Several countries have begun offering direct financial incentives to encourage citizens and eligible foreign nationals to relocate to small villages and islands facing depopulation.

These incentives take various forms, including assistance with home purchases, grants for remote workers, and programs targeting entrepreneurs and startups.

However, receiving a grant or financial support does not automatically confer the right of residence, as visas, residence permits, and immigration requirements remain subject to the specific laws of each country.

Italy

Italy is offering home purchases in the island of Sardinia, with various local initiatives aimed at attracting residents to its towns and small villages.

Notable examples include programs implemented on Sardinia that target individuals wishing to buy or renovate a home to serve as their primary residence; financial contributions can cover up to 50 percent of eligible expenses, with a maximum cap of €15,000 per beneficiary or household.

Ireland

Ireland is offering grants for the renovation of vacant properties on its islands.

Available incentives include support for the repair and refurbishment of uninhabited properties, with grants reaching up to €60,000.

For abandoned properties, the funding limit may rise to €84,000, including an additional allowance to offset the higher construction costs associated with island locations.

Switzerland

The Swiss village of Albinen offers incentives linked to the purchase or investment of a property that meets specific criteria; however, benefiting from these incentives entails a long-term residency commitment.

The program requires an investment of at least 200,000 Swiss francs (approximately $248,000) and a 10-year residency period.

This does not automatically grant foreigners the right to immigrate, as obtaining residency remains subject to Swiss regulations, particularly for citizens of countries outside the European Union and the European Economic Area.

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm