Imagine trading the hustle of modern cities for the charm and tranquility of Italy’s hidden gems. Several regions now offer generous relocation incentives designed to breathe new life into their historic villages. Whether you’re seeking a fresh start or a taste of authentic Italian culture, these initiatives combine financial support with the promise of a more relaxed, community-focused lifestyle.
Calabria Mountain Villages Provide Relocation Benefits
Calabria’s Reddito di Residenza Attiva (Active Residency Income) program offers up to €20,000 ($22,000) to those willing to settle in one of its underpopulated mountain towns and start a small business. But in 2024, Calabria expanded the program to also welcome remote workers and retirees, offering them a separate €5,000 ($5,400) grant as an incentive to move. Unlike similar programs, this initiative is open to foreigners, as long as they establish residency within 90 days and commit to staying for at least five years. With charming towns like Civita, Bova, and Caccuri on the list—and even homes available for as little as €1—this program is more than just financial aid. It’s a unique chance to embrace the Italian countryside lifestyle, complete with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and breathtaking landscapes.
This initiative isn’t just about offering free money—it’s part of a larger effort to save Italy’s dwindling villages. Many of these mountain communities have suffered massive depopulation, with abandoned homes and struggling businesses. To combat this, Calabria is offering up to €25,000 ($27,400) per person—a combination of the €20,000 business grant and the additional €5,000 for remote workers or retirees. The funds, provided as non-repayable contributions (a fondo perduto), aim to revitalize local economies by attracting new residents who will spend and invest in the area. Whether you’re looking to launch a boutique café, renovate an old inn, or work remotely while soaking up Italian village life, Calabria is rolling out the welcome mat.
Tuscany’s Incentives for New Residents Revitalize Mountain Villages
If you’ve ever fantasized about settling in the rolling hills of Tuscany, now’s your chance—the region is offering up to €30,000 ($32,500) in non-repayable grants to new residents who purchase and renovate homes in its 76 designated mountain villages. This initiative, called Residenzialità in Montagna 2024, was launched to combat depopulation in Tuscany’s scenic yet struggling rural towns. The grant covers up to 50% of the house’s cost, making it an attractive offer for those seeking a new life in one of Italy’s most culturally rich regions. However, the program is only open to EU citizens and long-term Italian residents, so foreigners without existing legal residency status in Italy may not qualify.
The selected villages, all with populations under 5,000, offer breathtaking landscapes, medieval town centers, and a slower, more traditional Italian lifestyle. The grant comes with a mandatory residency requirement—successful applicants must commit to living in their new Tuscan home as a primary residence. With €2.8 million allocated to the program, Tuscany is serious about reviving its mountain communities. If you’ve been looking for a way to leave the hustle of city life behind and embrace Tuscan charm, this could be your perfect opportunity.
Emilia Romagna Offers Grants for Young Professionals and Families
In a bold effort to repopulate its 121 mountain towns, Emilia-Romagna is offering grants of €10,000 to €30,000 ($11,000–$32,500) to young professionals and families under 40 who move to these picturesque yet underpopulated areas. Known as Bando Montagna, the program is designed to attract first-time homeowners who are willing to put down roots in the region’s scenic Apennine mountains. The grant covers 50% of the purchase price of a home, making it an ideal opportunity for those dreaming of a quiet life in the Italian countryside.
Eligibility is based on age, income, and residency requirements. Applicants must be born after January 1, 1982 (under 40 years old), have an annual household income below €50,000, and use the purchased home as their primary residence. The €5 million program budget saw overwhelming interest in its first phase, with a second round tentatively planned. If you’re under 40 and ready for a fresh start, this could be your ticket to a new life in Italy’s breathtaking Apennine region.
Abruzzo Rewards Families with Yearly Incentives for Relocation
Abruzzo, a hidden gem in central Italy, is paying families €2,500 ($2,700) per year for up to three years to move into one of its 176 remote villages with fewer than 3,000 residents. This means a total of €7,500 per family for simply relocating. But there’s more—if you also start a business, the grant doubles to €5,000 per year, adding up to a €15,000 relocation incentive over three years. This initiative is part of a larger effort to combat rural depopulation and boost local economies, making it a fantastic opportunity for those wanting to immerse themselves in traditional Italian village life.
