Seven countries that will PAY you to live there… including £70,000 at coastal island that wants ‘younger population’
A TRAVEL expert has revealed the list of seven countries that will pay Brit travellers to move there and start a new life.
It is a great way to start a fresh journey for those wanting to travel the world and explore different countries.
The governments of these countries pay travellers to settle down in order to fight various problems, such as dipping populations, a lack of talent, and various other demographic issues.
This means that explorers now have a chance to monetise what they love doing the most — travelling around the globe.
International travel expert Wayne Mills told the New York Post: “It’s a win-win: you get a fresh start and a helping hand, while local economies enjoy a much-needed boost.”
The expert revealed a list of countries that will pay you in cash and other resources to start a new life.
The first choice is Ireland, with a singular policy covering a whopping 23 islands.
With two different schemes on offer, you could fetch a grant of £71,300 (€84,000).
But you will need to live there for at least 10 years.
It is part of a broader 10-year national policy aimed at ensuring sustainable, vibrant communities on Ireland’s offshore islands
To qualify, individuals must purchase and own a property on one of these rural islands, which has been vacant for at least two years and built before 1993.
Ireland also offers a Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP).
The programme offers budding businessmen the opportunity to establish their businesses and set up shop in Ireland for the foreseeable on a full-time basis.
Conditions of the scheme include having a clean criminal record, not being a financial “burden on the Irish State” and working on your business full time – not being employed in any other capacity.
Second on the list is Albinen in Switzerland.
Authorities in Albinen are offering to pay a family of four up to £50,000 just because they have a declining population.
To be eligible for the Albinen move, you have to be under the age of 45 and a Swiss citizen or have lived in the country for 10 years straight.
The house you choose to live in also has to meet certain regulations.
Your home in the village would have to be worth at least £180,000, and once applicants of the scheme relocate to Albinen must stay there for 10 years.
Those who relocate to the village will be expected to learn the German language as well.
If you decide to move away, you have to pay back the money you were paid to move there.
But the village is dreamy – boasting gorgeous views of the alps, lots of sunshine and crisp mountain air.
The location is ideal for those who love to ski, as its in close proximity to winter resorts.
Next comes Ponga Spain which is situated in the northernmost part of Asturias.
Local authorities are ready to pay £2,500 to settle in families in the region and will pay the same amount with each child that the families eventually decide to have.
Wayne said: “Ponga is a little off the beaten track for tourists, but its mountainous landscape is absolutely jaw-dropping.
“It’s the perfect place to live in tune with nature and the region produces amazing wines.”
Meanwhile, in Greece, the local government of Antikythera is ready to pay more than £400 per month for three years straight.
As the population slowly dropped from over 300 people at the beginning of the 20th century, the scheme was sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Church.
Greek families were offered priority, but the opportunity was also open to other nationalities.
The travel expert said: “Antikythera has only 45 permanent residents as of right now, so it’s a tranquil and close-knit community.
“They really want to attract young families to revitalize their island and bring back some youthful energy, so you’ll no doubt be extremely popular as soon as you arrive.”
As it has now been five years since the scheme was announced, it is not clear whether the grants are still available and there is no mention of the scheme on the local government website.
Next on the list is a place that could tickle your fancy and keep your vitamin D in abundance is Sardinia.
The Sardinian Government is offering £12,700 (€15,000) in a bid to encourage young families to settle down on the Italian island, combating rural depopulation.
Individuals can also receive a non-repayable grant in exchange for enhancing the Sardinian economy.
But there is one condition – you must choose a village with a population of less than 3,000 people and the grant must be used to renovate the area.
The Japanese government will also pay travellers up to £28,000 to move to some of their suburban towns.
“A lot of young Japanese people don’t want to go through the hassle of trying to find a buyer when they inherit old family homes, so there are hundreds of traditional Japanese countryside houses offering amazing locations, space, and architecture that are just going to waste right now.”
While The Canadian government offers a unique proposition – it will pay back up to £12,000 in tuition fee to those who commit to studying in Canada for four years before permanently moving to one of the country’s least glamorous provinces.