Villages in Southern Italy Are Paying People to Move There

We've all had moments when we've wanted to pack our bags and move to another country. Now, several Italian villages are giving you the opportunity: They're offering to pay people to live there.

To increase population in some of the country's smaller villages, the Italian government is offering individuals an incentive to move there. CNN reports that the region of Calabria is dangling a $33,000 carrot to those willing to relocate to the tiny towns.

Called “active residency income,” the project was enacted in December 2020. Officials hope it will help bring younger people to the area.

The villages include Albidona, San Donato di Ninea, Caccuri, Santa Severina, Boca, Samo and Precacore, Aieta, Civita, and Sant’Agata del Bianco. These villages are scenic towns either by the sea or in the mountains.

Applicants may want to read over all the stipulations and guidelines before jumping on a plan. To qualify, one must be 40 years old or younger, relocate to Calabria within 90 days of their application being approved, and start or take over a business in the town.

The new residents will receive monthly payments for the first three years they are living in the towns to help them settle in and operate their business.

Gianpietro Coppola, the mayor of Altomonte and a supporter of the plan, told CNN that “we want this to be an experiment of social inclusion. Draw people to live in the region, enjoy the settings, spruce up unused town locations such as conference halls and convents with high-speed internet.”

This is not the first time Italy has offered this type of incentive. In 2020, the village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio offered $52,500 in grants to people willing to move there and work. In 2019, Zungoli and Mussomeli sold houses for about a dollar, while Locana offered people willing to relocate there $10,000.

If you’re interested in applying, the form will be online in a few weeks. Until then, spend some time looking up photos of the beautiful Italian landscape to prepare for your big move.