can get there sooner.

3. Candela

  • Has a population of 2,000 and is known as a safe small village.
  • Offers financial incentives to relocate at €800 (USD $879) for singles, €1,300 (USD $1,428) for couples, and €2,000 (USD $2,198) for families.
  • You must make Candela your home, secure a rental, and get a job with a minimum salary of €7,500 (USD $8,242).

4. Locana

  • A comune in the Metropolitan City of Turin in the Piedmont region.
  • The population is about 1,500 people.
  • Offers a €9,000 (USD $10,009) incentive over 3 years for moving.
  • Conditions are that must have at least one child and a minimum income of €6,000 (USD $6,673).

5. Molise

  • Located in the mountainous region east of Rome is known for its natural beauty.
  • Pays €700 (USD $769) per month for up to three years to newcomers opening a business.
  • The village you choose to live in must have fewer than 2,000 residents.

6. Sambuca, Sicily

  • A picturesque, historic town with a population of 6,000.
  • Selling homes starting at €1 (USD $1.10).
  • Conditions are that you must renovate the home within 3 years and provide a refundable deposit of USD $6,000.

7. Petralia Soprana

  • Located southeast of the capital Palermo with a population of 2,992.
  • Offered up to €5,000 (USD $5,498) to new residents (offer expired on 10 May 2023).

8. Presicce-Acquarica

  • Consists of two towns, Presicce and Acquarica del Capo in Puglia region.
  • Offers up to €30,000 (USD $32,988) to relocate there, covering 50% of the costs of purchasing and renovating a home.
  • For every baby born there, you get an extra €1,000 (USD $1,099).

9. Sardinia

  • Known for its sandy beaches and clear blue skies.
  • Offers new residents up to €15,000 (USD $16,494) to combat decreasing rural populations.

10. Calabria

  • Provides a relocation grant of up to €28,000 (USD $30,788) over three years.
  • Nine village towns, including Albiona and Santa Severina, have joined the program.
  • There’s USD $755,000 in funding available to help new residents start tourism businesses.

7. Korea

The are a lot of job opportunities for foreigners in South Korea, especially for English teachers. 

The EPIK (English Program in Korea) is one of the programs that hire foreign English language teachers for placement in public schools in Korea.

The program offers a competitive salary and even free housing. This is a great start if you want to move to another country while getting paid.

You can even teach English online to Korean students on various platforms.

South Korea is a melting pot of traditional culture and modernity, from intricate hanboks to world-famous K-Pop music. 

You will definitely get a unique experience in South Korea.

Fun fact: South Korea has the world’s fastest internet speed! 

Get paid to move to another country
Photo by Yohan Cho 

8. Mauritius

Another startup program, this stunning island of Mauritius, is offering 20,000 Mauritian Rupees (USD $438) to any startup businesses that move there. 

Given the economy in Mauritius, this is plenty of money to boost your business and a great alternative if you want to get paid and move to another country.

Mauritius is an island east of Madagascar with beautiful marine wildlife and an all-year tropical climate. 

Before you head off and buy a new bikini, make sure that you qualify for the grant by having a unique and profitable business idea to a committee.

If you hire a graduate registered to the SME scheme in Mauritius, you will even get an additional grant for their entire wage for a year! 

That’s about 14,000 Mauritian Rupees (USD $305.90).

9. New Zealand

New Zealand is an absolutely gorgeous county, and I was so happy when I found out that you can get paid to move to New Zealand! 

But alas, that’s not true. While you will still find stories claiming that Kaitangata is paying people to move there, the Mayor debunked this myth back in 2016.

I’ve included it here so you can be well-informed and not get any wrong misinformation when you’re wondering how do I get paid to move to New Zealand. 

Of course, you can secure jobs with companies that pay foreigners to move to New Zealand.

You can also get a working holiday visa and, or search job boards for specific jobs that pay to move foreigners to New Zealand. 


It might not be a straightforward get paid to move road like the rest of the countries, but New Zealand is a beautiful country and it’s worth the “trouble”.

From stunning glacial valleys to long, beautiful shorelines and lush wine regions — the scenery is so dreamy and picturesque. 

It’s no surprise New Zealand is a top choice as the backdrop for epic films like The Hobbit!

If you love the outdoors, there are top-tier ski resorts, extensive trekking routes, and thrilling activities like hydroplane racing and paragliding.  

It’s worth going through hurdles to get to move to New Zealand!

10. Portugal

While Portugal does not have a specific relocation package, they have plenty of jobs for foreigners which enables you to get paid to move to Portugal.

A major draw to Portugal is the cheap living costs:

A couple can comfortably live in the city for only $2,250 a month! If you want to bring costs down, you can check out these cool coliving places as well 🙂

If you’re an IT or software developer looking for job opportunities, Lisbon is a great place to start your search.

Jobs in tech are open to foreign English-speaking applicants since the coding is done in English.

Also, in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, where tourism is at its peak, restaurants, bars, and hotels constantly seek English speakers. 

