Zoom Towns – The Countries And States That Pay You To Move There

No, we’re not making this up – there are really states, cities, and entire countries that will pay you to move there. In some cases, they are offering expats and digital nomads start-up grants to encourage more entrepreneurs into the area. Others are offering various financial incentives if you can bring a property back to life or simply just commit to living there for a few years.

Whether you’re a seasoned expat or one of the many who are now embracing the post-pandemic remote working phenomenon as the new norm, there are a few locations that could be the ideal next step for you and your family. But having the option of living anywhere in the world can be daunting. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best countries that will pay you to move there in 2023 to help you decide where to find your next big challenge.

What are ‘zoom towns’ and why are they popping up?

The term ‘zoom towns’ has been coined over recent years, it refers to communities where house prices have suddenly sky-rocketed due to an influx of remote workers descending upon the area. The ‘zoom’ part of zoom towns, is of course referring to the popular video conferencing software that’s taken off over the last few years. It’s no surprise then that since the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a significant increase in this sort of migration, given how many employers are now making remote work the new normal and reconsidering their employee benefits. You can consider even if you’re retiring abroad.

A large proportion of expats have relished moving to typical vacation destinations that offer incredible scenery or the option to regularly enjoy their favourite hobbies: there is a new trend for workation. This could mean moving to anywhere from ski resorts to remote islands that offer the best surf beaches. However, there is an increasing trend in local authorities (and even entire countries) incentivising expats to move into the area.

Why are some places paying you to move there?

Every city, state, or country has its own agenda to entice in new residents, but some of the most common reasons include:

• A low population
• A dwindling economy
• Dilapidated properties

Whatever the reason(s) there has never been a better time to take advantage of a zoom town and start a new challenge or adventure of your own.

States that will pay you to move there in 2023

There are all sorts of lifestyles you can enjoy in the United States. With remote work on the rise there are plenty of different incentives now in place to invite remote workers and expats to live in a new state. Here are some of our top picks on the best US states will pay you to move there in 2023:

1. Oklahoma – Receive a grant of up to US$10,000
2. Minnesota – US$2,500 for moving expenses, free coworking space & more
3. Alaska – US$1,600 and no income tax
4. Vermont – Grant of US$10,000 over two years
5. Kansas – Up to US$15,000 if part of the Choose Topeka scheme
6. Iowa – US$10,000 & welcome pack to buy your home there
7. Tennessee – Various relocation support packages (for programmers only)

1/ Oklahoma

The southern US state of Oklahoma (just north of Texas) is one of the states that will pay you to move there; it has a monopoly on some of America’s best natural beauty and is also home to many enterprising businesses. If you want to experience these things first-hand, you can get paid for the pleasure. By becoming a remote worker in Oklahoma’s second city, Tulsa, you could receive a grant of up to US$10,000.

Tulsa Remote is on the hunt for digital nomads who are eligible to bring their remote work to the city. In return, they offer free desk space, networking events and – most importantly – $10,000 either as a cash lump sum to put towards a new home or as a monthly stipend to help you while you’re getting set up.

2/ Minnesota

Ever heard of the city of Bemidji? No? Well, with a population of just 14,000, we can hardly blame you. But then again, that’s exactly the reason the town is keen to attract digital nomads.

So keen, in fact, that they are offering the 218 Relocate package to prospective residents. It includes up to US$2,500 to cover moving expenses, a free co-working space and access to the Community Concierge Program, to help you get set up and grow your business. It is one of the states that pay you to move there.

Apparently, Bemidji has some of the fastest internet speeds in America, making it an ideal place to run a remote business from.

How much does Alaska pay you to live there in 2023?

If you live in the state for a full dividend year and are eligible for the grant, you could take home around US$1,600. Better still, the whole state is tax-free. However, seeing as a gallon of milk can cost you as much as $10 in Barrow (the Northernmost city in America), this doesn’t mean you can be frivolous with your new cash.

4/ Vermont

Vermont is one of the states that will pay you to move there. It is renowned for its untouched natural beauty and harsh winters. Whilst it’s home to the likes of the infamous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, you might be surprised to learn that it’s got the second smallest population (with a population of roughly 625,000). It’s why the Remote Worker Grant scheme offers US$10,000 (over two years) if you’re willing to relocate there.

5/ Kansas

Topeka (the capital city of Kansas) is seeking to attract more talented young professionals to the area with a grant of up to US$15,000! This handsome lump-sup is available for on-site employees whose employers are willing to participate in the “Choose Topeka” relocation incentive. Alternatively, remote workers could receive over US$5,000 USD.

