Which country will pay you to move there from the UK?
Several countries and specific regions, including Switzerland, Italy, Chile, and Portugal, offer financial incentives to attract new residents from the UK to combat depopulation or boost local economies. Schemes range from direct cash grants of over £18,000 for moving to Swiss villages, to startup funding in Chile and rural relocation grants in Portugal.
Several countries, especially in Europe like Italy, Spain, Greece, and Croatia, offer cash incentives or grants to attract new residents, often targeting remote workers or those willing to renovate properties in depopulated areas, with examples including Italy's regional grants or Croatia's low-cost housing. Ireland also has programs for its remote islands, while some Swiss towns like Albinen have incentives, though often with residency requirements like under 45 and a 10-year commitment.
The small Greek island of Antikythera is offering families a home for free and a monthly stipend of approximately $590 USD for three years to encourage relocation and revitalize the island's dwindling population.
Where is the cheapest place for Brits to emigrate to?
Colombia. Colombia offers British expats sophisticated living at fantastic prices. Rent and utilities are reasonably priced, with a couple's living expenses starting at around just £1000 per month. Eating out is cheap too, with meals costing around £14 and lunches only £3.
Where can you live permanently with a British passport?
British citizens can live permanently in many places by obtaining residency or citizenship, with popular options including Commonwealth nations like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand (often via skilled/retirement visas) and EU countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy (through specific visas like Non-Lucrative or long-term permits after 5 years). Other destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, and the UAE also offer pathways, but securing permanent residency or citizenship depends on meeting specific criteria, points systems, or visa requirements.
7 Surprising Countries That Pay You To Move There (Up To $30,000!?)
What island pays you to live there?
To combat this decline, one island in Greece is offering an incentive to encourage newcomers. Antikythera is an island south of mainland Greece and northwest of Crete. The Greek Orthodox Church on the island has introduced a plan to pay families to move there.
Can I collect social security if I live in Greece?
Under the agreement, however, you may receive benefits as long as you reside in Greece regardless of your nationality. If you are not a U.S. citizen and live in another country, you may not be able to receive benefits.
The cost of living in Greece is 21% cheaper than in the UK. Living expenses will be cheaper in more rural areas. Accommodation is likely to be your largest expense unless you buy a property outright. Greece has a progressive tax system, but retirees from the UK can enjoy a special tax rate on foreign income.
Where British expats are settling in 2025? In 2025, the most common destinations for people leaving the UK are Spain, Ireland, Australia, Canada, France, and Portugal. Increasingly, movers are also heading to the USA, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UAE, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the wider Gulf region.
Brits are moving to tax-efficient locations like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (especially Dubai) for zero income tax, while Malta attracts many with EU access and favorable remittance-based tax schemes. Other popular spots include Portugal, Greece, and Cyprus, offering tax incentives and lifestyle benefits, with some also considering the Bahamas, BVI, and Jersey for nil/low-tax environments, according to migration advisors.
Over 55% of Brits leaving the UK moved to Europe in the last year, which is no surprise, with Spain, France, Italy, Ireland and Germany being in the top 10 countries in which Brits have moved and mainland Europe is the closest destination by distance for emigrating Brits.
What is the cheapest and safest country to live in?
There's no single "safest, most affordable" country, as it depends on priorities, but top contenders often mentioned for combining safety and low cost include Portugal, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Czech Republic, offering good infrastructure, low living expenses (rent, food), and high quality of life in specific regions or cities, though some Southeast Asian nations like Thailand and the Philippines also rank high for affordability with safety considerations. Portugal is noted for EU access and good healthcare, Malaysia for English-speaking expat communities, Vietnam for extreme affordability, and Czechia for central European travel.
The small Greek island of Antikythera is offering families a home for free and a monthly stipend of approximately $590 USD for three years to encourage relocation and revitalize the island's dwindling population.
How much money do you need to retire in Greece? The amount of money needed to retire in Greece varies depending on one's lifestyle, location, and individual preferences. On average, retirees may need between €800 to €2,500 per month to cover living expenses, including housing, food, healthcare, and leisure activities.
In the quarter you turn age 31 or later Work for 5 years out of the 10-year period ending with the quarter you developed a disability. You earn Social Security credits (formerly called quarters of coverage) when you work in a job and pay Social Security taxes.
Public healthcare in Greece is free of charge, or heavily subsidised. Private healthcare will charge for appointments, operations, and medicines. Service can be slower as you're not paying to be prioritised. Wait times are significantly reduced, especially if you want to see specialists.
Under the Our Living Islands initiative, Ireland is offering grants (up to roughly €84,000–€92,000 / ~$90–$92K) for people who relocate to one of its remote offshore islands and refurbish a vacant or derelict home. The goal: revive shrinking island communities.
What is the easiest country to legally immigrate to?
Canada. Canada is widely regarded as one of the easiest and most welcoming countries to emigrate to, particularly for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals seeking a high quality of life. Canada is known for its welcoming policies, multicultural society, and high standard of living.
In 2015, the 'Homes for a Pound' scheme was launched by Liverpool's City Council. Documented by Channel 4's documentary series 'The £1 Houses: Britain's Cheapest Street', 138 houses have been part of the scheme and, yes, they've all been sold for just £1.
