Get Paid To Move To Switzerland- USD $22,500 Per Adult! [2024]

What if you could get paid to move to Switzerland? What if you could get paid USD $22,500 to make that move?  

Having experienced the beauty of the Swiss Alps and indulged in Swiss chocolates, I can assure you it’s a dream worth chasing.

I’m not going to lie, but I was tempted to move to Switzerland for its high-quality lifestyle, accessible healthcare, and, most importantly, the breathtaking landscapes! As I investigated the possibility of making this a reality, I was surprised to learn that Switzerland pays you to move there!

get paid to move to switzerland

There’s a picture-perfect village in Switzerland named Albinen that is offering you this very amount to call their place home. 

They’re having a population decline and that’s where you come in! 

I’ve gone through every painstaking detail of how one can make this move and break it down into simple, easy-to-digest bits here for you.

Let’s read on how to get paid to move to Switzerland and see how you can make gorgeous Switzerland your home – and get paid for it!

Get Paid To Move To Switzerland Summary

  • The Move To Albinen Initiative 
  • Getting Paid To Move
  • How To Apply: Conditions And Eligibility For The Program
  • The Catch: Consequences Of Leaving Albinen Early
  • Get To Know Albinen
  • Why Is Albinen Paying People To Move?
  • Why Should You Move To Albinen
  • Thing To Consider
  • FAQs On Get Paid To Move To Switzerland

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Get paid to move to Switzerland

The Move To Albinen Initiative 

So what’s all this about? Does Switzerland pay you to move there? What is the Albinen offer in Switzerland? How much does Albinen pay in Switzerland?

Basically, Albinen, a charming little town in Switzerland, has come up with a very cool initiative that PAYS people to move there!

They’re inviting people to become residents in the delightful place and are offering you a cool 20,000 Swiss Francs or about USD $22,500 per adult to make a move.

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

Fun fact: The first family to get approved was from Aargau, a northern canton in Switzerland. 

The family moved in 2018 with one small child and another on the way at that time. 

They were paid 70,000 Swiss Francs (USD $78,781) subsidy when they relocated to the village.

Now, why Albinen? 

I’ll get to that in length, but briefly; it’s a gorgeous mountain valley village with stunning views and breathtaking snowy peaks all around.

If I hadn’t just moved to Ireland, I might be packing my bags to Albinen for the views alone! 

The initiative has its conditions, of course. 

You need to be a Swiss national with a permit C residence OR come from the European Union, European Free Trade Association, the United States, or Canada.

If you’re from the United States or Canada, you will need to have lived in Switzerland for at least 5 years. 

The Albinen program received an insane amount of response worldwide when it was first announced.

So, local authorities felt the need to set to record straight about how easy it is to get into the program.

Read on to learn more about the conditions and eligibility! 

Getting Paid To Move

You might wonder why Albinen Switzerland pay to move. It might sounds too good to be true that Switzerland paying to move there.

Well, some places face declining population.

So their governments have come up with ways to revive the population, and one of the best ways is to entice others, especially youths, to move there. Thus why Switzerland paying you to move there.

With the rise in remote work and countries coming up with remote worker visas, getting people to move to remote locations become more possible. 

What more when the deal is sweetened up with perks, including housing incentives, monthly stipends, and business grants. 

The hope is that these benefits will attract a younger, able crowd to energize the local community and stimulate the economy.


If you fit the bill with the eligibility and conditions, this might be a fantastic opportunity for you to move to Switzerland and get paid!

Once you pass the terms set, the places could be sold or rented to generate income. 

Unless, of course, you choose to live there permanently 🙂

Get paid to move to Switzerland

How To Apply: Conditions And Eligibility For The Program

So, the big question is, how to apply to move to Albinen, Switzerland?

Before you start signing up for German lessons, since it’s the most spoken language in Albinen, let’s address the important questions first:

How do you qualify for Albinen Switzerland? How to apply to move to Albinen Switzerland? and How to get paid to move to Albinen, Switzerland?