Applying for the incentive is straightforward – it’s all done via an online form, and some of the key requirements include:

• confirming it will be your main residence with
• proof of your new lease or property purchase
• you have approval from your employer (if required)

Topeka boasts a family-friendly atmosphere, with a good balance of city life and nature (e.g. it has plenty of spots for fishing, or beautiful botanical gardens..).

6/ Iowa

Newton, Iowa has been pushing for better quality housing since 2014. They’ve been working hard to improve living conditions in order to attract and grow their community. It is one of the states that will pay you to move there. As part of that incentive, they offer anyone who buys a home (of US$190,000 or more) a ‘Welcome to Newton’ pack as well as US$10,000 cash. Find out more here.

7/ Tennessee

Chattanooga in Tennessee is running a ‘GeekMove’ program (yes, really). It’s only made number 7 on our list as it’s only available to computer programmers and/or developers. The scheme doesn’t specify exact packages but has the opportunity to compete for relocation support in various ways. To qualify, the employer you apply to work for must be signed up to the scheme and you currently live at least 50 miles away from Chattanooga. Learn more at The Gig City webiste.

Other cities and countries that will pay you to move there

So which places will pay you to move there? Of course, the USA has plenty of states to choose from, but other fantastic countries paying you to move in 2023 include:

We’ve broken these areas down to help you decide which may be right for you.

Spain

Spain is a diverse and beautiful country where every region has its own local taste and culture.

Unfortunately, some of those regions aren’t doing so well at the moment. Spain’s rapid transformation from an agricultural to an urban society in the late 20^th century led to many people abandoning their properties in traditional pueblos (villages) in favour of big cities.

Today, the homes and businesses they left behind are still standing and crying out for some much-needed renovation – which is why many local councils have taken it upon themselves to revitalise their towns by incentivising skilled people to move there.

One such place is the town of Ponga, Asturias, where families will receive €3,000 to help them settle in, plus an additional €3,000 for each baby born in the town.

Another is Rubiá, in the mountains of Galicia. Here the local township will supplement your income with an extra €100-150 per month.

You could even purchase your own entire village in Spain for less than the price of a townhouse in one of the big cities – but only if you’re willing to invest your own money to bring the town back to life.

Switzerland – Albinen

If topping our list for the top 9 places to move in 2023 wasn’t enough, expats under 45 might be tempted by the offer of receiving US$25,200 for moving to the remote village of Albinen.

To boost the town’s dwindling population, the Albinen council is offering adults a huge cash incentive to move there, while children could also be in line for a windfall of US$10,000.

So what’s the catch?

You’ll have to commit to staying for a minimum of 10 years. Furthermore, only Swiss residents get to receive the bonus. That means you must have lived in Switzerland either 12 years in total (or 5 years with a type B permit), or have married a Swiss person, and completed your citizen application before the end of the 10 years.

But don’t let that faze you. With its fresh, Alpine air and the potential to enjoy one of the highest expat salaries in the world, maybe life in Albinen could be just what you and your family are looking for.

Italy

As well as having won the European world cup recently, Italy is famed for it’s rolling landscapes, fantastic food and and gorgeous weather. What some people don’t know is that Italy struggles in managing it’s population in certain regions. most younger generations have moved from quiet villages to find work, for education or just for a more exhilarating night/social life.

So, which Italian Villages and regions pay you to move there?

Candela

Set within Italy’s gorgeous Apulia region, the quaint medieval village of Candela earned itself the nickname ‘Little Naples’ for its stunning beauty and easy-going way of life. Unfortunately, that way of life waned throughout the 20^th century, forcing the mayor to implement an incentive scheme to restore the population – and the culture – of this quasi-Neapolitan township.

As a resident of Candela, you can live in one of the safest towns in Italy and get involved in all the local activities, such as horseback riding through the picturesque local valleys.

Better still, you can pick up a range of cash incentives. Singles receive €800 and couples €1,200 euros, while families can get up to €2,000 euros for moving to Candela. Tax credits are also available to help cover the cost of services like waste disposal.

The only stipulations are that you must apply for formal residency in Candela and have a salary of at least €7,500.

Santo Stefano di Sessanio

If that’s not enough of an incentive for you, other Italian towns are starting to follow suit. Santo Stefano di Sessanio in the Abruzzo region has recently started to offer grants of up to €44,000 to incentivise new residents aged 18-40 to live within its cobbled stone streets.

The scheme is open to EU and non-EU residents with an Italian residency card, and new residents will be expected to open a business and stay for at least 5 years.

Calabria

Most recently joining the list, is Calabria. The region of Calabria forms the ‘toe’ of the Italian boot shape. Several villages have seen huge declines in population (some with fewer than 2000 residents).

