These European destinations are paying for new residents to move in

You know that old saying, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”? I don’t know who came up with that, but I sure won’t be questioning why some European countries are bribing people with cash to move there. Just give me the name and cheapest flight route and I’m there.

To prevent rural areas from turning into ghost towns across Europe, countries like Spain and Italy, are so desperate for new residents that they’re willing to pay people to relocate. Time to pack your bags and your landlord to start looking for a new victim… I mean tenant!

Which countries are looking for new residents? 

Rubia, Spain is offering ex-pats a monthly payment of up to €150 to settle down. The program is aimed at families with the goal of boosting the student population at local schools. Rubia is just a 2.5 hours drive east of Santiago de Compostela, the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region.

Presicce-Acquarica, a town in the Puglia region of southern Italy, is offering up to €30,000 to new residents who relocate there and purchase and renovate an uninhabited property. Applicants must also move their official residency to the town and will receive an additional €1,000 for every baby born there.

Sardinia, Italy is giving out €15,000 to lure new residents to the island paradise. The catch? You must use the money to purchase or renovate a home and live there full time, with the grant not exceeding 50% of the total cost. You also have 18 months to register for permanent residency after your arrival.

Check out more destinations that are practically begging for new residents here!