The federal program "To the Far East" has been operating in Russia since June 1, 2016 and at first applied only to residents of the Far Eastern Federal District, and from February 1, 2017, every Russian can apply for a hectare of land in the Far East. Statistics show that there were a lot of people who wanted to receive the “Far Eastern hectare” free of charge - in ten months 74,113 applications were submitted and 7,617 plots were given. On the scale of our country, these figures, of course, are not very impressive, but this is the first effective step in a long time towards the development of empty lands. Russia did not become a pioneer in this matter; similar practices take place in other countries.
And how do governments of other states solve the issue of uneven settlement of territories?
Profession - city dweller. Michigan, USA
Following empty villages, empty cities appeared in the world, abandoned by residents due to the decline of the economy, industry and education. The US authorities, for example, initiated special schemes designed to breathe new life into abandoned places. Michigan is in its fifth year of running the Challenge Detroit program, which aims to revive Detroit, the declining "automobile capital of the United States." Professionals in various fields are offered a monthly stipend of $500 if they sign a one-year contract with one of the Detroit-based companies. The initiators of the program hope that after a year the guests will be motivated to stay and build their careers in this city.
For those who are not highly qualified but express a desire to relocate, there is the Live Downtown program, which provides $2,500 per year in housing costs or up to $20,000 in non-refundable home building loans.
Lost in the snow Alaska, USA
Alaska is the largest state in the United States, and at the same time, in terms of the number of inhabitants, it is in 47th place out of 50. Less than 800 thousand people live on an area of 1,717,854 km². The harsh climate and remoteness from the cultural centers of the country make this beautiful region not the most attractive place to live. Therefore, a special government Permanent Fund was created, which finances the transfer of enthusiasts to the eternal snows of Alaska. As in Detroit, the condition here is to live and work in the state for at least a year.
Family relocation. Asturias, Spain
In the north-east of Spain, in the province of Asturias, there is the village of Ponga - one of the most beautiful protected places in the country. Despite the natural wealth, there are not very many who want to live here - the population is rapidly aging, and the local economy is gradually dying. The population of Asturias has practically stopped growing since 1991, and the death rate here is the highest in the country. Citizens migrate from Asturias to Madrid, Castile and Leon. In order to somehow revive this place, the Spanish government has established a program for the settlement of Ponghi.
In 2007, it was announced that every couple who moved here could count on a lump sum payment of 3,000 euros. Another 3,000 euros of Pong's authorities are ready to pay for each child born.
Universities are waiting. Saskatchewan, Canada
Canada ranks second in the world in terms of area and 187 in terms of population density, while ¾ of all Canadians live no further than 160 kilometers from the border with the United States. This disproportion cannot but worry the Canadian government, so the country has various incentive programs for relocating residents to empty territories.
For example, in the province of Saskatchewan in south-central Canada, they rely on students and graduates. The province intends to increase the number of international students to 75% by 2020. The fact is that about 60,000 jobs are expected to appear here in the coming years due to the retirement of local residents. Therefore, recently colleges and universities are ready to reimburse students up to 20 thousand Canadian dollars (about $ 15 thousand) spent on education if they agree to live and work in the province for seven years after receiving a certificate of higher education.
Both the table and the house. Kaitangata, New Zealand
In 2016, the small New Zealand town of Kaitangata became famous thanks to a publication in The Guardian. The text talked about the fact that the city has too many vacancies and free housing, but not enough residents. The population of the city today is about 800 people, so the authorities attended to immigration policy and offered all newcomers serious housing benefits and a guaranteed job. At first, it was also about an impressive cash payment, but the mayor of Kaitangata denied this news. New residents are offered house + land packages at very attractive prices if they express their intention to live and work here for at least two years when applying. The most active economic sector here is dairy farming.
Utility bills, public transport fees, taxes and deductions - all this is our "tribute" to the local budget for life in the city, as it is in our country and in most countries of the world. But there are cities and entire regions on the planet in which local residents receive money only for living there. While Switzerland has not moved beyond the offer of a supplement for citizenship, elsewhere the incentive mechanism for residence has been in place for more than a decade.
Maybe this information will be useful for someone, and he will decide to change his native outback to a foreign one with a lifetime surcharge.