Applicants must be under 40 to apply, but would be entitled to €1,000-€800 for two to three years. That equates to up to €28,000 (or $33,000)!

Countries that pay you to move there to start a business

Ireland

The emerald isle is crying out for savvy entrepreneurs to come and start new businesses – so much so, they’ve started an investment fund to entice bright young things.

That’s right – you can get your start-up capital direct from the Irish government! The scheme, Enterprise Ireland, is designed to support the creation of jobs and export revenue from Ireland. You don’t have to be Irish to apply, but you do need to have your company registered in Ireland.

You’ll also need to demonstrate that your company is capable of creating at least 10 jobs and €1 million in sales over the first 3 years (see the full list of criteria).

Last year, the scheme awarded over €120 million to start-up businesses. This included a range of stimulus packages to support these fledgling organisations through COVID-19.

Aside from the grants on offer, Ireland is also growing a great reputation as one of the best countries to start a business due to its low corporation tax and continued ties between the UK and EU.

Chile

Do breath-taking mountains, quirky seaside cities and fine wines appeal? Then why not make Chile your home?

Better still, if you have a cutting-edge start-up idea ready to go, you can apply for up to $300,000 CLP funding, incentives and acceleration programmes provided by Start-Up Chile.

Run by the Chilean Economic Development Agency, this scheme acts just like your traditional start-up fund scheme, with yearly applications taken by a panel of investors.

And, whether you’re still at the ideas phase or you’ve already made a start, the fund will help to get you up and running or accelerate your growth.

The scheme promises to take an even gender split, so 50% of all approved applications will be for female-led organisations.

Mauritius

This beautiful island (just east of Madagascar) is offering 20,000 Mauritian Rupees to any startup businesses that move there. It’s a secluded paradise with beautiful marine wildlife and an enviable climate. To qualify for the grant, you simply need to demonstrate a unique and profitable business idea to a committee.

There are also potentially additional incentives available. If for example, you’re able to hire a graduate registered to the SME scheme in Mauritius – their entire wage can be funded for a year (up to 14,000 Mauritian Rupees).

Places that will pay you to move there if you renovate a property

Whether you’re a DIY pro or professional tradesperson, if you’re looking for a home abroad, these places will either pay you in housing/land or significantly subsidise property prices.

Italy’s €1 Homes

Italy has already made our list of countries that pay you to move (for providing cash benefits for those who relocate), however, in recent years they’ve also been making global headlines for selling off beautiful (albeit dilapidated) homes for only €1! Whilst this isn’t explicitly payment for moving to the area, it usually represents a significant saving for those who were hoping to move to the country anyway.

Of course, as part of the project, the new homeowners are expected to renovate their property within a reasonable timeframe (usually about 3 years or so) or face an annual fee. Italy has launched this 1 Euro home scheme to drive young blood to some of its aging regions and boost their economies. Popular locations partaking in the project include:

• Sicily
• Sardinia
• Abruzzo
• Milano

What’s the catch? Since the incentive is there to encourage property development, there are usually clauses in place to ensure you do start your project sooner rather than later. Some examples include:

• A EUR 5,000 deposit
• A fine if the planning isn’t submitted within 6 months (in some cases EUR 10,000)
• A fine if work on the property isn’t started within the first year

Each region has taken a slightly different approach though and if you’re legitimately planning to do the work you could be in for a major saving!

Antikythera, Greece

The Aegean island of Antikythera is perhaps best known for giving its name to one of the most famous archaeological discoveries from antiquity: the first ‘analogue computer’, known as the Antikythera Mechanism.

The island itself, however, is not quite as renowned. As home to only around 70 people, and severely lacking in basic infrastructure, its fate seemed all but sealed a few years ago.

But that fate has now started to reverse. Today, the island is home to PANGEA, a climate change research centre, and is slowly starting to rebuild its population of young families.

Many of these were incentivised to move from mainland Greece. New families are in line to receive free housing and a plot of land to build on, plus a monthly allowance of €500 for 3 years.

Legrad, Croatia

Legrad was once a hub of activity and the second most populated village in Croatia. But over the course of the last century it’s seen a huge decline in it’s population and is now luring in new residents by selling off homes for 1 Kuna (about 16 US cents).

Most require significant work, but the state is also willing to chip in over $4,000 USD towards the refurbishment too! However, you must be financially stable, under 40 years, and willing to stay for 15+ years.

Looking to relocate in 2023?

There has never been a better time to think about starting a new life abroad. Wherever you decide to move, just make sure you have the confidence of international health insurance.

At William Russell, we have been providing worldwide health cover for 30 years, helping expats like you and their families to settle into their new homes. Speak to us today to find out more about how global health insurance could support you.