We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls.”

Anais Nin

What if you traveled to a new place and immediately fell in love with (nearly) everything about it? What if you never wanted to leave. What if that place would actually pay you to move there? These types of posts might seem like a to-good-to-be-true type of deal, but they actually exist.

Whether you’re in the market for a new adventure or have always dreamed of moving to a new town or country, this list will hopefully help get you motivated and on your way. As always, there are stipulations. No place in their right mind will dish out cash to just anyone who decides to move, but these are opportunities that could lead to incredible adventures and discoveries.

Vermont, USA

I’ve only ever driven through this state, but oh MAN is it gorgeous. Outdoorsy people looking for a move should start packing now. Vermont is known for its lakes, forests, hiking trails, and out-of-this-world fall colors. Even with nature on its side, it is the second least-populated state.

On a first-come, first-served basis, Vermont will pay new residents (after passing an application) $5,000 annually for the first 2 years of moving there to help cover the costs of relocation.

Candela, Italy

This medieval town is straight out of a fairy tale, but the residents are aging. In order infuse new life into the town, Candela is offering 800 euros for individuals and up to 2,000 euros for families to move into this southeastern Italian town to revitalize it. While the town might be small, it seems like there’s a plethora of opportunities for anyone who decides to move there.

Pipestone, Manitoba

Located near Ontario and Saskatchewan, the province of Manitoba is the perfect vista of lakes, rivers, mountains, prairies, forests, and even Arctic tundras. There are over 80 parks protected by the government where you can hike, bike, camp, and fish. As if that wasn’t good enough, the town of Pipestone will pay you up to $32,000 to start a business there. Why would you start a business without a home there you ask? No worries. If you pay a deposit of $1,000 you can buy a plot of land for $10. Yes, please.

Albinen, Switzerland

The small village of Albinen, population 250, may not be on the average tourist’s radar, but that shouldn’t dissuade you from moving there. If you are willing to live there for 10 years, are under 45 years of age, and are willing to invest 200,000 Swiss francs (~$205,000) in property, the town will pay you 25,000 Swiss francs to live there! If you aren’t a Swiss native, you’ll have to get a special residence permit, but Switzerland is consistently voted one of the best countries to live and work in abroad nearly every year. That’s a pretty good deal!

Chile

The initiative Start-Up Chile offers a range of programs to encourage people to settle in this gorgeously underrated country with the sole purpose of starting businesses. The initiative is offering free funding, a 1-year working visa, and training or mentorships. For anyone looking to start a business who also loves the incredible fusion of culture and adventure that only South America can offer, this could be the perfect mix of opportunity and travel to get you packing your bags.

Mauritius

There are droves of people who travel here each year, but not that many people are moving with the intent of building the local economy. This tropical paradise will pay you up to 20,000 Mauritius rupees (~$547) per month for a year to start an innovative and unique business. Go take your business dreams and live out your career goals in actual paradise.

Alaska, USA

As America’s largest state and arguably prettiest, you’d think more people would live there. They also aren’t too picky on their requirements for giving their residents cash each year. Yes, it’s cold but the several hundred or thousand dollars the state will pay you each year makes up for it. In reality, the scenery, wildlife, and landscape are worth it, money or not.

The conditions are simple, live there permanently (at least 180 days each year) and do not commit a crime. The money comes from the revenue made from the state’s oil and mineral reserves, so the amount paid varies each year, but you get to live in Alaska, so that’s a win-win situation.