I’ve got it all here on how to move to Albinen Switzerland.

When the program was first announced Albinen Switzerland pay to live, the response from many parts of the world to the Albinen initiative was overwhelming. 

The office phone of the then Mayor, Mayor Beat Jost, was ringing non-stop with phone inquiries.

So the Albinen authorities were quick to correct the media claims that it was easy to apply and ensure the conditions were clearly explained.

Here is everything you need to know about Albinen, and how to apply.

Eligibility for the Albinen program:

  • You must be a Swiss national with a permit C residence OR come from the European Union, European Free Trade Association, the United States, or Canada. 
  • You must commit to living in Albinen for ten years.
  • The new home you purchase in Albinen should cost at least  200,000 Swiss Francs (USD $225,039). 
  • Every application must be based on a construction project that is ready for approval or an authenticated apartment purchase agreement.
  • A bank or comparable loan provider must issue authenticated proof of financial guarantee.
  • If you sell the property or move before the 10-year period is up, the amount must be paid back in full.
  • The repayment obligation will be secured by means of relevant addition to the recording of ownership in the land register.

Currently, there is no Albinen, Switzerland pay to live application form available online as it is review per cases.

The best way to get Albinen Switzerland application is by contacting the local government municipality for more information regarding the process.

If you’re looking to get the permit C to be eligible for the program and you’re a member of the EU, you can possibly get it in five years. 

However, for non-EU residents, different conditions apply, as follows: 

  • You must have lived in Switzerland continuously for 12 years.
  • You need to have a B permit and a record of 5 years of continuous residency in Switzerland.
  • You need to be married to a Swiss citizen.
  • You must provide a clean criminal and debt record.
  • You need to have a certification of proficiency in the German language.

Also, to set realistic expectations, please bear in mind that the Swiss passport is one of the most difficult passports to get. 

*Keeping my fingers crossed for you*

The Catch: Consequences Of Leaving Albinen Early

As with everything, there’s always a catch to getting paid to move to Switzerland.

If you decide to leave before completing the 10-year period, you’ll have to repay the entire amount given to you.

So before you make any plans OR thinking how to move to Albinen Switzerland for free, think it through and plan out the entire 10-year.

Once you decide to move to Switzerland get paid, commit to the journey.

After all, 10 years in one of the most beautiful places in the world does not sound like a bad deal at all!

Get To Know Albinen

Albinen History

Albinen roots go back to prehistoric times. Germanic-speaking tribes arrived in the 11th century and cultivated the land. 

They established a permanent settlement and laid the groundwork for the village’s community structure. 

The historical landscape of Albinen is untouched, and you can still find Celtic graves in the area. 

Now where the name came from is still a debate. Some theories attribute it to the Old French “Arbignon” (forest) and “Albignion” (alp), which describe the village.

A unique historic attraction in Albinen is the Albinen ladders. 

The ladders consist of 8 wooden ladders, dividing a 100-meter high mountainside ascent into 8 sections. They provide a fascinating alternative route to Leukerbad.

This 2-hour hike from Leukerbad to Albinen is only for those who are comfortable with heights.

If heights are not your thing, but you want to make the journey, there is a tunnel bypass and modern roads that you can use.

The Albinen Village

The Albinen village is recognized as a Swiss heritage site, given its history.

In Albinen, you can bask in the peaceful quiet of the village, breathe fresh mountain air, and admire the fantastic view. 

The village itself is set in a picturesque mountain village. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in Valais, with spectacular mountain views all around the village. 

The Albinen Switzerland website has some cool pics and videos you can look at.

All buildings in Albinen are tightly constructed against the mountain slope, and historic structures from the 17th and 18th centuries are still preserved.

Ever ream of living in a town straight out of storybook? Why not make a move to Albinen Switzerland and get paid!

Get paid to move to Switzerland
Photo by Wanderfrust

Seasons in Albinen

Albinen is one of the places that are wonderful all year round.