State of Alaska, USA
How much pay
Depends on the state's annual income and is $1,000 or more: in 2015, each of the 637,014 residents was paid $2,072, in 2016 - $1,022
Cause
Harsh conditions
The coldest US state for its residents is trying to cover the costs of an unfavorable climate with a generous financial offer. Since 1976, there has been the Alaska Permanent Fund, which receives 25% of the state's profits from oil turnover. Half of the income is directly distributed among the inhabitants of the region. The first dividends were paid already in 1982. They are due to all Americans who have lived in Alaska for at least a year and have no criminal record. Add to this the high level of local salaries, a measured lifestyle and peaceful landscapes - and you, too, may decide that the game is worth the candle. 
Ponga village, Spain
How much pay
€3,000 for each couple who moved and €3,000 for each child born here
Cause
Small population
Ponga is a small village in the province of Asturias in northeastern Spain. In addition to being located in a protected area, it is attractive with a generous financial offer for those wishing to move. The only requirement to be met is that the family stay in Pong for a minimum of five years. Currently, only 851 people live in the village. Fewer than 50 residents are under the age of 18. To try to change the trend, the mayor's office decided on financial costs. 
City of Utrecht, Netherlands
How much pay
€960 monthly for two years (from May 2017)
Cause
social experiment
The Dutch city of Utrecht, the capital of the province of the same name in the Netherlands, does not complain about the number of inhabitants, ranking fourth in the country after Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. However, its leadership decided to conduct a kind of social experiment to study the impact of unconditional income on the lives of citizens: will they become lazy or, on the contrary, suddenly do something useful? Participants were divided into six groups according to different conditions of the experiment, however, each is paid €960 per month for accommodation, and in one of the groups they offer an additional €150 for participating in volunteer programs. Apparently, they do not plan to stop there, and if successful, the program will become more widespread and will also be applied in other cities. 
City of Detroit, USA
How much pay
$2500 to promising scientists; there is also a program of preferential loans for the purchase or rental of housing
Cause
Bad reputation
The city of Detroit in Michigan ranks first in the country as the most destroyed city. In the past - the center of the American auto industry, now - the unspoken capital of crime. He began to empty back in the 60s. To counteract the outflow of the population, the Challenge Detroit program has been operating here since 2008. The official website states that the initiative is aimed at attracting and retaining talent in the region. Thanks to public funding, as well as private capital, a special entrepreneurial ecosystem has been created, where business incubators, technology parks and venture funds interact with each other. And young talented graduates, carefully selected, have all the technical and financial capabilities during the year (that's how long Challenge Detroit lasts) to work within this advanced system, gaining experience and contributing to the development of the region. 
Province of Saskatchewan, Canada
How much pay
Up to 20,000 Canadian dollars
Cause
Talent Encouragement
The Canadian authorities have taken a different path to encourage residents of certain provinces. So, in Saskatchewan, undergraduate graduates who live in the region or are just planning to move and who completed their studies no later than 2010 are offered to compensate for its cost through annual payments of up to 20,000 Canadian dollars for seven years. In the first four years, 10% of the amount is paid, and in the next three - 20% each. 
City of Niagara, USA
How much pay
$3492 for two years
Cause
Population outflow
A similar Canadian program operates for university graduates in the Niagara Falls region in the United States. It would seem that everyone wants to live in such a place, but in reality the local population, which peaked in the 1960s (102,000 people), has since halved. To attract the younger generation of Americans to the region, the city's director of community development, Seth Piccirillo, launched Live NF, an initiative for college graduates living in the region. 
Mishima Township, Japan
How much pay
$5340 lump sum and from $9000 per year
Cause
The need for agricultural development
At the moment, there are about 400 people living in the Mishima region, and if you decide to join their ranks, you should be ready to engage in agriculture or fishing. Also, you must not be over 55 years of age at the time of the move. If you meet these requirements, then the local authorities are willing to pay you $890 to arrange the move, provide a cow, or in lieu of a one-time monetary compensation of $4,450. You can also count on a monthly allowance of $750 ($890 for a family of two). If you have a child, you will receive an additional $89 per month, and $178 for two children. Material support for childbirth and education of children is provided in Mishima. Renting a good house here is about $207 per month. 
