European Relocation Programs: Four Underrated Cities That Will Pay You Up To $82K To Move There

Moving to Europe doesn’t have to drain your savings. Several cities that will pay you to move there are actively seeking new residents through government-sponsored relocation incentive programs. These initiatives reflect a broader trend: rural and remote European communities are offering substantial financial rewards to attract newcomers and revitalize aging populations. Here’s what you need to know about four standout opportunities.

The Premium Option: Irish Islands ($82,000)

Ireland’s “Our Living Islands” program represents the most generous relocation package in Europe, offering approximately $82,000 to settle on one of 30 designated offshore islands. This isn’t simply a cash handout — the funds must be invested into purchasing and renovating a pre-1993 property that’s been vacant for at least two years. The catch? Your home must serve as a primary residence, not a rental investment or tourist property. The Irish government designed this program with a clear mission: ensuring thriving, sustainable communities persist on these isolated territories.

The appeal is undeniable for those seeking a quieter lifestyle, yet accessibility presents a challenge — these islands remain unconnected to the mainland by bridge and rely on ferry service.

The Mediterranean Balance: Sardinia (~$15,000)

Sardinia positions itself as the middle-ground option, offering approximately $15,000 in relocation assistance. However, the financial benefit extends further when you factor in the full incentive structure. Recipients must select municipalities with populations under 3,000 and commit to purchasing or renovating properties using funds that exceed double the grant amount. This requirement, while demanding, positions you to own substantial real estate in one of the Mediterranean’s most coveted destinations.

Combining pristine beaches, acclaimed culinary traditions, and year-round outdoor recreation, Sardinia appeals to those balancing adventure with stability. The 18-month deadline for permanent residency applications adds urgency to the process.

The Island Living Experiment: Antikythera, Greece

Greece’s Antikythera program takes a different approach, offering up to five families monthly stipends of approximately $515 over three years — totaling around $18,540 — plus complimentary newly constructed housing. Positioned along the Aegean Sea near Crete, the island offers a genuine Mediterranean escape.

The trade-off is significant: Antikythera lacks modern banking infrastructure, conventional supermarkets, and reliable accessibility beyond ferry connections. This arrangement suits adventurous relocators prepared for genuine remote island living rather than costal convenience.

The Authentic Small-Town Experience: Ponga, Spain

Ponga exemplifies Europe’s quietest relocation incentive, offering roughly $3,100 per person with a five-year residency requirement. Nestled in Asturias within a river valley setting, this UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve provides scenic mountain landscapes. However, with only 600 residents and the nearest urban center 90 minutes away, Ponga demands genuine commitment to small-town existence.

This option suits those prioritizing cultural immersion and solitude over urban amenities.

What These Programs Reveal

These cities that will pay you to move there share a common motivation: combating depopulation and revitalizing communities through strategic investment in newcomers. Each program balances financial incentives with residency commitments, ensuring relocators contribute meaningfully to local stability rather than viewing relocation as temporary opportunity.

Before pursuing any program, verify current eligibility requirements and timelines, as policies evolve. Yet the fundamental opportunity remains: Europe’s most compelling relocation packages await those willing to embrace less-traveled paths.