Reward honest citizens
Alaska has mastered the art of attracting travellers. Some of its assets are the huge natural spaces, beautiful landscapes, and oil. Alaska is one of the largest oil regions in the United States. Thanks to the oil royalties, in 1976, Alaska created a permanent fund, and the amount was distributed among its inhabitants. Health crisis or not, the fund guarantees around 1000 dollars per year (1114 this year, or 980 euros) with a possible bonus that can mean a few hundred additional dollars. Another benefit of living in Alaska is that the state is tax-free. To be eligible, some conditions must be fulfilled: candidates need to be permanent residents in Alaska(not absent for more than 180 days) and have a clean criminal record. In short, they need to be good citizens. But while the annual bonus is an excellent financial incentive, there are many things to consider before moving there. Your motivations could be your love for nature, career development, your desire for a change of life. Make sure to assess all your needs before taking the plunge.
Remote working grants
Vermont shares preserved vegetation with Alaska. Famous for its forests and scenic beauty, rural Vermont is one of the least populated regions in the United States, with some 640,000 people, compared to nearly 39,500,000 in California, or 29.2 million in Texas. Vermont launched a Remote worker grant of 10,000 dollars over two years to attract populations, especially young people. The only condition for eligibility is to settle in Vermont. However, it functions on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the subsidies have been fully distributed, it is closed. The State of Vermont indicated on its website that all of its grants had been awarded since January 2020.
Attracting young talents
Kansas is a multiethnic land, renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich cuisine and its close links with history. The state is currently home to some 2.95 million inhabitants, and it is its capital, Topeka, which seeks to attract the young talents of the future. As a result, a grant of up to 15,000 dollars (approximately 13,200 euros) has been set up for those who would like to work there. To be eligible, you must be hired by an employer who has registered to the “Choose Topeka” program. You must also move to the capital and buy or rent a house in Shawnee County, which is home to Topeka. The capital greatly relies on its rich cultural heritage (numerous museums, restaurants, artistic and musical sites, etc.) and its diversity to attract young international talents.
Revive the villages
Located in Asturias, in the northwest of Spain, Ponga is a small but quite popular village. A victim of the urbanization of Spain during the 20th century, it saw a population exodus for more industrialized regions and countries. With its agriculture and rurality, Ponga is struggling to appeal to young people, especially. This village of 684 inhabitants is currently offering 3000 euros to each young couple who would like to settle there so that it does not sink into oblivion. An additional 3000 euros will be donated each time the couple has a child. The media regularly mentions this medieval village. This advertisement is welcome and encouraged by the municipality, which hopes to preserve and, above all, brings its heritage back to life. Neighbouring Rubiá, in Galicia, has set up a similar program, offering a monthly grant of 100 to 150 euros to attract new residents. Many villages in Italy, namely Candela, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Molise and Calabria, have adopted similar strategies. Thanks to their financial incentives and heritage, they are hoping to attract young foreigners to boost their economies.
Focus on start-ups
Chile is conquering the world of start-ups with “Start-up Chile” (SUP), a government body managed by the Chilean Economic Development Agency. Presented as a growth accelerator, Start-up Chile helps new entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, particularly through subsidies. Launched in 2010, SUP promotes gender parity. The organization encourages applications from female entrepreneurs and ensures that women head 50% of the companies selected.
Ireland is also investing in start-ups. “Enterprise Ireland”, is a government organization that promotes Irish businesses worldwide. To receive government support, the start-up must be registered in Ireland, create at least 10 jobs and generate € 1 million in sales in its first 3 years of operation. In return, Enterprise Ireland provides its logistical support and expertise in addition to its financial support. Furthermore, Ireland emphasizes its attractiveness - very low corporate tax and its good trade relations, particularly with the European Union and the United Kingdom. In 2020, some 120 million euros were thus allocated to start-ups, in particular, to support their activity damaged by Covid-19.
Greece, Croatia and many other states are offer incentives to people who would like to relocate there. However, expats should keep in mind that these are indeed incentives, subsidies, and not income granted for the sole purpose of entering the territory. Far from being paid to live in a particular country, expatriates are more likely to be encouraged to create businesses and jobs, participate in the country's economic life, and boost their new region of residence.
In a world hit by the crisis and worried about the new Omicron variant, these incentives could play a significant role in international mobility, with a particular focus on creativity and innovation, two crucial pillars for economic growth.
