Yes—some places will literally help fund your move. To tackle population decline, fill skills gaps or attract remote workers, a number of regions and cities now offer cash grants, housing help or other perks. Here are 10 options to research in 2025, what they typically offer, and who they suit.
1) United States (Tulsa, Oklahoma) — “Tulsa Remote”
For remote workers willing to live in Tulsa: a relocation grant (commonly advertised as $10,000), workspace access and community support. Competitive selection; proof of remote/full-time work required.
2) United States (West Virginia) — “Ascend WV”
Designed for remote professionals ready to move to selected WV communities. Package has included a cash stipend, co-working access and outdoor passes. Must live locally and meet program rules.
3) Portugal (Interior Regions) — “Trabalhar no Interior”
Government-backed incentives to relocate for work to interior municipalities. May include cash support toward moving expenses and settling in. Best suited if you have a job offer in an interior city.
4) Italy (Southern & Rural Regions) — Local “Active Residency” & Housing Grants
Several municipalities (e.g., in Calabria or Sardinia) have periodically offered payments or housing subsidies to new residents or entrepreneurs who move to under-populated towns. Programs open and close—check the specific comune’s site.
5) Spain (Rural Villages) — Repopulation Incentives
Some villages in Asturias, Aragón and other regions promote low-rent housing, tax breaks or small grants to attract families and remote workers. Offers vary by municipality; Spanish-language pages are common.
6) Japan (Outside Tokyo) — Regional Revitalization Grants
To encourage moves out of Tokyo, government and prefectures have offered cash grants and start-up support to families and entrepreneurs relocating to regional towns. Japanese documentation is typical; local advisors help.
7) Greece (Selected Islands) — Island Settlement Support
Occasional programs on smaller islands have provided monthly stipends or housing assistance to families willing to settle long-term. Availability is limited and may be seasonal—verify with the local municipality.
8) Canada (Employer-Led & Community Programs)
While federal streams focus on immigration status, some towns and employers offer relocation allowances or settlement supports to attract talent (often in healthcare, trades or hospitality). Offers are employer-specific.
9) Ireland (Rural & Island Initiatives)
Policies aimed at revitalising rural towns and offshore islands can include funding for housing renovation, co-working hubs and enterprise grants. Best route is to contact local development offices for live calls.
10) Germany (Small Towns & Länder Schemes)
Though national policy centres on the Skilled Worker route, selected districts have offered rent subsidies or small grants to attract key workers or founders. German-language portals list current calls.
Need to travel without a visa? See our latest updates in Visa News.
How to Qualify (General Tips)
- Read the official page for each program—amounts, deadlines and rules change.
- Prove income or employment (remote job, local contract or business plan).
- Commit to residency (often 1–2 years minimum inside the municipality).
- Bring skills in demand (IT, healthcare, teaching, trades, hospitality).
- Track taxes & visas: relocation grants don’t replace legal work status—sort visa/permit first.
Key Documents You’ll Usually Need
- Valid passport and (where required) work/residence visa or permit.
- Proof of employment/income (remote contract, job offer) or business plan.
- Lease or home-purchase intent in the destination municipality.
- Police clearance and basic health insurance.
External Reference (overview of “move-to-earn” style programs): Forbes – Cost of Living & Relocation Coverage
Know a town offering relocation perks in 2025? Share it in the comments so other readers can apply.
Originally posted 2025-10-25 18:00:35.
