Countries Inviting You To Stay There For Free And Even Pay You
Covid-19 has changed many aspects of our lives, from how we live to how we earn our sustenance. It has certainly affected the world in more than a handful of ways. Some cities have resolved to become more aggressive in order to survive in the face of declining population growth. At the same time, there are areas of the world, primarily villages that are being depopulated as residents relocate to urban areas. This series of events seems to have all worked together in some profitable ways. Cities and countries are now giving money to outsiders, including foreigners, to relocate to their towns. Some nations are giving thousands of dollars in incentives to tempt you to make their towns your home sweet home. Let’s have a look at where you can settle next.
1. Calabria, Italy This picturesque beachside community in Italy launched a plan to repopulate and revitalize its economy. People who want to relocate to the town will be paid almost 28,000 euros, or more than Rs 24 lakh, under the program. Calabria, located in southwest Italy, is home to ancient villages, mountains, and a stunning coastline. The 'active residency income' concept seeks to establish Calabria as a destination for 'south work,' a rebranded southern Italian version of remote working. This project, known as 'active residence income,' would assist to enhance the economy of the region, which is also experiencing depopulation, with a current population of only 2000 people. Applicants who are accepted must relocate to the region within 90 days of their acceptance.
2. Pipestone, Canada Pipestone, a rural municipality in Manitoba, Canada, is selling pieces of land for $10 each for residential use. Buyers that are interested pay a $1,000 deposit and sign an offer agreement. They receive a $990 return if they build a house within the terms of the offer agreement. According to the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Resource Center, it is part of a countrywide trend that started in New Brunswick when a single couple began giving away portions of their 130-acre tract of property in order to build a new town around their house.
3. Albinen, Switzerland Albinen, a peaceful community in Switzerland, planned to pay residents roughly Rs 20 lakh to relocate there in 2017. A family of four would be eligible for a stipend of Rs 51 lakh. It does, however, come with a catch. Those interested should be willing to live in the village for a period of ten years. They should be able to build or buy a house costing 200,000 Swiss francs, or almost Rs 1.6 crore. They are not permitted to possess a second home. For permanent residency in Switzerland, foreigners must hold a C permit. Those interested in relocating must also be under the age of 45.
4. Maenza, Italy According to the Los Angeles Times, Italy's $1 house bonanza began in the town of Gangi in 2011. With 5,800 towns with less than 5,000 people, 2,300 of which are completely abandoned or are on the verge of being so, the country is on the verge of losing its ancient rural hamlet culture. Beginning with Gangi, tiny, isolated towns across the country began selling abandoned homes for $1 in an attempt to increase their numbers. Until now, most areas have been secluded and remote. Maenza became the first town near Rome to join the $1 frenzy in 2021, marking the first time that a giveaway town wasn't an off-the-map backwater where travel was tough and possibilities for jobs and academics were scarce.
5. Ponga, Spain Ponga is around 450 kilometers from Madrid, Spain's capital. They are now offering people who would like to settle there a whopping 3000 euros. The town will also provide 3,000 euros anytime a kid is born, which is the icing on the cake. However, there is a downside to this proposal, you will be getting an abandoned and maybe deteriorating house. If you can cover the renovation costs and commit to living here for at least 5 years, this could be the place for you.
6. Alaska Alaska is regarded for having some of the greatest seafood in the world as well as an abundance of outdoor activities, drawing both foodies and outdoor enthusiasts! Alaska wants to increase its population to help its economy thrive, thus they provide a variety of incentive packages in addition to not having a state tax. One of such packages comes out of Permanent Fund Dividend and it has been active since 1976. The annual payout varies, but the 2021 dividend was $1,114. Not bad for just being there!
7. West Virginia West Virginia, known for its rugged beauty and mountain wildness, is experiencing an extreme population drop that is practically unparalleled in the rest of the country. To deal with this problem the government has come up with a program aimed at attracting new citizens and stopping the outward migration. The project provides a cash incentive of $20,000 to anyone willing to migrate to the Mountain State. The first half of the bounty is a $12,000 cash payment with no strings attached, with $10,000 distributed over the first year and $2,000 distributed over the second year. The remaining $8,000 comes from freebies such as free whitewater rafting, skiing, and other outdoor sports, which might be expensive otherwise, as well as free rentals and gear.
