Several countries around the world are launching new immigration and residency programs for 2026 aimed at attracting new residents – through financial incentives, lucrative salaries, and opportunities to obtain long-term residency.
This comes as part of broader plans to confront the decline in population numbers, revitalize rural areas and remote islands, and strengthen local economies.
These initiatives range from financial grants to renovate homes, support for purchasing real estate, and dedicated programs for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and volunteers, allowing Egyptians and other nationalities new opportunities to move and settle outside their countries – according to the conditions set by each country.
Countries
- Italy: Grants of up to €30,000
Italy continues to implement programs aimed at revitalizing villages and sparsely populated rural areas.
In Sardinia, residents can receive up to €15,000 to purchase and renovate a home in a town with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants, with a minimum residency requirement of 18 months.
The Tuscany region also offers grants ranging from €10,000 to €30,000 for those wishing to live in small mountain villages, provided the grant does not exceed half the total cost of the housing project.
- Ireland: Generous Support to Revitalize Remote Islands
As part of its “Our Living Islands” program, Ireland is offering financial incentives until 2033 to attract new residents to over 30 inhabited islands.
Grants of up to €84,000 are available for the renovation of vacant or abandoned houses, provided they are used as primary residences. This initiative aims to boost economic development and improve the quality of life in local communities.
- Switzerland: Thousands of Dollars to Live in a Mountain Village
The Swiss village of Albinen offers financial incentives to young families willing to move there. Each adult receives 25,000 Swiss francs, plus 10,000 francs for each child.
The program requires the purchase of a home worth at least 200,000 Swiss francs and a commitment to live in the village for at least 10 years.
- Spain: Opportunity for Remote Workers
Spain has launched a program targeting remote workers and digital nomads in the Extremadura region, offering participants up to €10,000 to live in small villages, with the possibility of receiving an additional €5,000 after two years.
The program is considered one of the most promising opportunities available to young people wishing to combine digital work with a peaceful rural life.
- Chile: Financial Support for Entrepreneurs
Chile is striving to solidify its position as a regional innovation hub through the “Startup Chile” program, which offers grants ranging from US$ 15,000 for startups to $100,000 for companies in their growth and expansion phases.
The program also provides access to a work visa for one year or more, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs of all nationalities.
- Japan: Salaries for Participating in Rural Development
Japan continues to implement regional revitalization programs to address population decline in villages and rural areas. Volunteers receive salaries of up to three million Japanese yen annually for working for one to three years supporting local communities.
The program requires proficiency in Japanese and active participation in development activities in the targeted areas.
Requirements for Participating in Immigration Programs
Participation in these programs requires meeting the specific immigration and residency requirements of each country.
This includes obtaining the appropriate visas or work and residence permits, adhering to specific residency periods, and fulfilling other requirements that vary from program to program.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
