The village of Albinen in southwestern Switzerland is offering up to $25,000 USD per adult to encourage long-term relocation. Those who move in with children can receive an additional $10,000 USD per child.
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Albinen is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views, clean air, and tranquil atmosphere. In response to a declining and aging population, the local government has launched a financial incentive program to attract new, long-term residents willing to commit to living in the village for at least 10 years.
Under this program, each adult who relocates will be granted $25,000, while each accompanying child will earn the family an extra $12,000. However, applicants must meet several criteria: Be under 45 years old; Invest at least $480,000 USD in purchasing property in the village, and genuinely live in Albinen full-time (not just as a secondary or vacation home).
Albinen has a long and rich history dating back to 100 BC. Its first church was built in 1861, the local post office opened in 1895, and the village’s first general store was established in 1906.
Switzerland is not alone in offering such programs. Other European countries, such as Italy, have launched similar initiatives. On the island of Sardinia, authorities are offering up to $17,000 USD to people who move to rural areas and renovate old homes. That program, part of a $51 million initiative, requires recipients to settle in towns with populations under 3,000 and stay for at least 18 months.
Some people have expressed that the cost of meeting the requirements in Albinen is high compared to other places like Italy. However, many others believe it is a fair exchange given Switzerland’s globally renowned quality of life and high living standards. As one tourist put it: “If I meet the requirements, I’d still love to move there.”
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Source: Vietnam Insider