Village of Kaitangata, New Zealand
How much pay
House and land with a market value of $160,000
Cause
Labor shortage
Of the 850 residents of New Zealand's Kaitangata, only two are unemployed. The dairy farm and the factory for the production of frozen convenience foods are experiencing the greatest shortage of labor. That is why the authorities announced a decision to provide new residents of the city with houses and land. The cost of the "package" at market prices is $160,000, but real estate is provided free of charge: just live and work. As the mayor of Kaitangata said: “We have jobs, we have houses, but there are no people. We want to revive our city and we are waiting for everyone with open arms.” 
According to materials:
A traveling beautician symbolically leaves her vacation with a story about the trip that started my tourist summer. Green Spain, Spain of the north, how often do we think of its landscapes when we talk about the country of Don Quixote? Meanwhile, after living for a year in the Basque Country, I fell irrevocably in love with northern Spain. It is impossible to satisfy oneself with the beauty of these places, as well as to drink water from the places of rivers and lakes. Under the cut, I share with you what I remember Asturias on my trip here in June this year.
Asturias, a province of Spain northwest of Madrid, is not your typical travel destination in Spain. Many of the travelers we met were Spaniards who had long known about the beauty and tranquility of this green land. For example, it is very convenient to come here from neighboring Valladolid, Madrid, to escape the suffocating heat.
The answer to the question why go to Asturias instead of the usual south is obvious to me, "why not go"!?
There is very beautiful nature and green high mountains. Near the ocean, along which beaches stretch, in the existence of which I believed, but hesitated to ask if they exist? Imagine tall green mountains in the background, turquoise ocean and just about no one on the big sandy beaches. The color of greenery is such that an emerald is dimming next to it. Personally, I could never resist such a contrast and I don’t even know where else it can be found in the vastness of Europe?
In Asturias and neighboring provinces, we traveled from Oviedo, the capital of the region, located in the mountains. Oviedo, in my opinion, is very conveniently located for trips. And the city itself is almost buried in the mountains and nature, and sometimes in the clouds.
1. View of Oviedo, quite unusual Spain! 
2. The streets of Oviedo. I did not expect anything, and, as often happens, the city charmed us. Asturias is a very chamber and small province, to match its capital, chamber, warm and very comfortable. 
Residents of the city often joke about the weather, which is understandable. Clouds from the mountains often float into the city, a couple of times we admired some unrealistic sunsets when fog descended on the city. In the morning it is often overcast here and looking out the window one cannot imagine that in an hour or two there will be a blue sky.
3. Northern Spain is very, very green and cool, for those who are oppressed by the Mediterranean heat, this place is just what you need! The mountains retain moisture from the Atlantic and the inhabitants of Asturias get green forests, pastures and a mild climate. 
4. One of my favorite places that I really want to return to. Ribadesella, a small resort town on the Atlantic coast with incredible scenery. The mountains, the sky, the ocean... the local elite has long known the local elite, which, having grabbed solid jackpots across the ocean, built palaces here one more beautiful than the other. 
5. A beach I didn't want to leave at all. Turning your head, you see green mountains, an incredible ocean ahead. We were in June and it was quite cold to swim, but this did not upset me at all. A salty wind was blowing from the ocean, the temperature was +21. To be honest, sometimes I even like to sit and calmly enjoy the beauty of landscapes, not hiding from the heat. The beach in Ribasella is pebbles with sand, you can walk and lie around. 
If you go to Ribadesella, don't miss the opportunity to see a very beautiful coastline on the way to Gijón, the great port city of Asturias. Especially beautiful places and incredible views open from the panoramic terrace in the city of Lanes, I was very sorry that the bus could not be stopped! The coastline is strewn with white sand beaches, green cliffs and colorful port towns.
6. Cangas de Onis. In this city, we involuntarily got stuck for several hours and walked all around while waiting for the bus. Many hiking and rock climbing trails depart from this city. It is for this that many people go to Asturias, here is a rare expanse for those who love mountain nature! 