To qualify, at least one family member must officially transfer residency to the chosen town within 90 days of approval and must remain there for at least five years. Abruzzo is also offering a separate “baby bonus” of €2,500 per year for families with newborns, ensuring young families have extra support. The program was renewed in 2023 and remains a key effort to sustain these charming, historic communities. If you’ve ever wanted to swap city stress for the breathtaking landscapes of Abruzzo, this might be your perfect opportunity.
Recoaro Terme in Veneto Incentivizes Property Investments
Tucked away in the Veneto region, Recoaro Terme is rolling out financial incentives to attract new residents as part of its €20 million revitalization plan. This historic spa town, known for its mineral-rich thermal waters and alpine scenery, is offering grants covering up to 50% of home purchase and renovation costs—with funding available for projects ranging from €5,000 to €20,000. That means you could receive up to €10,000 ($11,000) in non-repayable assistance if you settle here. Additionally, monthly rental subsidies of up to €200 for five years are available for those who prefer to rent instead of buy.
Applicants must transfer residency within six months and commit to staying for at least five years to ensure long-term growth in the community. The application period for 2024 runs until September 11, with a total budget of €200,000 set aside for relocation grants. If you’re looking for a charming spa town with a deep history and financial incentives, Recoaro Terme is ready to welcome you.
Sardinia Encourages Home Renovation in Small Towns
Fancy an island escape? Sardinia is offering up to €15,000 ($16,200) per person or family to relocate to one of its stunning yet sparsely populated rural villages. This incentive is exclusively for towns with fewer than 3,000 residents and aims to combat depopulation while revitalizing the local economy. Unlike other programs, Sardinia’s grant must be used to buy or renovate a home, covering up to 50% of the property’s cost. This means if you find a home for €30,000, you could get half of it paid for by the government.
The program is open to both Italians and foreigners, as long as they establish full-time residency in their new Sardinian home. The region has set aside a €105 million budget, with an estimated 7,000 families expected to benefit. With crystal-clear waters, ancient traditions, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, Sardinia offers not just financial incentives but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embrace island life.
The Benefits of Relocating to Italy’s Hidden Villages
Relocating to one of Italy’s lesser-known villages offers more than just financial support it opens the door to a peaceful, fulfilling lifestyle. In addition to economic incentives, these regions provide an opportunity to live in close-knit communities steeped in history and culture. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, ancient architecture, and traditional ways of life, new residents can enjoy a slower pace, lower cost of living, and cleaner environments. Whether in Tuscany’s mountain villages or Calabria’s rural towns, these communities offer the tranquility of nature and the chance to escape the chaos of urban life.
Beyond the personal benefits, relocating to these areas also provides ample professional growth opportunities. Entrepreneurs can establish businesses that contribute to the local economy, while remote workers benefit from a balanced work-life environment. These regions are perfect for those seeking a change of pace, where they can embrace career progress and personal well-being. Like those in Recoaro Terme or Abruzzo’s mountain towns, Italy’s villages are more than relocation destinations. They’re opportunities for a rewarding, meaningful new chapter in life.
Which Italian Relocation Program is Right for You?
Italy’s push to revitalize its rural communities means there are multiple opportunities to get paid to move—but each program has its own requirements. If you’re under 40 and want a mountain retreat, Emilia-Romagna’s €30,000 home-buying grant is a great choice. If you’re looking for yearly financial support, Abruzzo’s €2,500 per year incentive offers long-term security. For those dreaming of Tuscany’s scenic countryside, a €30,000 home renovation grant could make that dream a reality. And if the idea of spa-town living in Veneto or a beachside life in Sardinia sounds more appealing, Recoaro Terme and Sardinia’s financial aid packages are ready for you.
Each of these regions is offering real financial support to new residents willing to settle down and contribute to local communities. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a remote worker, or just looking for a fresh start in Italy, these incentives could help turn your dream move into reality. So, which Italian village will you call home?
A Fresh Start in Italy’s Timeless Villages
Italy is reimagining rural living by offering financial support and a chance to become part of a vibrant, historic community. These relocation incentives provide more than just economic opportunity. They invite newcomers to embrace a slower, more fulfilling way of life surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Whether you dream of strolling through medieval streets, restoring a centuries-old home, or starting fresh in a peaceful mountain retreat, these villages extend a warm welcome. With open arms and meaningful opportunities, Italy’s timeless towns are ready to offer a place to live and truly belong.