In winter, it transforms into a fantasy-like winter wonderland. It truly looks like something out of a fantasy movie to me.

If you love skiing, there’s a Torrent skiing area at 2800 meters with guaranteed snow during the season. 

And just 15 minutes away from Albinen in Leukerbad, there are calming thermal springs if you want to pamper yourself.

Summer through spring and autumn give you colorful meadows, beautiful forests, and idyllic hamlets. Not forgetting the stunning alpine landscapes. 

There are well-prepared routes for walks and biking, and if you’re lucky, you might spot cute marmots (ground squirrels)  or chamois (antelope-goat-like creatures).

Get paid to move to Switzerland

Languages Spoken In Albinen

Given its original history with the Germanic settlers and being in the Swiss canton of Valis, the primary language spoken in Albien is German.

However, you will still hear French, Italian, and Romansh as they are the other official languages of Switzerland.

While English is commonly spoken in Switzerland itself, it’s not as popular in Albinen, so you will need to polish your German if you’re moving there!

Get paid to move to switzerland

Albinen Accessibility And Proximity To Other Popular Destinations

The nearest airport to Albinen is Sion (SIR). However, there are better options for getting to Albinen. 

Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) operates a train from Zürich Flughafen to Visp every 4 hours. 

From Visp, the most affordable way to Albinen is to drive, which costs about 5 to 8 Swiss Francs (USD $5.60 to $9.00) and takes 28 minutes.

If you are not using a car, you can use the train and line 471 bus, which takes 48 minutes. 

Albinen is set pretty centrally in the Valais, so you are close to places like Zermatt, Saas-Fee, and Rilke – the burial ground in Raron within an hour’s drive. 

Get paid to move to Switzerland

Why Is Albinen Paying People To Move?

Albinen has always been an isolated, secluded village, which was part of its charm. 

It’s perched on the steep edges of the Dala gorger and gives you breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains.

The remote location has created a self-reliant society and kept the population tight. 301 residents was the highest recorded population in Albinen history.

Albinen saw its population start to decline in the 1940s and tried to increase population by improving infrastructure, but it improved tourism only.

So now the village population has dwindled to 240.

What’s worse is that the depopulation has caused the closure of the local school. 

The remaining 7 school-aged children have to commute to nearby towns for school.

Enter the Albinen program – they decide to incentive new residents to make Albinen home and you will get paid to move to Albinen, Switzerland! 

First, the program is meant to help increase the population. 

By giving a 10-year period to stay, the local authorities hope that people will be keen to live there longer and make Albinen their permanent home.

This is also why families are more welcomed compared to single people.

And secondly, by attracting new residents, they hope to boost the local economy and attract investors.

So if you move to Albinen, you will be part of something bigger than just moving across countries 🙂

Why Should You Move To Albinen

USD 22,500 – ‘nuff said.

Haha 🙂

Ok, but actually, beyond the money, there are many perks to moving to Albinen. 

The village itself is a charming fairytale-like place with clean air and stunning views. It’s like waking up on a permanent holiday every day.

You will be away from the hustle, bustle, and frantic lifestyle.

BUT, you’re not completely isolated that you have to ride a goat for 2 nights to reach somewhere more populated. 

And you will be living in Switzerland and get paid to move to one of the happiest countries in the world

Switzerland consistently comes out in the top 10 in the happy index since the early 2010s.

Also, Switzerland has one of the best work-life balance. 

You don’t work more than 50 hours a week, and anytime you work overtime, you must be paid an additional 25% of your income. 

So if you DO work overtime, you’ll have more money and maybe can splurge on some high definition 4k TV to keep you company in the village.

Additionally, one of the best perks is that employees get a minimum of 4 weeks of paid leave – plenty of time for you to travel around the area! 

Get paid to move to Switzerland

Things To Consider 

Moving to a new place, especially one as unique as Albinen, is a big decision. It’s important that you weigh all the factors before even thinking about applying for the program.

So let’s look at the important stuff to consider:

1. Size and Location

Albinen has a total size of 15.5 square kilometers. 

