There are often media stories about people from the U.S. or elsewhere being paid to move to small towns in European countries. Left out is that many, may be most, of these programs are limited to persons under the age of 40 of 45.
Many of these destinations’ populations are mostly an older or elderly population – and they are providing financial incentives to move younger people and/or families to balance their population and hopefully keep their communities viable, long term.
Here is another example – you must be under 45 years old: A town in Croatia is selling houses for 13 cents—but there’s a catch (cnbc.com)
General rules for many are:
- You must purchase a property and/or renovate a property
- Your destination may be limited to specific small towns (small population, rural area)
- You may be required to work in an “in demand” field or to start a business
- You may be required to make commitment for a period of years (up to ten years)
- You may need to be under age 40 or 45
- You may be required to move there within 90 days of your application being approved
- Some offer cash incentives if you bring children or give birth to a child while living there