Governments of countries globally, are rolling out relocation incentives aimed at attracting foreigners to revive underpopulated or economically struggling areas.
The schemes, which may be of interest to Nigerians, differs in terms of structure and eligibility, and are particularly geared towards entrepreneurs, remote workers, and young families who are prepared to contribute their time, expertise and investment to local communities.
Incentives typically come with specific requirements, which may include starting a business, purchasing property, or integrating into the local culture. Prospective applicants are advised to examine visa rules, legal frameworks, language expectations and living standards before committing.
These programmes reflect a broader shift in global migration policy, which positions immigration not merely as a solution to population decline, but as a strategic tool for economic development and social regeneration.
Here is some brief information on the key immigration and relocation programmes offered by these countries.
Chile
Chile has established itself as a hub for innovation with the ‘Start-Up Chile’ programme, aimed at attracting tech entrepreneurs to its capital, Santiago. The scheme offers three equity-free grants, each tailored to different stages of business development:
Build grant: For early-stage start-ups, this four-month accelerator provides approximately $15,000 (15 million Chilean pesos).
Ignite grant: Targets start-ups under three years old with a functional product. It offers around $25,000 (25 million pesos) with a possible extension of $20,000.
Growth programme: Designed for mature companies looking to expand into Chile, this eight-month programme provides up to $100,000 (75 million pesos) without taking equity.
Participants must engage with the local business ecosystem and demonstrate potential for sustainable growth within the region.
Ireland
Ireland’s ‘Our Living Islands’ initiative, launched in 2023, seeks to repopulate 30 of its most remote islands by offering grants of up to €84,000.
The funding is intended to help individuals purchase and renovate abandoned properties.
The programme does not include immigration assistance; prospective residents must secure Irish residency independently.
A key condition is that the islands must be physically isolated, lacking road access, and require travel by boat or aircraft.
Italy
Italy has gained global attention with various schemes aimed at reviving rural towns.
In addition to the well-known ‘€1 home’ programme, the country offers generous grants to attract new residents:
Tuscany: Grants ranging between €10,000 and €30,000 are available for those purchasing permanent homes in one of 76 mountain villages.
Sardinia. Offers up to €15,000 for individuals who commit to buying and renovating property in towns with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants.
Applicants must meet residency requirements, including applying for a long-term residence permit. Italy also supports remote workers through a digital nomad visa, and villages such as Ollolai have introduced short-stay schemes offering accommodation at no cost.
Japan
Japan’s ‘Regional Revitalisation Corps’ aims to breathe new life into rural areas through paid community engagement.
Internationals will be offered approximately $19,000 (three million yen) annually to live and work in local municipalities for a minimum of one year, with extensions up to three years.
The primary requirement is fluency in Japanese, as participants are expected to integrate into local communities and contribute meaningfully to regional development efforts.
Mauritius
Mauritius supports aspiring entrepreneurs rather than passive relocation.
The country offers 20,000 Mauritian Rupees (approximately $440) to businesses relocating to the island through a government-backed start-up fund.
Eligibility is contingent on the:
Presentation and approval of a viable business proposal.
Fulfilment of relevant visa and residency requirements.
Although the amount is modest, the programme targets early-stage innovation and provides an entry point into the African and Indian Ocean regional markets.
Spain
Extremadura, a region in Spain, has various programmes focused on development and sustainability. These include the Rural Development Programme (RDP), which aims to modernise and diversify rural areas, and the 2021-2030 Integrated Energy and Climate Plan for Extremadura (PEIEC), focusing on renewable energy and climate transition.
Digital professionals who relocate to towns with fewer than 5,000 residents can receive €10,000 (under 30) or €8,000 (over 30), with additional grants awarded after two years.
Entrepreneur’s visa: Provides up to $50,000 in funding and a one-year visa for those launching a business within Spain.