That’s just about 4.5 times bigger than Central Park, New York, or 6 times smaller than Wilt Disney World Resort in Florida.

So it’s a small area that might make you feel stifled if you’re the kind of person who needs to live in a large, urban area.

It’s also set 1,300 meters above sea level with no other areas directly connected to it and no city landscapes.

If you enjoy the quiet and tranquility over the convenience and noise of a big city life, this will be great for you. 

2. Population Density

Albinen has a very small population – I mean, that’s how the program came about anyways.

We’re looking at about 16 people per square kilometer. 

Perfect if you don’t love a crowd, but if you thrive on social interactions or need to meet new people every so often. This might be a challenge for you. 

3. Job Opportunities

When you search for Albinen Switzerland how to apply for jobs, there honestly aren’t that many Albinen Switzerland jobs opportunities. 

And as cool as the incentive may be, it won’t be enough to last you 10 years, and you will still need to work.

But hey, with remote work, this is a non-issue.

And with online jobs, you can do literally anything from teaching English to becoming a freelance artist to proofreading to even just chatting with people!

You’ve got a ton of options here!

4. Big Investment

If you’ve heard of the phrase, you need money to make money, that applies here.  

If you are eligible to get paid to live in Switzerland, you will need to invest a minimum of 200,000 Swiss Francs (USD $225,039).

But actually, in Albinen, Switzerland, homes for sale average from a minimum of 400,000 Swiss Francs (USD $450,106).

Also, you will need to uproot yourself, and if you search “How  much does it cost to move to Switzerland”, you’ll see it sets you back a further minimum of USD $3,000 to $5,000. 

It’s a big investment and a long-term commitment which brings us to the next point.

5. Commitment

You must think of a long-term commitment here before you plan to move to Albinen, Switzerland. 

Albinen must be your primary and permanent residence for at least 10 years. If you’re someone who lives to move about every few years, this isn’t for you.

Remember, you have to pay the incentive back IN FULL if you leave before the 10-year period is up. 

6. Taxes in Switzerland

Before moving to Albinen Switzerland, it is good to have a basic understanding of the Swiss tax system. This is crucial as you will have to start paying taxes there as a residence. 

Switzerland’s tax structure is divided into a multi-layered tax system, mainly made of three levels of government- federal, cantonal, and municipal. 

Cantonal is made up of Swiss Confederation state members. There are a total of 26 cantons in Switzerland. 
On federal income tax, the maximum rate is around 11.5% whereas the maximum amount for cantonal and municipal taxes is approximately 36%.

7. Healthcare

One of the most appealing facts about moving to Switzerland is the healthcare. 

Even though Switzerland pay to move, It is required to have basic health insurance for all residents in Switzerland. 

The insurance covers most general practitioners, hospital treatments, specialist services, and more!

The average monthly premium for adults under 26 is around CHF300 (USD $340). 

There are over 80 health insurance providers in Switzerland alone, so do your research to find the best insurance that suits your lifestyle, need, or budget. 

8. Moving Logistics

Let’s say you are planning to start a new life in Switzerland, but how to move to Switzerland from abroad? Should you pack your entire house with you?

Well, the choice is entirely up to you. But moving across the ocean requires careful planning. 

If you are planning to ship large stuff to your new home in Switzerland, consider the cost, the time it takes, and the mode of shipping. 

Before moving, seek advice from local authorities or expat organizations where they can share their experience with moving or assist you during the process. 

Get Paid To Move To Switzerland

Alternative Ways To Move To Switzerland

1. Studying

If you are thinking about moving to Switzerland one day, the best way to try it out is by going there for studies. 

Switzerland has a renowned education system with some of the best universities in the world! It is worth it to give it a shot! 

While studying, you can experience living in Switzerland like a local while testing out the new lifestyle there. You might end up falling in love with it more or changing your mind. 

Additionally, after completing your studies, you are given 6 months to stay in Switzerland under a Student Visa to seek employment. 

