Moving to Italy

Get Paid €28,000 To Move To Italy!

Have you ever had the dream of moving to Italy? Now is the time! Some of these tiny Italian villages are going to be willing to offer as much as €28,000 to encourage people to move in and resettle. Many of these rural areas are facing an increasing aging population and the moving of young people to cities. Their population is rapidly shrinking, and local governments are encouraging foreigners to move in by providing relocation grants. It is an effort to bring young professionals and fresh blood into these historic towns.

Some of the regions that offer this opportunity are Calabria, the island of Sardinia, Presicce, and SANTO STEFANO DI SESSANIO. Among all, Calabria is a popular region with scenic mountain and ocean views that offer grants to many of its villages. Around 9 villages in Calabria have already signed up for this program. But what do you require to move? Let’s dive in for more details.

Why Are These Villages Paying People to Move In?

It was an initiative that Italy had taken up to fight depopulation in its rural areas, especially in Calabria. For years, the young residents in these villages migrated to cities in search of better opportunities. Hence, to reverse this trend, relocation grants are provided by both the government and local authorities to attract new residents committed to staying and contributing to the local community. Northeast of Palermo in the Calabria region is giving relocation grants of up to €28,000 (~$30,000) for three years.

Get Paid to Move to Italy, community
Image source: istockphoto

The programs mainly aim at refreshing the local economy and conserving the rich cultural heritage in such areas. Calabria boasts breathtaking landscapes and historic sites, but equally has faced significant depopulation. Most of the villages are in remote areas with limited infrastructure, so it’s hard to hold people or attract them to such areas.

However, the allure of living in a serene and beautiful environment has attracted global interest, more so with rising remote work. Many remote workers are considering how they can get paid to move to Italy and fulfill their dreams.

What Does the Grant Include?

According to the diverse conditions in a particular village, the relocation grants allow for up to €28,000 per individual or family. This money is to help new residents pay for settling costs, like housing renovation opening a business, or even buying property, but applicants need to agree to live in the village for at least three years. In some cases, they also have to open a business that will contribute to the local economy.

Get Paid to Move to Italy
Image source: Schiff Sovereign LLC

The grants themselves are cut up into bits, and the funds are released. Especially when applicants have hit predefined milestones, such as securing a residence, renovation, or any other process associated with a business opening. Each village probably has its own requirements. So go through the terms before you apply. The grants are welcoming not only to Italian nationals but also to foreigners who meet the criteria. Indeed, you can get paid to move to Italy even if you are not currently an Italian citizen.

Most of the regions have set the age requirement for settlement between 18-40 years. They also require the use of grant money to either renovate or build a home. The recipients should also live in their new property full-time and must register for permanent residency within 18 months of their arrival. Some towns like Presicce offer financial incentives for childbirth (aside from relocation grants) to encourage population growth.

Image source: CNN (Presicce, Italy)

Sardinia Island, the second biggest island in the Mediterranean is also offering a €15,000 (~$16,000) relocation grant. The population of this island is less than 3000.

Image source: Wine searcher (Sardinia island, Italy)

Several Calabria villages participate in this initiative, each offering unique charm and opportunities. Towns like Albidona in Calabria just 11 miles away from the mountains of Pollino National Park, allow you to get a property for just €1.

Image source: Paesana
  • Civita: This village offers a serene lifestyle, perfect for those seeking to escape city life. It is famous for its Albanian-Italian community and traditional Arbereshe culture.
  • Samo and Precacore: These twin villages provide a deep connection to Italy’s ancient past. Located in the Aspromonte National Park, they offer stunning natural beauty and a chance to immerse in local traditions.
  • Aieta: Aieta boasts medieval architecture and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for history lovers. The village is also close to the Pollino National Park, offering outdoor activities and adventure.
  • Bova: This village in Aspromonte National Park is one of Italy’s “most beautiful villages” (Borghi più belli d’Italia).
  • Caccuri: Famous for its picturesque views and the beautiful Caccuri Castle, this village hosts an annual literary festival, attracting authors and readers from across Italy.
  • Albidona: A coastal village near the Ionian Sea, offering a serene, relaxed lifestyle by the water. Albidona is famous for its olive groves and traditional agriculture.
  • Sant’Agata del Bianco: This village offers a peaceful environment surrounded by nature. It is famous for murals and street art that reflect local culture and history.
  • Santa Severina: Known for its imposing Norman castle, Santa Severina sits on a rocky outcrop and offers a treasure trove of history and culture.
  • San Donato di Ninea: Located in Pollino National Park. This village offers access to hiking trails, wildlife, and stunning mountain views.
Get Paid to Move to Italy, italy villages to move in
Image source: CNN

How to Apply for the Grant

What one needs to do to access this privilege is mere application to the village’s local authority. Most times, this would be an outline of your plans for relocation, whether one intends to buy property or open up a business. Evidence of the ability to support oneself during one’s stay must also be provided.

passport
Image source: mazzeschi.it

Application review is on a rolling basis, and selection can be competitive. Priority is given to those applicants whose skills or business plans match the needs of the community. Whether it’s tourism, agriculture, or technology. Those chosen continue to enjoy the support of local authorities in sorting through integration problems and bureaucracy. If your dream is to get paid to move to Italy, make sure you submit a strong application that highlights how you will benefit the community.

What’s the Catch?

While this sounds easy to move to Italy, there are a few ifs and buts. Grants are competitive. The villages are usually backcountry places that offer limited access to modern amenities and job opportunities. This initiative suits people who are comfortable with a quieter, more rural way of life and committed to making a long-term investment in the community.

Living in a rural Italian village epitomizes an authentic, slow-paced lifestyle. This bears some challenges: difficult internet connectivity, and access to health services facilities, and schools. All these factors one should know before moving. There are, however, many rewards for one willing to take the risk—living in an ideal and historic environment with a tight sense of community.

Conclusion

It’s a great opportunity to get to know the life of one of the beautiful historic villages of Italy. Also at the same time, be able to actively contribute to preserving its cultural heritage. If you are seeking change in your life and looking for a pace that is leisurely and full of joy, then apply for one of these relocation grants. It’s not all about the money, it’s part of something bigger. Moving to Italy could just be the adventure of your lifetime.

Also read,

Similar Posts