And then there’s always the freelancing route. You can freelance as a writer, an artist, model, social media manager, editor, and more. 

While freelancing, you can easily become a digital nomad in Portugal and get the digital nomad visa.

Portugal is full of incredible culture and places you can explore. 

If you’re a book lover, make sure you go check out Livraria Bertrand, the oldest operating bookstore in the world! It’s located in Lisbon. 

11. Spain

Spain attracts millions of tourists each, but they don’t just want people who come and go; they want you to stay!

Did you know that Spain is actually going through a bit of a crisis right now? 

Their population is getting older, and they’re not having as many babies, which is causing some problems.

But the good news for us is that they are now offering incentives to people from all over the world to encourage relocation. 

With its warm climate, rich culture, and beautiful landscape, that’s not a tough decision to make! Let’s look at the places offering incentives for you to move there:

1. Ponga, Asturias

  • A small, charming town located in northern Spain, renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes and rich history.
  • Located in a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve in the Cantabrian Mountains and is just an hour’s drive from the coast.
  • Known for high-quality local products, including artisanal cheese, honey, and cured meats.
  • The town is offering USD $3,375 to British citizens to relocate there
  • You get an additional USD $3,375 is provided for each baby born in the town.
  • If you take the offer, you must commit to staying for 5 years.

2. Rubiá, Orense

  • A peaceful village located in the northwest Galicia region, a 2.5-hour drive east of Santiago de Compostela. 
  • Despite being a small city in northern Spain, it boasts stunning natural landscapes and offers a peaceful way of life.
  • The airport at Santiago de Compostela provides connections to the city of Porto in Portugal.
  • Currently has 1,400 residents, and they’re offering new residents up to €150 (USD $166) a month to live there.

3. Griegos, Teruel

  • A quaint village located between Madrid and Valencia in the Aragón region.
  • The village offers new residents a job and three months’ rent-free accommodation.
  • After the initial three months, rent is a reasonable €225 (USD $248) per month, with reductions of €50 (USD $55) for every school-aged child.

If you want to explore other places in Spain, you could also consider becoming a digital Nomad in Spain 🙂 

12. Switzerland

Albinen, a charming little town in Switzerland, is inviting people to become residents there. 

The remote location recorded its highest population at only 301, which has since dropped to 240

So, they’re offering you a whole  20,000 Swiss Francs or about USD $22,500 to make a move.

If you’ve got little ones and bring them along, you get additional 10,000 Swiss Francs (USD $11,250) per child!

You need to be under 45 years old and live in Albinen as your primary residence for at least 10 years to be a part of the program.

Albinen is like a magical place. 

In winter, it’s a winter wonderland with snow-covered mountains. And then, in summer, it turns into a page out of the Sound of Music with rolling green hills.

You will love the quant little place! Pack your bag, get paid and move to another country!

13. Thailand

Thailand, the Land of Smiles is full of opportunities for teaching English jobs. This is one of the best and easiest ways if you want to relocate to Thailand.

Aside from that, high-level positions in companies are also often open to foreigners, especially in the hotel industry. 

They come with a relocation package and cool perks like insurance, paid international-level education for your children, and paid vacation, too, sometimes.

Oh, and did you know that Thailand now has a digital nomad visa? So many opportunities you can explore with this visa!

14. United Kingdom

One of the United Kingdom’s Crown Dependencies, the tiny island of Sark is a unique place that has no cars at all on the island. 

When you want to move around, you either walk or ride horses.

The island has beautiful scenery, amazing cliffsides, lush fields, and many picturesque bays and coves to check out.

While Sark doesn’t exactly pay you to relocate there, they are a tax-free system which is as good as getting funds from the government. 

You get to keep every single dollar you make!

There are three main ways to gain residency in Sark:

1. Investor Visa

This requires a minimum wealth of £1 million liquid assets ($1.2 million), and you must invest £1 million for the benefit of Guernsey. 

Sark is a part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, a type of political area that Guernsey administers. That’s why the Sark residency requirements require investment in Guernsey.

2. Entrepreneur Visa

As an entrepreneur, you need to invest £200,000 (USD $255,000) either by running your own business or investing in an existing business. 

3. Creative or Artistic Work Visa

One for the creatives, this visa allows you to gain residency if you make a living from any artistic pursuit, for example, writing, music, or painting.

You don’t need any financial investment, and the visa can be extended indefinitely after the first 2 years. 

15. United States

The US might not have been on your mind when you were considering to get paid to move to another country. 

However, the US has quite a few paid relocation programs. Let’s check them out:

1. Detroit Live Downtown Program

This program is expected to provide subsidies for buying or renting downtown to employees of DTE Energy, Compuware, Quicken Loans, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and Strategic Staffing Solutions.

2. Detroit Live Midtown Program

This program encourages employees at Wayne State University, the Detroit Medical Center, and the Henry Ford Health System to live in Midtown.

