Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
Thinking of moving abroad but worried about the costs? Here’s some good news. There are countries that will actually pay you to relocate. For many Filipinos who dream of living overseas, these programmes are an exciting opportunity. Not only can they help with moving expenses, they also give you a chance to experience life in a new destination without carrying the full financial burden.
Related read: US Visa Integrity Fee: Guide for Filipino Travellers Effective October 2025
Some towns and regions are struggling with ageing populations and shrinking communities. To keep their economies alive, they attract new residents with financial incentives, housing perks, or even cash grants. For Filipinos, this can mean an affordable way to settle abroad while enjoying a new lifestyle.
Image credit: sorincolac | Canva Pro
Picturesque Italian villages offer grants of up to €15,000–28,000 (₱930,000–₱1.7M) for newcomers willing to settle and renovate homes. Some towns also sell abandoned houses for €1, provided you commit to restoring them.
Requirements: Usually under age 40, must commit to stay for at least three years, and invest in property.
For Filipinos: A chance to enjoy la dolce vita without breaking the bank. Just consider visa requirements, living costs, and language skills before moving.
Image credit: Parshina Oiga | Canva Pro
Rural towns in Spain are offering €250–300 (₱15,000–₱18,000) monthly allowances or subsidised housing for families who relocate.
Requirements: Families with children or long-term commitment to boosting local populations.
For Filipinos: Spain feels familiar thanks to shared history. Pinoy nurses, caregivers, and service workers may find opportunities in small towns that often struggle to attract workers.
Image credit: kavalenkavadesign | Canva Pro
Some Swiss villages, like Albinen, provide CHF 25,000 (₱1.6M) per adult and CHF 10,000 (₱640,000) per child to families who move in.
Requirements: Buy a property worth at least CHF 200,000, live there for 10 years minimum.
For Filipinos: The upfront investment is steep, but the reward is Switzerland’s high quality of life. Best for those with a strong income or remote job.
Image credit: KavalenkavaVolha | Canva Pro
Certain Greek islands offer up to €500 (₱31,000) monthly plus housing support.
Requirements: Married couples with children are prioritised, along with long-term residency.
For Filipinos: If you love island life, this could be ideal. Just note that jobs may be scarce, so remote work or small businesses are the safest options.
Image credit: Lukas kloeppei | Pexels
Rural areas in Ireland provide support through affordable property schemes and startup grants, sometimes up to €50,000 (₱3.3M) for new projects.
Requirements: Usually tied to buying vacant homes or launching businesses in remote communities.
For Filipinos: English is widely spoken, making it easier to adapt. Ireland’s warm culture and countryside charm make it especially appealing for families.
Image credit: Eloi_Omelia | Canva Pro
Japan runs relocation schemes where families can receive ¥1 million (₱370,000) in grants, plus subsidies for housing. Some towns also give ¥100,000 (₱37,000) annually per child.
Requirements: Commit to living in rural areas, start a business or work locally, and stay long term.
For Filipinos: With many OFWs in Japan already, this could be a pathway from short-term work to permanent residency. Japanese language skills are essential.
Image credit: ate72 | Canva Pro
Provinces like Saskatchewan and Manitoba provide tax rebates or loan relief worth up to CAD 20,000 (₱860,000) for graduates and professionals.
Requirements: Often tied to provincial nominee programmes or specific jobs.
For Filipinos: Canada is already a top destination for Pinoy migrants. These perks make it even more rewarding, especially for students and skilled workers.
Image credit: emiscristea | Canva Pro
Some Croatian towns sell homes for as little as €1 (₱62), with additional grants of up to €25,000 (₱1.5M) for renovations.
Requirements: Commit to restoring the property and staying long term, often 10–15 years.
For Filipinos: Croatia offers a more budget-friendly European base compared to Spain or Italy, making it attractive for adventurous families.
Image credit: Sapsiwal | Canva Pro
Mauritius supports newcomers through business grants of up to MUR 200,000 (₱250,000).
Requirements: Have a promising business idea and meet visa rules.
For Filipinos: Great for entrepreneurs wanting a tropical base where English is commonly spoken.
Image credit: Adrian Wojcik | Canva Pro
Chile’s Start-Up Chile programme offers USD 30,000 (₱1.7M) in equity-free funding, plus office space and a one-year visa.
Requirements: Innovative, scalable business ideas, often in tech.
For Filipinos: This is a golden opportunity for Pinoy entrepreneurs in tech and business. Spanish helps, but many startup programmes use English.
Related read: Why Filipinos Are Flying to Guam for Divorce After Only 7 Days of Residency
Before jumping in, remember that most programmes come with conditions. You may need to buy property, stay for a set number of years, or contribute to the local economy. Immigration rules also vary, so always check visa requirements before applying. While the idea of being paid to live abroad sounds exciting, careful planning will make your move smoother.
For Filipinos dreaming of life overseas, these opportunities prove it’s possible to relocate with support from your new home. From Italy’s charming villages to Japan’s countryside towns, or even Switzerland’s mountain villages, living abroad is no longer just a dream. It could even pay you back.
Published at
Get our weekly tips and travel news!
Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
The only plastic we need for travel.
Coffee date on the mountains, anyone?
Los Angeles is more than Hollywood stars. From hikes with killer views to beaches straight out of a rom-com, here are 10 must-do LA experiences for Filipino travellers or any wanderers in general!
Spread the good word!
Here are 7 must-try dishes that prove why Iloilo is the Philippines’ only UNESCO City of Gastronomy. From batchoy to oysters, this city is a legit foodie paradise.
After 20 years, NAIA is raising its terminal fees starting Sept 14, 2025. International flights will cost ₱950 and domestic ₱390. Here’s what Filipino travellers need to know.
Extra cost for US visa applications
From luxury hotels to budget Airbnbs, here are the best places to stay in Vietnam with photogenic views.
Hong Kong is hiking its airport departure tax for the first time in 22 years. Starting October 1, passengers will pay ₱1,430 in total—₱570 more than the current rate.