These European Countries Will Pay You to Move There in 2026—and One Pays You Up to $81,000

 Grants, rent subsidies, and reduced taxes could help make the move more affordable.

By 

Lydia Mansel

 

Published on March 7, 2026

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Baltimore harbor in Ireland.Credit: 

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Travelers dreaming of living in Europe often calculate the financial pros and cons of each country. But this year, those calculations may look a little different. 

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 and move, according to International Living.

In most cases, travelers must figure out residency on their own (it’s frequently one of the stipulations to receive the funds), and there are a number of other requirements and caveats. Still, new residents could end up with around $82,000 to bring their dream home in Ireland back to life, for example, or more than $4,000 to move to the Portuguese countryside. 

In Ireland, score your own “P.S. I Love You” moment thanks to 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.

In Italy, travelers 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.

In previous years, the town of Radicondoli, just outside Florence, has provided various incentives for moving, including offering half of the first two years of rent for new tenants. It’s not clear if the same offer stands in 2026. However, Italy does offer retirees 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.

Spain and Greece also offer tax breaks. In Spain, the Beckham's Law allows some foreign workers to pay a flat tax on certain income, according to International Living. And those who relocate to Greece can take advantage of a 7 percent flat tax rate for up to 15 years.

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, according to the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP). That number increases by 20 percent for each household member accompanying them.