Both the Detroit Live Downtown and Live Midtown Programs have the following incentive plans:

  • As a new renter, you will receive an allowance of $2,500 for your apartment in the first year. Additionally, you will also receive $1,000 of funding for the second year.
  • If you’re an existing renter, you receive a $1,000 funding allowance for renewing a lease.
  • New homeowners receive a $20,000 forgivable loan toward purchasing their primary residence if taken one-time, OR $25,000 at the rate of $5,000 per year if taken over 5 years.
  • If you’re an existing homeowner, you’ll receive matching funds of up to $5,000 for exterior improvements for projects of $10,000 or more.

3. Niagara Falls

The city has been known to offer a program to attract new residents, mainly targeting recent college graduates. 

They provide up to $7,000 in loan reimbursements over a two-year period for people who agree to rent or buy a home in a specific area of the city.

4. Kansas: The Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZs) Program

Another program that aims to attract new residents into their rural areas, the ROZs program includes perks like state income tax waivers for up to five years and student loan repayments of up to $15,000.

5. Tulsa Remote Program

If you’re a remote worker eligible to work in the US, this program is for you. 

You just need to be able to move to Tulsa within the next 12 months of your application and be above 18 years old.

Some of the benefits are:

  • $10,000 Cash – The program splits the cash in stages to help with relocation, a monthly stipend, and the remaining amount when you finish a one-year stay.
  • Space at Tulsa’s Top Coworking Community36 Degrees North, a coworking space in Downtown Tulsa, provides a free place for you to work and connect with other remote workers and entrepreneurs. 

16. Vietnam

Another beautiful Asian country where you can move and get paid, Vietnam is an eclectic mix of a hustle-bustle city like Saigon and quiet, serene landscapes like Sapa.

I think you could be in Vietnam for an entire year and still not be able to uncover all of its gems!

Good thing there are plenty of opportunities to keep you in Vietnam for some time.

If you can speak and teach English, you can easily find a job that pays you to move to Vietnam. 

The demand for English teaching in Vietnam is high.

Many language schools provide benefits such as competitive salaries, housing allowance, and paid work permits.

Get paid to move to another country
Photo by Tran Phu

Why Do Governments Pay People To Move?

Most of the time, governments pay people to move to their place to help stimulate the economy or address population issues. 

It could be too many people in one place like Japan or dwindling people in most areas like Switzerland, Italy, and Spain. 

What’s In It For You: Benefits Of Moving

The benefits of moving to another country depend on the specific programs the governments offer. 

In some places, you get direct cash incentives, while others provide funds to launch your business, free land, a free house, or heavy rebates.

With non-tangible benefits, you get a worldly experience and leave your comfort zone. 

I’ve lived in multiple countries like New Zealand, Spain, and Malaysia, which have all shaped me into who I am today!

Things To Consider When Moving To Another Country

  • Research the specific requirements and conditions of the relocation program
  • Consider the cost of living in the new country:
  • Understand the cultural differences
  • Get insurance and assess healthcare options
  • Check the political stability and safety of the new country
  • Look for a job if you’re not moving there with an offer 
  • Research about the weather and climate conditions
  • Research the country’s education system if you have little ones going along with you
  • Rent, buy, or arrange for your accommodation in advance
  • Have comfort items like your favorite book, a comfy blanket for when you miss home

FAQs On Get Paid To Move To Another Country

Does Antikythera Pay You To Move There?

So, does Antikythere pay you to move there? Yes, they are paying travelers to move there. This small Greek island had amazing views all round and a unique culture. The leaders are giving you even more of a reason to visit with the paid program. 

How Do I Permanently Move To Another Country?

Wondering, “how do I permanently move to another country”? Here’s your moving abroad checklist:
1. Set a timeline.

2. Find out the visa requirements.

3. Get your documents ready.

4. Check tax obligations.

5. Get insurance and check the healthcare system.

6. Sort out housing.

7. End your current rent.

8. Get your pets ready.

How Do I Get Paid To Move To New Zealand?

Asking, “how do I get paid to move to New Zealand”? Well, New Zealand will pay you to move there through its program. The government of this beautiful country with outdoor adventures will give you a home worth about $165,000 in the town of Kaitanga if you move there. 

How Do I Get Paid To Move To Italy?

Wondering, “how do I get paid to move to Italy”? Relocate to Presicce-Acquarica in the southern Italian region of Puglia, and you’ll get a cool €30,000 (USD $33,109). The municipality comprises two towns – Presicce and Acquarica del Capo. It’s one of the many paid programs in Italy. 

I feel like we’ve gone around the world now! 🙂

There are so many exciting destinations to consider, right? 

It’s hard when you’re choosing between the tropical paradise of Mauritius, the vibrant lifestyle of Spain, the gorgeous nature in Ireland, and all the other amazing places!

As someone who has ‘been there, done that’, I can assure you, it’s an adventure of a lifetime. 

I’ve settled my heart in Ireland, but tell me, where do you think is the best place to get paid to move to another country?

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