Are you dreaming of living in Europe but that one big thing, a VISA, has been holding you back? EU nationals can live and work in other EU countries, there are working holiday visas and digital nomad visas available to live and work in certain European countries also. However, there is another option. These European Countries Will Pay You to Move There in 2026. That’s right, some European countries will pay YOU to move and live in Europe.
Countries like Ireland, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal offer a mix of cash, grants, and tax breaks to new residents, making it financially easier to pack up to live in Europe.
In most cases, travellers must figure out residency on their own (it’s frequently one of the stipulations to receive the funds). Plus, there are a number of other requirements and caveats. Still, new residents to Europe could, for example, end up with around $82,000 to help buy their dream home in Ireland (or bring it back to life). Or, another example, more than $4,000 to move to the Portuguese countryside. Sound good? Read on.
These European Countries Will Pay You to Move There
Republic of Ireland
Ireland is the first country on this list of European countries paying you to move there.
Ireland currently offers a hefty grant of up to €70,000 ($81,214) with the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, according to the Irish government. The grant provides qualifying individuals with €50,000 ($58,010) to redo a “qualifying vacant property in cities, towns, villages, and rural parts of the country.” An additional “top-up grant” of €20,000 ($23,204) is also available.
To receive both, new residents must prove their ownership or proof of active negotiations to buy the home, and show the home has been vacant for at least two years. The home will also need to be the grantee’s primary residence, or be made available to rent once the work is complete.
Not sure on moving to Ireland, the Republic of Ireland has a working holiday visa scheme where you could test the waters of life in Ireland.
Italy
Italy has long been a favourite European country for a visit and to live, particularly if you have read Francis Mayes, Under a Tuscan Sun.
In Italy, travellers have long been tempted by €1 ($1.16) home programs along with the country’s €100,000 ($116,020) offers to move there. But potential new residents should note the requirements may be extensive. This includes a stipulation that you must live in the home for 10 years or rent it out to a local for that time.
Italy also is tempting to move to for retirees who are offered a reduced 7 percent tax on foreign income if they relocate to qualifying towns in Central or Southern Italy, according to the Italian Revenue Agency.
You could always spend extended time in Italy on their working holiday visa program or the Italian digital nomad visa aimed at non-EU citizens.
Spain and Greece
Spain and Greece also offer tax breaks to individuals wanting to move to live in these countries.
In Spain, the Beckham’s Law allows some foreign workers to pay a flat tax on certain income.
And those who relocate to Greece can take advantage of a 7 percent flat tax rate for up to 15 years.
Spain and Greece also have working holiday visa programs and digital nomad visas available if you prefer to spend time in these countries before deciding to move there. Greek Island hopping anyone!
Portugal
When it comes to Portugal, the country’s Working in the Interior Program is seemingly one of the most straightforward pay-to-move schemes. The country will pay eligible new residents up to €3,759.91 ($4,363.01) to relocate to an inland destination. This number increases by 20 percent for each household member accompanying them.
Portugal is an extremely popular country in Europe due to its fabulous climate, great food and cheaper cost of living. The country has become a hot digital nomad destination.
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