10 countries paying Brits to move there - including paradise island

'Pay to relocate' initiatives are growing increasingly widespread around the world, with numerous countries launching their own bespoke programmes for the global public in an attempt to draw more residents to towns, villages and cities grappling with shrinking population figures and a faltering economy.

There are 10 beautiful countries that will pay you to relocate there in 2026, so those seeking a new start, who meet the requirements of the programme, can genuinely start weighing up their possibilities.

These seemingly too-good-to-be-true relocation incentives are typically designed to boost the dwindling population of these regions and breathe new life into the local economy, given that the vast majority of locations providing these schemes tend to have an ageing workforce.

Chile

In a push to draw investment and strengthen the national economy, the Chilean government is providing equity-free grants worth up to £74,000 to technology-focused start-ups that are prepared to establish themselves and function from the South American country.

The scheme is available to nationals of any country and will provide participants with a two-year work visa. Those taking advantage of the programme will also receive access to networking opportunities, office space, mentors, equity-free funding, and startup support to develop their businesses while operating in Chile.

Albinen, Switzerland

Since 2018, the breathtaking mountain village of Albinen in Switzerland has been luring prospective residents with a series of attractive financial incentives. The scheme offers adults up to 25,000 Swiss francs (roughly £23,600 in 2026) and children up to 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately £9,400) to relocate to the picturesque rural settlement.

This means a family of two adults and one child would receive a total of 70,000 Swiss francs (around £66,100) - a sum that could be used towards purchasing a property or building a new life in the village. To qualify, applicants must be under 45 years of age and commit to residing in Albinen for at least 10 years. You would also need to buy or build a property valued at 200,000 Swiss francs or more and hold either Swiss citizenship or a C Residence Permit.

Italy

Sicily

The small Sicilian town of Sambuca di Sicilia, home to around 6,000 people, has been steadily losing inhabitants to larger urban cities. In a bid to reverse this population decline, the town is selling homes for just €1. In exchange, buyers must fully renovate the dilapidated home within three years, a process expected to cost in the region of €15,000 (around £12,955), and put down a €5,000 (around £4,318) security deposit, which will be refunded upon completion of the works.

Candela

Home to approximately 2,700 people, the mayor is offering between €800 (around £690) for single people and €2,000 (around £1,727) for families to relocate there. The sole condition is that you must transfer your permanent home to the southern Italian town, hold down a job, and invest in a property built before 1991. Many of Candela's older dwellings satisfy that criterion.

Denmark

Start-up Denmark is a programme designed for foreign entrepreneurs, providing the opportunity to obtain a Danish residence permit in order to establish and operate an innovative growth company.

The scheme also gives you the chance to continue running a self-employed business in Denmark that was already set up while you were residing in the country under different residency grounds. Additionally, you may also be awarded a residence permit under the scheme for the purpose of conducting business in Denmark through a Danish branch of a foreign self-employment enterprise.

The programme is open to both people and teams of up to 3 people who - using a joint business plan - wish to launch or continue operating a business together in Denmark, or conduct business through a Danish branch of a foreign self-employment enterprise.

Ponga villages of Spain

Young couples planning to start a family can receive €3,000 (approximately £2,591) simply by relocating to Spain and living in a Ponga community for five years. It's a tiny region with a population of under 1,000 people, which continues to decline. An additional €3,000 payment is available for each child, regardless of whether they accompany you or are born in Ponga.

Mauritius

For those with a business concept they're enthusiastic about, Mauritius, the paradise island situated east of Madagascar, provides 20,000 Mauritian Rupees (£313) to startup enterprises that relocate there. Applicants must pitch their innovative and commercially viable business proposal to a committee to establish eligibility.

Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is a government agency that backs high-potential startups. Those who believe their business shows promise can submit an application. Upon approval and relocation to Ireland, qualifying startups could secure thousands of Euros in funding and tax relief, alongside entry to the European Union, amongst the world's largest commercial markets.

Ireland also operates the Our Living Islands scheme, which offers to pay eligible applicants €50,000 or up to €80,000 (£43,000 - £70,000) to relocate to selected Irish Isles. Those prepared to make the move would receive the promised sum provided the funds are utilised towards purchasing and renovating derelict properties as part of the Irish government's Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme Croí Cónaithe.

The property must have been built before 1993 and no later than 2007, and needs to have stood empty for a minimum of two years. It must also serve as a genuine residence, meaning using it as an Airbnb or short-term let isn't allowed. Irish residency is also required, as the scheme doesn't grant automatic immigration rights.

New Zealand

To benefit from the relocation initiative, you'll need to relocate to Kaitangata, a small town seeking to increase its population. While there's no direct financial payment, the town has established affordable land and housing packages aimed at reducing the initial cost. Get in touch with the Clutha District Council directly for current availability and pricing, as published information is many years old.

Thailand, South Korea, and Vietnam

These three nations provide similar relocation programmes which are aimed primarily at European and American residents. In exchange for relocating to South Korea, Thailand, or Vietnam, you will be offered a position teaching English and other subjects. Specific schemes differ depending on the employer and region, so it is worth researching current opportunities before making any commitment. The procedure is generally uncomplicated once the international relocation costs have been met.

Saskatchewan, Canada

Saskatchewan's Graduate Retention Programme is designed to retain university graduates by offering CAD 20,000 (around £10,731) in tax rebates. Qualifying graduates receive a tax credit for up to 10 years, provided they maintain residency and submit their tax returns. The sole condition is that applicants must have graduated from a post-secondary institution featured on their list of approved establishments.

10 countries that will pay you to move there in 2016

1. Chile
2. Albinen, Switzerland
3. Italy
4. Denmark
5. Ponga villages of Spain
6. Ireland
7. New Zealand
8. Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam
9. Mauritius
10. Saskatchewan, Canada