Countries That Pay You To Move There 2025

Retiree immigration programs in Western countries often provide financial perks – from tax breaks to cash grants – to attract foreign pensioners.

countries that pay to move

Below is a region-by-region overview of notable programs in Europe, North America, and other Western regions, including the incentives offered, who qualifies, and how to apply.

Table of Contents

Europe

Ireland’s Island Revitalization Program – Grants Up To US$87,000

ireland

Ireland is offering cash grants of up to US$87,000 (AU$133,000) for people willing to renovate and move into vacant homes on remote coastal islands.
There are 30 coastal islands with a combined population of only 3,000 people.
The initiative aims to revitalize and future-proof these scenic islands by attracting a younger population.
Flipping homes is not allowed—participants must commit to living in the renovated home for at least 10 years.

Who Is This Program For?

Open to everyone, but specifically targeting remote workers and digital nomads.
Ireland is improving transportation, internet infrastructure, and health services to support the new residents.
The government wants to diversify the local economy by attracting people who can work remotely.

Why Consider Moving?

The opportunity to live and work in a peaceful, scenic environment with breathtaking coastal views.
A chance to be part of a growing community while benefiting from financial support to restore a home.
Potential for a balanced, relaxed lifestyle while maintaining productivity.

Italy – 7% Tax Regime for Foreign Pensioners

italy

Incentive: A flat 7% income tax on all foreign-sourced income (including pensions) for up to 10 years. This low tax replaces Italy’s usual tax rates on qualifying income, significantly reducing tax costs for retirees.
Eligibility: Open to individuals with pension income from abroad (non-Italians or Italian expats) who transfer their tax residence to a small town (under 20,000 people) in designated regions (southern Italy: Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise, Puglia; and certain central Italian municipalities affected by earthquakes). Applicants must not have been Italian tax residents in the 5 years prior.
Application Process: Retirees must establish residency in an eligible Italian municipality and then opt into the regime via Italy’s tax agency. An application for tax residence transfer and the 7% scheme is filed with the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency). The tax is then paid annually at 7% on foreign income.

Greece – 7% Flat Tax for Foreign Retirees

greece

Incentive: A 7% flat income tax rate on foreign-sourced pension income (and other foreign income) each year, guaranteed for 15 years once approved. This allows a retiree to pay only 7% tax on their foreign pensions, interest, etc., instead of higher normal rates.
Eligibility: Available to foreign pensioners who become Greek tax residents and were not Greek tax residents for 5 of the last 6 years. Applicants must come from a country that has an administrative cooperation agreement with Greece (which includes EU/EEA countries and most others with tax treaties). There is no requirement to buy property, but one must spend over 183 days/year in Greece to maintain tax residency.
Application Process: The individual must apply to the Greek tax authorities by March 31 of the first year they want the status. Greek authorities will approve the non-dom pensioner status, after which the 7% tax on all foreign income is paid in one installment each year (due by July 31). The retiree must file an annual Greek tax return declaring worldwide income, but only 7% tax is due on non-Greek income under this program.

Portugal – Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Program

portugal

Incentive: Tax breaks for 10 years under the NHR regime. Notably, foreign pension income is taxed at a flat 10% rate (or potentially exempt in some cases under older rules) for the first 10 years of residence. Other foreign income (interest, dividends, etc.) can be exempt from Portuguese tax if a tax treaty assigns taxation to the source country. This dramatically lowers the tax burden on retirees living in Portugal.
Eligibility: Designed for new residents of Portugal who have not been taxed as Portuguese residents in the previous 5 years. One must first become a tax resident of Portugal (e.g., spend >183 days/year or own a habitual residence). There is no age requirement; retirees qualify simply by having foreign-sourced pension or passive income and meeting residency criteria.
Application Process: After obtaining residence (for example via the D7 visa or other residency permit), the individual applies for NHR status through Portugal’s tax authority (Autoridade Tributária). Application is typically done online on the tax portal by March 31 of the year following the arrival. Once granted, the 10-year clock starts from the first year of tax residency. The retiree must file annual Portuguese tax returns; foreign pension income is then taxed at 10% flat under NHR.

North America

United States – State/Local Relocation Incentives

alaska

While the U.S. has no federal program specifically paying foreign retirees to immigrate, several states and towns offer financial incentives to attract new residents (which retirees can sometimes take advantage of):

Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD): Alaska distributes an annual dividend to all its residents from state oil revenues. In 2024 the PFD was $1,702 per person – a cash payment received by every eligible Alaskan (including retirees) each year. To qualify, one must be an Alaska resident for a full calendar year and intend to remain indefinitely. Essentially, retirees who move to Alaska and stay over a year begin receiving this cash dividend yearly as a welcome supplement to their income.
Small Town “Pay-to-Move” Programs: A number of U.S. cities and rural communities provide grants or tax breaks to anyone who settles there (often to boost population and the local economy). For example, Newton, Iowa offers new homebuyers a $10,000 cash grant for purchasing or building a home in Newton (plus a local “welcome package”). Other places have similar offers: Tulsa, Oklahoma (via Tulsa Remote) and Northwest Arkansas have offered around $10,000 to remote workers; states like West Virginia and Vermont have relocation bonuses.
Property Tax Breaks: Some U.S. counties and cities give property tax abatements or discounts for retirees or new residents in certain zones.

Malta – The Malta Retirement Programme (MRP)

Incentive: A reduced 15% tax rate on foreign pension income remitted to Malta, with no taxation on foreign capital gains (if not remitted to Malta). Retirees also benefit from Malta’s double taxation agreements, potentially avoiding tax in their home country.
Eligibility: Open to EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (and, in some cases, non-EU nationals with special permission). Applicants must receive the majority of their income from a foreign pension, rent or purchase qualifying property in Malta, and not work in Malta (except limited non-executive roles).
Application Process: Applicants must apply through a licensed Malta tax representative and commit to residing in Malta at least 90 days per year (averaged over 5 years) while not spending more than 183 days in another country in any given year. A minimum annual tax of €7,500 applies.

Panama – Pensionado Program

Incentive: Panama offers one of the world’s best retiree programs with significant discounts (up to 50%) on various services, including healthcare, entertainment, utilities, and airline tickets. Retirees also benefit from duty-free importation of household goods (up to $10,000) and property tax exemptions.
Eligibility: Open to anyone over 18 who has a guaranteed lifetime pension or social security benefit of at least $1,000/month ($750 if purchasing Panamanian property worth at least $100,000).
Application Process: Applicants apply for a Pensionado Visa through Panama’s immigration office, submitting proof of pension income, a health certificate, and police clearance. Once granted, the retiree receives permanent residency with all benefits.

Uruguay – Tax-Free Foreign Income for New Residents

Incentive: Uruguay does not tax foreign-sourced income (including pensions), making it attractive for retirees. Additionally, new tax residents can opt for a 10-year tax exemption on foreign investment income (interest, dividends).
Eligibility: Available to anyone who relocates to Uruguay and meets the country’s tax residency requirements (spending at least 183 days per year in Uruguay or establishing a significant economic presence, such as property ownership worth more than $400,000).
Application Process: Retirees apply for residency through Uruguay’s immigration authorities. After obtaining permanent residence, they can apply for tax residency to secure their tax-free status on foreign income.

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