If you’re tired of Canada’s’ frigid winter and dreaming of warmer shores or just looking for a fresh start, why not consider moving to a place that’s practically rolling out the welcome mat for you?
Right now, there are vibrant cities, cozy coastal towns, and charming villages around the world actively looking for new residents—and they’re offering some seriously attractive perks to entice you.
From hefty home renovation grants in Ireland’s rugged seaside communities to tax breaks in Alaska and straight-up cash incentives in U.S. cities like Tulsa or West Virginia, there are a whole bunch of perks on offer to convince you to pack your bags.
Of course, it’s not as simple as hopping on a plane and settling in. Every destination has its own eligibility requirements, including visa conditions, work permits and more. But, if you meet the criteria, this could be the perfect chance to start a new chapter somewhere idyllic.
With that in mind, here’s a roundup of incredible destinations offering wild incentives to move there.
Ireland
If cozy, windswept islands, jaw-dropping coastal views and being surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Atlantic Ocean sound like paradise to you, Ireland could be calling your name.
The Irish government’s « Our Living Islands » policy aims to breathe new life into 30 offshore islands by offering up to €84,000 (around CA$126,000) to those willing to move there and restore a vacant property.
These islands, like the breathtaking Inis Mór from the hit movie The Banshees of Inisherin, are disconnected from the mainland by the tide, meaning no bridges or causeways – just cozy, secluded charm.
The catch? You’ll need to buy and own a home on the island, and it must have been built before 1993 and vacant for at least two years. The funds must go directly toward fixing up your new property and helping you create your very own Irish island retreat.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
If you’re a remote worker dreaming of a fresh start, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is rolling out the red carpet just for you.
Through the Tulsa Remote program, you could get a US$10,000 grant (around CA$14,500) to help you relocate and settle into this vibrant city, but that’s just the beginning. You’ll also become part of one of the largest and supposedly « most supportive » remote work communities in the U.S.
Tulsa is the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city energy, with lively districts like The Arts District or Cherry Street. To help you thrive, the program includes a three-year membership at Gradient, a state-of-the-art coworking space designed specifically for remote workers.
Renters will get their grant via monthly payments, making it even easier to explore Tulsa without a long-term commitment. If you choose to buy, you can get paid the US$10,000 upfront or take it in installments to help you cover your bills. The cost of living here is low, too, which means your incentive money could stretch further than you’d expect.
To qualify, you’ll need to work remotely for a company outside of Oklahoma, relocate within 12 months of approval, and have lived outside the state for at least a year.
West Virginia
If you’re confident John Denver knew exactly what he was talking about in his 1971 bop « Take Me Home, Country Roads, » listen up!
West Virginia is ready to welcome newcomers with open arms—and US$12,000 (around CA$17,200). Known as « Almost Heaven, » this scenic state is inviting remote workers to relocate through the Ascend West Virginia program, offering a financial boost and a front-row seat to some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
In addition to the incentive payment, you’ll also get free outdoor recreation for an entire year, including gear rentals, guided adventures, and access to stunning spots like the New River Gorge National Park. Plus, you’ll gain access to free coworking spaces and a vibrant calendar of social events, making it easy to feel at home.
The program is currently available in several charming West Virginia communities, from the lively college-town vibe of Morgantown to the quaint, small-town charm of the Greenbrier Valley. And with a cost of living that promises to stretch your dollars further, your US$12,000 bonus could go a long way in making this mountain paradise your new home.
Applications are now open, so if you’re dreaming of a slower pace and a life filled with adventure, West Virginia might just be your slice of « Almost Heaven. »
Saskatchewan
If the Prairies’ wide-open skies, cozy communities, and laid-back lifestyle sound like your idea of heaven, Saskatchewan is the place to be.
The province is offering up to CA$20,000 via its Graduate Retention Program to entice graduates to stay or move there, which could be your golden ticket to starting fresh in « the sun belt of Canada. »
The program rewards graduates who live and file their income taxes in Saskatchewan with a rebate of up to CA$20,000 on tuition fees—spread out over seven years.
What’s more, the Saskatchewan Party government recently committed to increasing the rebate by 20% up to a total of $24,000.
You’re eligible if you’ve completed a certificate, diploma or degree program that was at least six months long, whether you studied in Saskatchewan, another province, or even internationally.
The Shoals, Alabama
If your dream life includes working remotely while soaking up creative energy in a tight-knit community, the Shoals in Northwest Alabama might be calling your name.
With a low cost of living, a thriving arts scene, and US$10,000 (around CA$14,500) incentive payment to help you settle in, these laid-back Alabama cities are perfect for remote workers ready for a change of scenery.
The Shoals includes four charming cities—Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia—which promise affordable housing and rich cultural roots. Music lovers will appreciate the iconic FAME Recording Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, and the area’s annual music and arts festivals are an idyllic way to connect with the community.
What’s more, The Shoals is just a two-hour drive from Birmingham, Nashville, and Memphis, so you’re never far from big-city vibes when you want them.
The Remote Shoals program is designed to make the move as smooth as possible. The initiative will give you 25% of the US$10,000 incentive up front for your relocation, another 25% after six months, and the remaining 50% when you hit your one-year mark.
To qualify for the program, you must make at least US$52,000 per year (around CA$74,000), work remotely or as an independent contractor, and move within six months of being selected. Applications open on March 1, 2025, so mark your calendar if this sounds like your dream life.
Alaska
Imagine a life where your backyard is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, shimmering glaciers, and forests humming with wildlife — that’s the everyday magic of Alaska. And, as if that weren’t enough, the state actually rewards its residents just for sticking around.
Thanks to Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), anyone who calls this rugged wonderland home gets an annual payout. While the exact amount varies, residents received a record $3,284 in 2022. In 2023 and 2024, the payment was $1,312—still a generous bonus for living somewhere so remarkable.
To join the ranks of Alaskans reaping these rewards, you’ll need to live in the state for an entire year and commit to making it your long-term home. Applications are open between January 1 and March 31 (which means they’re open now!), so get researching if you’d love to make this breathtaking frontier your permanent address.
Portugal
Dreaming of life in a place where medieval castles, cobblestone streets, and golden beaches are part of the everyday charm? Portugal’s Inland Employment Plus program is your chance to start fresh in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.
This initiative invites both foreign expats (since 2021) and citizens to move to Portugal’s picturesque interior regions, offering one-time financial support of up to €4,827 (about CA$7,200). Whether you’re relocating for remote work, a new job, or simply a change of pace, this program is designed to breathe life into Portugal’s rural areas while giving newcomers an idyllic place to call home.
Eligible regions include charming villages and peaceful countryside spots—far from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots like Lisbon or Porto. Think rolling vineyards, historic towns, and a slower, more tranquil way of life.
Sardinia
If living la dolce vita in a charming Italian village sounds like your idea of paradise, why not consider Sardinia? This stunning Mediterranean island—famous for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and rich cultural history—offers non-repayable grants to help newcomers buy or renovate a home in its idyllic rural towns.
The program focuses on villages with fewer than 3,000 residents, according to Forbes, giving you the chance to experience authentic small-town life while surrounded by Sardinia’s breathtaking beauty.
To qualify, you must register as a resident within 18 months of purchasing your property. The goal is to breathe new life into Sardinia’s lesser-populated areas while giving rookies the chance to enjoy the relaxed, sun-soaked lifestyle the island is famous for.
This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
Source: Narcity – Read More
