In Italy, a village is offering €44,000 and housing to those who wish to settle there
The picturesque medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, located at an altitude of about 1,300 meters in the mountainous region of Abruzzo, has launched a unique program to combat depopulation. Local authorities are seeking to attract new residents by offering them free or very low-cost housing, direct financial assistance, and grants for business development.
This was reported by the publication Meglepetes.
Currently, only about 115 people live permanently in this historic village, the vast majority of whom are retirees. The goal of the initiative is to rejuvenate the population and save the village from complete extinction. The program is designed exclusively for long-term or permanent residency, not for seasonal tourism.
The financial support package for new residents is quite substantial and can total up to 44,000 euros. The program includes three main elements:
Monthly payments of up to 8,000 euros per year, provided for the first three years of residence.
A one-time, non-refundable startup grant of up to 20,000 euros to start a business.
Provision of a comfortable apartment for rent at a nominal, minimal fee.
Young people and families aged 18 to 40 are eligible to participate in the project. Not only citizens of Italy or other European Union countries, but also foreigners from third countries who already hold a valid residence permit in Italy are eligible to apply. The main and mandatory condition is actual permanent residence in the community and the conduct of business activities. Among the most in-demand business sectors, the authorities cite the hotel and restaurant industry, tour organization, traditional crafts, as well as household services necessary to ensure the daily comfort of local residents.
Similarly, residents of a small village in southwestern Switzerland have decided to offer a substantial sum of money to people who wish to move there. Each adult newcomer will be eligible to receive 21,400 euros in relocation funds.
