More Americans appear to be relocating overseas, and with some destinations actively offering financial perks to new residents, the trend may be far from over.
The Wall Street Journal, citing Brookings Institution data, reported a shortfall of about 150,000 people moving to the US, compared with roughly 2.6 to 2.7 million the year before.
At the same time, the report noted that an estimated four to nine million Americans already live outside the country — including in Mexico (1.6 million), Europe (1.5 million), the UK (335,000), and Canada (250,000). The figures add to the sense that more people are choosing to build a life somewhere new.
No single explanation was identified, but the report suggested that affordability pressures — including the cost of living — could be part of what’s pushing some to look abroad. In fact, several places are now trying to attract newcomers with incentives that range from grants to subsidized housing.
In Chile, the Start-Up Chile initiative is designed to draw entrepreneurs, potentially enabling Americans to launch and grow a local business while living and working in the country.
Although the program’s website doesn’t list a specific payment amount, it says participants will ‘receive free funding, free co-working space, and exclusive discounts on different services that will help you grow your startup’.
IEA has suggested the support could reach as high as $300,000.
Croatia is often praised for its scenery and comparatively low day-to-day costs — and in 2024, it also made headlines for homes priced at less than a dollar.
One example is Legrad in the north of the country, which saw its population shrink after the Austro-Hungarian empire ended in 1918. With fewer residents over time, officials began exploring ways to encourage people to move in.
That effort developed into an incentive program that can allow eligible buyers to purchase a heavily discounted home locally — typically aimed at people under 45, who are married or in a partnership, and who do not have a criminal record.
It’s easy to picture a slower pace of life on Antikythera, with its sun, food, and laid-back atmosphere.
Despite having a population of barely 50, the island offers €500 per month to people who commit to living there for three years.
And with only around 20 square miles of land, it’s the kind of place where everyone is practically next door.
For those drawn to island life in Ireland, the Our Living Islands incentive has been another attention-grabber.
The 2023 scheme reimburses the cost of renovating a vacant property located on an offshore island — and the refurbished home can either be used by you and your family or rented out.
People can also apply twice through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.
Mauritius, known for its warm climate and beaches, also has routes that can help would-be entrepreneurs get started.
One option offers 20,000 Mauritian Rupees ($424.82) to support starting a business on the island.
While there are multiple programs worth exploring, applications ultimately go through the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
Italy has also promoted incentives tied to rural repopulation, including opportunities in Sardinia and Calabria worth up to $30,000.
With many residents moving from small towns to larger cities, the initiative aims to bring fresh life back to quieter communities. In broad terms, the offer involves relocating to one of nine villages with populations of 2,000 or fewer in exchange for financial support.
There are additional requirements involved, but for anyone who wants a change of scenery, it could be an appealing setup.
On the Spanish side of the border with Portugal, the “Live in Ambroz” program targets remote workers looking for a longer-term move to Extremadura.
According to Idealista, qualifying applicants can seek a grant of €15,000 ($17291.77) if they relocate for at least two years.
If alpine living is more your style, Albinen in Switzerland has offered relocation payments of 25,000 Swiss francs ($31,000) per adult for a family of four, plus 10,000 Swiss francs per child.
Situated around 1,300 meters above sea level, the scheme (created in 2028) was introduced to attract new residents after many people left for larger, busier areas.
However, those interested would reportedly need to purchase a home valued at 200,000 Swiss francs and agree to stay for 10 years.
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