A vacation in a town on the Italian coastline is the stuff of dreams and movies. Lazing about in the sunshine while being immersed in the exquisite Mediterranean culture is one of the top things on the bucket list of many people. However, that requires a lot of planning, time, and finances that a lot of us never quite manage to put together. Of course, those issues would all go out of the window if there was an incentive actually to move there, apart from recreation. Amazingly, that is exactly the case for this one particular Italian region!
It is safe to say that very few people would pass up the opportunity to live their lives in a comfortable Italian climate (not to mention the food.). It turns out the Italian region of Calabria is offering people financial assistance if they choose to relocate there. They call it the active residency income scheme. The most important condition is that you have to be younger than 40 and willing to take the leap of faith of relocating such a distance.
What Does The Italian Region Have To Offer?
Calabria also has the name of being the ‘toe’ of Italy. It is situated at the pointy end of the boot of the Italian peninsula. The region boasts several beaches that can feature in postcards and scenic mountains and hills for cooler getaways. To add to all that, it sits right beside the Amalfi Coast. Since it is a less popular vacation spot, residents also enjoy the coast without much bustle. This is the Italian region that is inviting foreigners to take up permanent residency there. As a reward, the authorities are willing to pay up to $32,000 to help those willing to get started.
Of course, with an offer like this, there are bound to be a few stipulations that the participants have to withhold. The first is anyone who wants to take part in the program has to complete their relocation within 90 days. That means there is very little time to finish up all your loose ends at your current place. We have already talked about the condition of being younger than 40. Furthermore, you have to be proficient in business as well. The idea behind the program is that the new people will invigorate Calabria’s small communities, thus boosting the local economy. As such, participants will either have to take on one of the region’s open jobs or start a new business of their own!
At present, participants can find a host of openings for new hires at shops, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants. If you choose to work as an employee, you may receive the money in $1300 monthly installments, paid out in full in 3 years. For those willing to start up their own business, the authorities may give out the entire amount in one go as initial capital.
An Ingenious Plan From The Local Councilor
Applicants who manage to pass all the required steps will be given residences in villages. There will be at most 2000 people. The incentivized relocation plan for the Italian region is the brainchild of Gianluca Gallo, the councilor. He hopes that the fresh influx of people will prevent the region’s small communities from declining. Gallo describes them as “the true identity of the territory.” He explained that the government hopes to make demand and supply satisfy each other in the employment sector. As such, they have requested villages to inform the authorities as to which professionals they lack. They will accept applications accordingly.
On a positive note, Gallo notes that the villages have shown a massive interest in the project. As such, should this primary attempt be successful in its goals, he expects more plans of a similar stature to be offered shortly after. The active residency income scheme currently has a budget of $77,000 to support successful candidates in their new lives. If you are interested, you can get more information about everything involved in the program and the relocation here.