A European country where more than 8,000 Portuguese citizens lived in 2022, according to national censuses, launched a program that provides to pay up to 84,000 euros to those who accept to move to one of their islands.
The measure, announced by Ireland as part of the government initiative “Our Living Islands”, aims to revitalize the daily life of the 23 selected islands, which face population loss and housing abandonment.
It is not a direct allowance to live on the islands
Although many international media have reported that the country would pay directly so that people settle on the islands, the program does not provide for a free payment of obligations. The assigned amount is exclusive to rehabilitating abandoned houses under the “Croí Cona;” Scheme, explains The Irish Times.
To apply, the property in question must have been built before 1993 and was unoccupied for at least two years. Values range from 60,000 euros for vacant houses and 84,000 euros for properties considered in a state of ruin.
Compulsory residence and limitations to the use
The rehabilitated property has to be used as the candidate’s main residence, not being allowed to use for tourism. In addition, the program is not an immigration channel: only people with legal residence in Ireland can apply.
The residence can be obtained, for example, through the visa “Stamp 0”, directed to renovated with annual yield over $ 50,000, or by offspring, in the case of children or grandchildren of Irish citizens.
Objective is to preserve communities and heritage
According to the government of the country, the islands covered are places with a resident population all year round, which are not linked by bridge or direct path to the continent and are not in private property, says the blog. Among the islands included are Estere, Clare Island, Bere Island and Inis Mór.
The scheduled duration of ten years, also includes complementary measures to improve access to health, education, road network, high -speed internet connection and teleworking promotion.
Other countries also encourage internal migrations
In addition to Ireland, other regions of Europe adopted similar policies. In Greece, Antikythera Island offers 500 euros a month for three years, as well as home and land for cultivation. In Italy, villages in regions such as Sardinia and Sicily provide houses for only 1 euro, requiring new owners to support renewal costs within three years.
Despite the limitation of support for works, international disclosure generated interest. According to a spokeswoman for the Ireland Ministry of Rural and Community Development, there has been a “significant international demand” since the launch of the program in July 2023.
The campaign aims to set young people and families on the islands, ensuring sustainable communities in the long run. According to the authorities, 80 concrete actions integrate this public policy.
The criticism focused mainly on the wrong perception that this is a payment to simply live on an island. Forbes magazine even issued a correction after publishing the country was “offering” money to new inhabitants.
Still, for those who already have residence in Ireland, this can be a concrete opportunity to live in a remote environment, with state support for housing recovery and improvement of living conditions.
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