However, there is currently a discussion to extend this period to help international students transition to the Swiss labor market as they are facing a shortage of workers. 

2. Get a Job in a Demanding Sector

There are tons of job openings right now in Switzerland as they are lacking in highly skilled workers in various fields. 

To obtain work in Switzerland, you first must be hired by an employer as they will be the main sponsor of your work visa. 

The booming job market is scattered across different industries, including healthcare, carpentry, sales, technicians, hospitality and more. 

Simultaneously through employment, you are eligible to apply for Permanent Residence once you have resided there for either 5 to 10 years, with specific requirements varying by nationality.

Get Paid To Move To Switzerland

FAQs On Get Paid To Move To Switzerland

How Do You Qualify for Albinen Switzerland?

So, how do you qualify for Albinen, Switzerland? First, applicants must be under 45 years old and be a Swiss citizen or have a permit C residence (permanent residence of Switzerland). If you are not eligible, as EU member, U.S or Canada citizen, you can first resides in Switzerland for at least 5 years to get permit C residence.

Once eligible, you have to agree to live in a home valued at least 200,000 Swiss Francs (USD $225,039) in Albinen for at least ten years to qualify for the scheme. You must pay £50,000 (USD $64,190) if you leave before the 10-year period. 

Learn more about how to move to Switzerland and get paid with my comprehensive article above!

How Much is Albinen Switzerland Paid to Live There?

Well, now, how much is Albinen Switzerland paid to live there? AUD $90,650 (USD $60,540) is how much the village of Albinen in Switzerland is paying people to move there. The town is facing a population decline due to a lack of employment opportunities, but for remote workers, this is not a problem. 

How Do You Move to Albinen Switzerland?

Wondering how do you move to Albinen Switzerland? Importantly, if you take up the offer and move out before the ten years is over, you’ll need to repay that golden gift when you leave. You must commit to living for 10 years and buy a home worth minimum 200,000 Swiss Francs (USD $225,039).

How Do I Move to Albinen?

How do I move to Albinen, you wonder? Applicants must be under 45 and agree to reside in an Albinen home for at least ten years that is worth at least  200,000 Swiss Francs (USD $225,039) to be eligible for the programme. And pay £50,000 (USD $64,190) if you leave sooner. 

What Language is Spoken in Albinen Switzerland?

Wondering what language is spoken in Albinen Switzerland? The two main languages spoken by Albinen residents are German and French, with some occasion of Romansh. Since Albinen is a small town, getting around with just English may be difficult, so it is encouraged to learn a bit of German or French to integrate better with the community. 

Where Pays You to Live There?

Here are 9 places that will pay you to live there:

  1. Antikythera, Greece
  2. Sicily, Italy
  3. Candela, Italy
  4. Santo Stefano, Italy
  5. Albinen, Switzerland
  6. Kaitangata, New Zealand
  7. Isle of Rona, Scotland
  8. Mauritius
  9. Saskatchewan, Canada

Is Dual Citizenship Allowed in Switzerland?

So is dual citizenship allowed in Switzerland? The good news is, YES! Since 1st January 1992, dual citizenship has been allowed by Swiss law without any restriction. However, by retaining Swiss citizenship they may risk losing their original nationality as not all countries permit dual citizenship. Depending on your country of origin, it can take between 5 – 10 years to be eligible to apply for Swiss citizenship. 

Get Paid To Move To Switzerland

Ready to Pack & Get Paid To Move To Switzerland?

So there it is, you can get paid to move to Switzerland, and enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer.

If you failed to find Albinen Switzerland pay to live application online, it is because the application process can only be possible if you are living in Switzerland or Europe.

The best way to make a move to Albinen switzerland pay to live how to apply application is by calling the government offices or seek consultation from a immigration lawyer in Switzerland.

I hope you’ve gotten valuable insights on how to move to Albinen Switzerland and get paid.

So, do let me know your thoughts on get paid to move to Switzerland, or which particular Swiss chocs you’re dying to get your hands on! 

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