Italian villages are offering over Rs 26 lakh to move there. But there's a catch

Calabria, Italy, is renowned for its stunning coastal beauty and mountainous landscapes.

Calabria, Italy's picturesque southern region, is extending a tantalizing invitation to young adventurers with an entrepreneurial spirit. Imagine owning an artisan boutique while basking in the warm, sun-soaked embrace of a charming village. The dream could soon become a reality as Calabria pledges to bestow up to £26,000 (Rs 26.48 lakh) over a maximum of three years upon those willing to breathe life into these sleepy Italian hamlets.

However, there's a catch – the call is only open to individuals under 40, and they must be prepared to relocate within 90 days of their application's approval. The final and crucial stipulation is that prospective residents must be ready to start a business, whether from scratch or by filling specific professional roles identified by the villages.

Calabria, often hailed as Italy's "toe," is renowned for its stunning coastal beauty and mountainous landscapes. Over the years, it has faced a significant population decline, a trend that has many locals worried. To address this issue and to breathe new life into the region's communities, Calabria is unveiling a groundbreaking scheme.

The plan is straightforward: provide financial incentives to young individuals eager to work and contribute to the local economy. In return, they would receive a monthly income that could range from £26,000 (Rs 26.48 lakh) over a three-year period or a one-time lump sum to support the launch of a new commercial endeavour.

Restaurants, shops, bed and breakfasts, or hotels are among the most sought-after business ventures encouraged by the region's officials. Gianluca Gallo, one of the architects behind this unique concept, asserts that the primary goal is to boost the local economy and breathe fresh life into these small-scale communities.

The initiative, known as "active residency income," is set to open applications in the coming weeks, with approximately £620,000 (Rs 6.31 crore) earmarked to fund this. With over 75% of Calabria's towns hosting fewer than 5,000 residents, the need for revitalization is urgent.

Gallo revealed that this initiative might serve as a precursor to more extensive repopulation projects. The technical details, including the exact monthly amount and duration of the funds, are being refined, and there's contemplation of extending the offer to slightly larger villages with up to 3,000 residents.

Villages that will pay you to move in are Civita, Samo and Precacore, Aieta, Bova, Caccuri, Albidona, and Santa Severina among others.