If you've ever wanted to move to Europe, it can be daunting to learn everything you need to know about relocating. However, several countries do have programs that could make the move a little less expensive for the right person.
Travel + Leisure recently highlighted offers in Ireland, Portugal, Italy, Spain and Greece. Some of these offers include money you can use toward a home or moving expenses, while others are tax breaks.
Unfortunately, none of the five countries will just hand you money for showing up. Each country has its own laws about new residents, and every program has its own rules involving employment, property ownership, income or taxes.
If you decide to move, you also need to qualify for a visa or legal residency on your own.
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Ireland's Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant provides up to €50,000 to help renovate an eligible vacant home. If the property is considered derelict, another €20,000 may be available.
However, the money doesn't cover the cost of buying the house. You must already own a home or prove you're in the process of purchasing one.
Additionally, the home must have been built before 2008 and vacant for at least two years. Once the work is finished, it has to become the owner's main home or be rented to tenants. Grant amounts are 20% higher on certain offshore islands.
Meanwhile, Portugal's Emprego Interior MAIS program helps certain workers move to inland parts of the country. The new home has to remain their main residence for at least 12 months.
Someone with a permanent job or qualifying self-employment may receive €3,759.91. The program also includes €805.70 to help move belongings, plus an additional 20% for each family member who comes along on the move.
Remote workers can qualify, including people employed by companies outside Portugal. However, foreign applicants must already have a valid visa or residence permit. Applications are currently open and will remain available until the program runs out of funding.
Italy's program is aimed at retirees who receive a pension from outside the country. Those who move to an eligible town with fewer than 20,000 residents may qualify for a 7% tax on foreign income for up to 10 years.
Spain also has a special tax program for certain workers, remote employees, entrepreneurs and professionals. People who qualify can use nonresident tax rules during the year they move and the following five tax years.
Greece has a similar offer for some retirees with foreign pensions. Qualifying residents can pay a 7% tax on income from outside Greece for up to 15 years.
These tax breaks could save some people quite a bit of money, but they will not help pay for a plane ticket or moving truck. Before making plans, you would want to check the latest immigration and tax requirements for the country you are considering.