Ever wished you could pack up, start fresh in a new country, and actually get paid to do it? It might sound like clickbait, but for South Africans exploring emigration from South Africa, it’s very real. Across the globe, towns, regions, and entire countries are offering grants, stipends, tax breaks, and even free accommodation to attract new residents.
Why? Many communities are fighting population decline, ageing demographics, shrinking tax bases, and a lack of young skilled workers. Their solution is simple: offer financial incentives to people willing to relocate, invest, bring their families, start businesses, or renovate abandoned homes. For anyone researching emigration destinations for South Africans, these offers present a rare chance to move abroad with serious financial support.
Before we jump into the list, here’s a quick cheat sheet about what you need to know, going into this adventure.
Top 3 takeaways on emigration destinations for South Africans:
- You really can get paid to move abroad: Several global destinations offer relocation grants, housing subsidies, cash incentives, or startup funding aimed at new residents—especially young families, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.
- Most moving abroad incentives come with conditions: These may include living in a rural area, renovating an old home, investing in property, staying for a set number of years, or starting a business. We’re not talking about “free money”, but the cost of relocation can be significantly reduced.
- If you move abroad, don’t forget your South African obligations: Even if another country pays you to relocate, you’ll still need to sort out tax emigration from South Africa, understand what it means to become a non tax resident of South Africa, and ensure SARS updates your SARS tax residency status correctly.
Read more: Emigration and changing your tax resident status after leaving South Africa.
Ten countries that will pay you to move there
Below are some of the most interesting places offering financial incentives to foreigners—including South Africans—who are searching for a fresh start but need a hand up to get there.
1. Chile – up to $80,000 for entrepreneurs
Chile’s Start-Up Chile programme is famous for offering equity-free funding to global entrepreneurs. You can access up to $80,000 in grants, mentoring, co-working spaces, and a one-year visa. If you’re building a tech or scalable business and researching emigration destinations for South Africans, Chile is one of the most generous programmes around.
Eligibility: Be an entrepreneur with an innovative startup.
Read more: Why this country is offering £77,000 to move there — and what you should consider.
2. Italy – regional support + €1 homes
Italy has several schemes designed to revive rural communities. Regions like Molise, Sardinia, and Calabria offer grants of up to €30,000 for new residents who invest in property or start a business. The famous €1 homes are also part of these revitalisation efforts, although they usually require a renovation commitment.
Eligibility: Commit to living in the area for ~3 years and investing in local property or business.
3. Ireland – grants up to €84,000 for island life
Ireland’s “Our Living Islands” programme offers up to €84,000 for people who buy and renovate vacant homes on remote islands. The goal? Restore communities and preserve traditions. If you’ve dreamt of Irish coastal landscapes and tight-knit village life, this could be the relocation incentive program you’ve been looking for.
Eligibility: Live on the island full-time and renovate the property.
4. Spain – €3,000 payments for moving to rural towns
From Asturias to small villages in Teruel, Spain offers relocation grants to attract working professionals and families. Incentives often include €3,000 cash plus additional grants per child—making Spain a compelling option for young South African families wanting to put down roots somewhere new.
Eligibility: Commit to living in a rural area for a minimum period.
5. Greece – free accommodation + monthly income
Several remote Greek islands, including Antikythera, offer a package that includes free accommodation, monthly payments (around €500), and business support for those willing to move there. These relocation incentives for foreigners aim to revive quiet island communities and attract young families.
Eligibility: Willingness to live in a remote island village.
6. Japan – up to ¥3 million for renovating abandoned homes
Japan’s akiya (abandoned home) initiative helps newcomers buy and renovate empty rural houses. Some are even offered for free. Grants of up to ¥3 million make Japan an affordable—and culturally rich—option for anyone who loves the idea of countryside living.
Eligibility: Long-term commitment and willingness to renovate.
7. Canada – special incentives for rural areas
Canada’s Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) helps fill labour shortages in smaller communities. Graduates in Saskatchewan can get up to CAD 15,000 in incentives, and rural towns are eager to attract skilled workers.
For South Africans searching for countries that pay you to relocate, Canada offers financial help plus a structured immigration pathway.
Eligibility: Job offer, language proficiency, and settlement commitment.
8. Switzerland – $25,000 to move to Albinen
Albinen, a postcard-perfect Swiss village, offers around $25,000 per adult (and more for children) for families under 45 who agree to settle there for at least 10 years.
Switzerland remains one of the world’s most desirable emigration destinations, and Albinen’s offer is ideal for those ready for a long-term commitment.
Eligibility: Under 45 and willing to stay for a decade.
9. South Korea – relocation support for teachers
South Korea doesn’t offer cash grants but provides strong relocation support packages for English teachers—including flights, visas, rentals, and bonuses. With high-tech cities, rich culture, and accessible travel, it’s an attractive destination for young South Africans.
Eligibility: Teaching jobs and visa approval.
10. Mauritius – startup grants for small businesses
Mauritius offers small but meaningful startup incentives to entrepreneurs approved by a business committee. Combined with low taxes, beautiful beaches, and a stable economy, Mauritius remains a popular choice for South Africans looking to build a new life closer to home.
Eligibility: Submit a viable business idea.
Read more: Moving to Mauritius from South Africa – what you need to know.
Thinking of moving abroad? Don’t forget your South African tax obligations
Getting paid to relocate is exciting, but moving abroad comes with admin South Africans can’t ignore. Whether you plan to move to rural Spain, a Swiss village, or a remote Irish island, you’ll still need to sort out your financial affairs back home – which means handling your tax emigration from South Africa and your reporting obligations to SARS.
That’s where FinGlobal fits in. We handle the complicated stuff: updating your SARS tax residency status, assisting with cashing in retirement annuities and moving your money out of South Africa, navigating cross-border financial services, and ensuring you stay compliant no matter where the world takes you.
If you’re ready for a new start, and a fresh adventure, FinGlobal can help you get there smoothly. Leave your contact details below to learn more about our trusted services.
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