This Italian Region Will Pay You Over $100,000 To Move There

Have you ever been on a cruise, stopped at a port in Italy, and thought, “I could live here”? Well… what if you actually could — and got paid for it?

Some of Italy’s prettiest little towns are so quiet these days that the government is offering big money to bring them back to life.

Why Is Italy Doing This?

Italy is full of beautiful villages that look like they’ve come straight out of a postcard. But while tourists love visiting them, many locals have moved away to bigger cities for jobs and better opportunities. That’s left thousands of towns with empty houses, quiet streets, and hardly any young people.

To bring life back to these places, Italy is offering money to people who are willing to move in, fix up an old home, and stay for a while. It’s not just about saving buildings — it’s about saving communities.

Trentino Is Offering Over $100,000 To Move In

One of the biggest offers comes from Trentino, a stunning region in northern Italy. Think lakes, vineyards, ski slopes, and mountain views — it’s the kind of place you’d visit on a cruise tour and never want to leave.

The local government has set aside €10 million over two years to support a plan for revitalising 33 small towns across the region. These towns, where abandoned houses often outnumber lived-in ones, are offering up to €100,000 (about $108,000) per person. That includes €20,000 to help you buy an abandoned house and €80,000 to renovate it.

But there are some rules: you must live there (or rent it out long-term) for at least 10 years, or you’ll have to pay the money back. And no, you can’t turn it into an Airbnb — they want real neighbours, not holiday homes.

Towns expected to be included are in areas like Val di Non and Val di Sole, including Rabbi and Vermiglio, where depopulation has exceeded 11%.

“The goal is to revitalise local communities and promote territorial cohesion,” said Maurizio Fugatti, President of Trento.

There’s a Catch — But It’s Not Too Bad

Like any big offer, there are a few conditions. First, you have to stay for 10 years — either living in the home yourself or renting it out to someone long-term. If you leave early, you’ll need to return the grant.

You’re also not allowed to go wild with renovations. The total cost of doing up the house can’t go over €200,000, and only €120,000 of that can come from your own pocket. The idea is to keep things fair — no giant mansions popping up next to tiny cottages.

You can apply for up to three properties per village, but each one must follow the same rules. While the purchase price is not limited, the €20,000 grant is expected to cover about 35–40% of it.

And if you’re under 45 and already live in Trentino, you’re not eligible. The scheme is for newcomers, especially those from outside the region or abroad.

Other Italian Places Are Paying People Too

Trentino isn’t the only region getting creative. All across Italy, towns and villages are offering money to help bring people back. Some of the grants aren’t as large, but they still make a tempting offer, especially if you’ve ever wanted to swap city life for mountain air and pasta with a view.

Here are a few other deals:

• Tuscany: Offering between $10,720 and $32,161 to help buy and renovate homes in mountain towns.
• Calabria: Will give you $22,000 to move into a village with fewer than 3,000 people, plus $1,100 for remote workers.
• Sardinia: Offers non-repayable grants for buying or fixing up homes in towns with fewer than 3,000 people, if you register residency within 18 months.
• Abruzzo: Families can get $2,750 per year for five years to move to certain villages.
• Molise: Smaller grants of €800 to €5,000, depending on household size.
• Recoaro Terme (Veneto): Offers $22,000 to buy or renovate a property, or €200/month to help with rent.

Each place has its own rules, but the message is the same: move here, and we’ll help you out.

Could You Be Italy’s Next New Local?

These offers aren’t just for daydreamers — they’re real, and they’re happening right now. If you’ve ever said, “I could live here” while sipping wine in an Italian piazza or exploring a quiet hillside village on a cruise stop, maybe now’s the time to see if you actually could.

Italy wants new neighbours, and they’re willing to pay for them. So whether you’re planning your next cruise or thinking about a big life change, it might be worth keeping an eye on these offers. Who knows — your next port of call might just become home.

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