European Residency Incentives: 5 Countries Offering Benefits to Foreigners

ROMA – Five countries Europe is currently providing financial incentives to encourage people to move there by 2026, according to new analysis. Italy, Spain, Ireland, Greece and Portugal each offer a variety of schemes ranging from direct cash payments and tax breaks to heavily subsidized housing and renovation funding.

“Various European countries and, in some cases, regions within countries offer incentives for people to invest and/or live there,” said Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor at International Living.

The incentives cover everything from properties costing just £0.85 in Italian villages to grants worth up to £85,000 in certain areas.

Ted Baumann, author of the report, emphasized that accepting this offer does not automatically grant the right to reside in any country—applicants must still obtain the appropriate visa independently.

These 5 European Countries Will Give Incentives to Foreigners Who Want to Become Residents

1. Italia

Italy has attracted huge attention for its €1 house scheme, equivalent to around £0.85, which is typically found in rural communities experiencing population decline.

Buyers will generally have to complete the renovation within a certain timeframe and provide a deposit to ensure the work is completed, with additional costs for planning permission and engineering assessment.

Beyond these eye-catching offers, some Italian regions provide much larger support packages.

Authorities in Trentino have provided up to €100,000 (around £85,000) for the purchase and restoration of the property, provided the recipient lives there.

Meanwhile, Radicondoli, located south of Florence, provides grants and subsidies but requires newcomers to commit to staying at least ten years.