Get Paid To Live Abroad. Keep An Eye Out On These 5 European Towns

Depopulation is wrecking havoc across Europe, creating a surplus of ghost towns. Many rural areas are facing ageing populations as young people migrate to cities or opt not to have children. But some local governments have come up with a solution.

 European towns struggling with dwindling populations are encouraging foreigners to take up residence with relocation grants and cash payouts. It’s now easier and more convenient for some people to start a new life abroad and even get paid to do it.

From Italy to Spain, here are five European towns that will pay you to relocate there.

Calabria, Italy

Relocating to a village with 2,000 residents or fewer in Calabria will earn you up to €28,000. Those interested must be 40 years old or under and move to the place within 90 days of their application being accepted. They must either launch a new business or find employment.

Sardinia, Italy

This island will pay you €15,000 to relocate there. You must move to a municipality with less than 3,000 people and use the grant towards purchasing or renovating a house. Recipients must live full-time and register for permanent residency within 18 months of relocating.

Albinen, Switzerland

This picturesque village in the Swiss Alps is home to less than 250 residents, and is offering to pay families more than €50,000 to move there. The scheme is only open to Swiss citizens or eligible foreign nationals who have lived in Switzerland long enough to gain a permit C residence.

Ponga, Spain

Ponga is a haven for hikers and just an hour’s drive from the coast. To top up its 600-people population, the town will pay Britons €2,971 each to relocate there. An additional €2,971 will be paid for each baby born there. But recipients must commit to live there for at least 5 years.

Rubia, Spain

Get a slice of quiet life in Rubia, Galicia. This Spanish village will pay expatriates €150 a month to relocate there, with the scheme targeted at families with the hope of increasing student numbers. Galicia’s capital Santiago de Compostela is located at a 2.5 hours’ drive from Rubia.