What if you could swap your long work hours for a slower pace of life and get paid for it? Around the world, some forward-thinking countries are offering generous perks to foreigners who stay longer and work less. These programs aren’t just about boosting tourism; they’re reshaping how we think about life and labor. From cash incentives to lifestyle perks, here are 7 countries tempting you to slow down, stay a while, and thrive. The catch? You might never want to leave.
1. Portugal: The Digital Nomad’s Dream with Extra Perks
Portugal has become a favorite for remote workers seeking sunshine, surf, and a slower pace. With its Digital Nomad Visa, professionals can stay up to two years longer than many countries and enjoy life with less stress and more intention. While Portugal doesn’t offer direct cash, it makes up for it with tax breaks, affordable healthcare, and low living costs. That combination can feel like being paid to stay. The culture embraces balance, with long lunches, beach weekends, and a strong sense of community. Cities like Lisbon and Madeira offer coastal coworking spaces and vibrant international scenes. For many expats, Portugal’s easygoing rhythm isn’t just refreshing, it’s life-changing. If you’re chasing a healthier lifestyle without giving up your career, this laid-back European gem might be the answer. Source: Deel
2. Italy: $30K to Move In and Embrace La Dolce Vita
Yes, you read that right. Italy is paying people to move into some of its most picturesque, less-populated towns. Through programs like the “1 Euro Home” project and grants of up to $30,000, the government hopes to revive rural areas and historic villages. You won’t be expected to hustle either. These initiatives welcome remote workers or entrepreneurs looking to start small businesses while embracing Italy’s relaxed pace. Imagine sipping wine in a medieval square, taking afternoon siestas, and getting rewarded just for being there. With slower living and deeper community ties, the offer feels more like a dream than a relocation plan. Italy’s message is clear: contribute meaningfully, live intentionally, and enjoy the good life. If you’re already picturing rolling hills, handmade pasta, and fewer work emails, this might be the perfect moment to say “arrivederci” to stress. Source: Economic Times
3. Spain: Sunny Skies, Siestas, and Salary Support
Spain isn’t just a vacation hotspot, it’s becoming a haven for workers looking to live better with less stress. Its new Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU remote workers to live and work in Spain for up to five years. What makes it stand out is the lifestyle: shorter work weeks, mandatory vacation time, and a culture that values rest. In underpopulated towns, Spain sweetens the deal with tax breaks and financial perks for young professionals. With a cost of living far lower than many U.S. cities, your money stretches further meaning fewer hours working and more time living. Daily siestas, outdoor cafés, and a social, family-first culture make it more than a job relocation, it’s a full lifestyle upgrade. If you’re craving sunshine and sanity over deadlines and burnout, Spain might be calling your name. Source: RemotePass
4. Iceland: A Chill Life in Every Sense
If you’ve dreamed of living near waterfalls and northern lights, Iceland might be your chance. The country offers a Remote Work Long-Term Visa that allows non-EU professionals to live there for up to 180 days while working for a foreign employer. Though shorter than other programs, Iceland’s high quality of life makes a strong case. The government is serious about work-life balance, with progressive labor laws and a tested four-day workweek. Temporary tax perks also sweeten the deal. But more than incentives, Iceland delivers peace and quiet, literally. Life here is slower, cleaner, and deeply connected to nature. For those craving mental clarity and a break from city chaos, this Nordic escape may offer the deep reset your mind and body have been needing. Source: island.is
5. Greece: A Golden Visa with a Side of Opa!
Greece is fast becoming a hotspot for remote workers drawn to sunshine and simplicity. Its Digital Nomad Visa allows non-citizens to live and work for up to two years, with a modest income requirement. What makes it stand out? A 50% income tax break for the first seven years for new residents. That’s practically like getting paid to stay. Greek life moves at a soul-nourishing pace, long meals, sea swims, and fewer clocks ticking. Whether you choose bustling Athens or a peaceful island like Crete, the rhythm is refreshingly relaxed. Add in the Mediterranean diet and welcoming culture, and it’s easy to see why so many people are trading hustle for harmony. If you’re ready to live more and stress less, Greece might just be the golden ticket.
6. Mauritius: Paradise That Pays in Peace
Mauritius isn’t just a beach lover’s dream, it’s also a haven for remote workers. With its Premium Visa, non-citizens can live and work on the island for up to a year, tax-free if their income comes from abroad. No visa fees, no red tape, just beautiful scenery and solid internet. But it’s the lifestyle that truly sells it. Mauritius offers a peaceful, multicultural environment and a slower rhythm that naturally calms the mind. It’s the kind of place where your workday ends with a beach walk, not a traffic jam. The local culture emphasizes harmony between work, community, and nature. If you’re seeking a place that values well-being as much as ambition, Mauritius delivers both. It’s a rare blend of tropical beauty and modern convenience, perfect for those looking to work less and live more.
7. Japan: Rural Relocation with Big Rewards
While Japan’s cities are famously fast-paced, the countryside is calling and offering cash to those who answer. Through its Regional Revitalization Program, the government gives up to ¥1 million (about $7,000) per person to relocate to rural towns. Some cities offer even more for remote workers and entrepreneurs. In return, you get a quieter life, strong community ties, and a rich cultural experience. Japan is shifting toward remote work and flexible lifestyles, especially outside the city. Think morning temple walks, evening tech calls, and a slower pace in between. It’s a balance of tradition and modern life that feels grounding. For those ready to exchange noise and pressure for peace and purpose, Japan’s rural programs might just offer the fresh start you’ve been craving.
The story 7 Countries Paying People to Stay Longer and Work Less was first published on DailyFetch.
