Get paid to move abroad (yes really!)

Do you ever dream of escaping the UK to start a new life abroad? Well, what if we told you some countries are willing to PAY YOU to relocate?

Yep, they know that immigrants bring economic, cultural and community perks and they’re willing to put their money where their mouth is.

In today’s digital world, the old 9-to-5 grind is a thing of the past for many of us. In fact, a whopping 72% of UK employees are planning to live their best ‘digital nomad’ life, working remotely while exploring the globe, according to research by the Post Office.

Are you one of them? If so, buckle up, because these countries aren’t just letting you move, they’ll pay you to pack your bags.

But, of course, there are a few strings attached...

Islands of Ireland

Imagine living on a remote island off the coast of Ireland, with sensational sunsets, stunning views and barely a building in sight?

The dream could be a reality with Ireland’s Our Living Islands program, aimed at boosting the population of 30 coastal islands. It’s offering up to €84,000 (£69,500) to those willing to buy and renovate empty homes on one of 30 coastal islands.

But heads-up, if you’re planning to balance remote work with a bit of DIY, make sure you can get a solid internet connection before you sign on the dotted line. After all, digital nomads need reliable Wi-Fi!

Find out more about Our Living Islands.

Switzerland

Fancy living in a mountain village where waterfalls cascade to the valley below? Albinen in Switzerland’s Rhone Valley is offering up to 20,000 Swiss Francs (approx. £17,780) to new residents and another 10,000 for each child you bring along!

The fine print? You must be under 45, live there for 10 years and buy a home worth at least 200,000 Swiss Francs.

Learn more about applying for a Swiss visa.

Spain

Spain is one of the most popular destinations in the world for Brits, and with good reason. Year-round sunshine, tasty tapas and welcoming locals. What’s not to love?

But many rural areas are struggling, as locals move to the big cities. People prepared to relocate to the quiet village of Ponga in the Cantabrian Mountains, northern Spain, are being offered cash grants of €2,971 (around £2,460). And if you have a baby? More cash. But you’ve got to stick around for at least five years.

Several other Spanish towns have launched similar schemes, each with different incentives and clauses. The village of Camarena de la Sierra in Aragón, for example, is helping new residents find work and accommodation.

After Brexit, it’s trickier for Brits to live and work in Europe. But, if you’re a digital nomad, Spain’s made it easier with its Digital Nomad Visa. Just make sure you’ve got a degree from a reputable institution or at least three years of work experience under your belt to qualify.

You can find out more about the Digital Nomad Visa scheme here.

Greece

Greece’s Antikythera Island, with its tranquil beaches and panoramic views, will pay you €500 euros (approx. £414) a month for the first three years to live there. But don’t expect much else, there’s only one doctor, one shop and no banks.

If you can work remotely, though, this could be the perfect place for a digital nomad getaway.

Think you can handle it? You can find information on moving to or living in Greece here.

Italy

Who wouldn’t want to move to Italy for the pizza, gelato and beautiful scenery? Italy’s Calabria region is offering €28,000 euros (around £23,195) to people who move to one of its nine villages with fewer than 2,000 residents.

The clause? You can’t be over 40, you have to move there within 90 days of accepting and fill an in-demand job or start a new business there that will benefit the locals.

In Sardinia, you’ll get €15,000 (£12,425) to buy or renovate a home.

Find out more about getting an Italian residence permit if you’re from outside the EU.

Japan

For something further afield and the ultimate adventure, Japan’s Regional Revitalisation Program offers immigrants up to $31,725 (around £25,000) to move to rural areas.

If you’re a digital nomad looking for a change of pace, this could be the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan’s tech-rich environment.

Find out more about visa applications to Japan.

So, what’s stopping you?