7. Mountain river. Just a word about the transparency of water :) 
Another option to admire the beautiful nature of Asturias is to take a trip to La Senda del Oso (bear's path), a cycle path in the mountains, organized on the site of the coal car railway. Once in Asturias, coal was actively mined, in the middle of the 20th century the fishing came to naught, and the Government of the region decided to give these roads a new breath. In my opinion, if you are not ready for hiking, this is a great choice to see the mountain nature! On the way, we met old stone farms, pastures and, of course, views of rare beauty!
9.
10. Mountain river, la Senda del Oso 
11.
12. Oh, sorry. that the cable was caught in the frame, but the view is still impressive! The shot was also taken during a walk along Senda del Oso. I will definitely make a separate post with a story about the walk, I can only say that it is really worth the whole day. The route is not difficult, but not the easiest either. The big advantage is that you can choose whether you will only go downhill or whether you still want more adrenaline and climbing into the mountains. 
13.
14. Mountain lake. 
I did not expect to meet such a beautiful nature in Asturias. Somehow, my travels always took shape more in the cities, and in general I am a tied up city dweller, but Asturias conquered me! We couldn't get to the spectacular park of the Peaks of Europe between Asturias and Cantabria. Just in case, it is better to rent a car, but in general a big plus of Spain is that many cities, and even very small ones, are connected by bus. Probably Asturias is the place where I would really like to return in the near future. I even came up with the idea of traveling by car in the Basque Country-Cantabria-Asturias-Galicia. So far, there are very few foreign tourists here, although the Asturian government organized a big Instagram and media campaign this year with the hashtag #paraisonatural . These places absolutely deserve a visit, Asturias is a very rare combination of history, nature, delicious cuisine and very friendly and hospitable people.
In general, here is a photograph for you to express my Asturian delight, as they say, better than any words! 
How to get there: I traveled through Madrid by low-cost Iberia from Nantes, round-trip tickets cost me 160 euros. In Madrid, I took a bus to Oviedo, buy tickets on the site alsa.es, a major bus company. The bus had wifi, you can watch movies, 4 hours fly by very quickly. Round-trip tickets can be found for 40 euros. So, as you can see, Asturias is close.
Next will definitely be a story about Oviedo, enjoy your reading;)
We don't think many people know that there are places in the world that, for one reason or another, are in desperate need of permanent residents. And in order to attract people to live and work in these cities, the authorities offer quite impressive sums for the very fact of living.
If you're still in doubt, here are seven cities that offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the culture of another country. And you will also be paid for it. Well, isn't that great?
City of Detroit, Michigan, USA
"Paris of the West", "Automobile Capital of the USA"... The almost deserted city lost these glorious titles in the second half of the 20th century. And is currently struggling to restore its former glory. The local government has unveiled a new Challenge Detroit program that offers $2,500 to industry professionals who will live and work in the city. More information .
Alaska, USA
If you love winter, snowy landscapes and a leisurely pace of life and are not afraid of low temperatures, then life in Alaska may be perfect for you. A special government fund pays specialists who agree to work in regions where the population is steadily declining. The only condition is that you have to live in Alaska for at least one year.
Province of Saskatchewan, Canada
The Canadian province is offering an amazing opportunity to recent graduates (2010 latest) who have not yet decided what to do next in life. Young enthusiasts will be paid 20,000 Canadian dollars to work and live in the province for seven years. Read more.
Niagara Falls, USA
Another fantastic opportunity that seems too incredible to be true is to live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet and get paid for it. The authorities are offering $7,000 to university graduates as an incentive to work in local businesses for two years. More information .
Ponga, Asturias, Spain
This delightful little village in the protected areas of the northeast of Spain is one of the oldest in the country. To attract young residents and boost the economy, local authorities are offering 3,000 euros to every young couple who move there. Plus, for every child born in the village, they also pay 3,000 euros. This is a great opportunity to live in an incredibly beautiful place with a clean environment.
Utrecht, The Netherlands
The Netherlands is world famous for its deep study of the humanities and social sciences. And here is one of their social experiments: what would happen if everyone living in the same city received $1,000?
Curtis, Nebraska, USA
Each of us must have complained that the local authorities are not doing anything significant for the city. The American town of Curtis came up with a solution - anyone can get a site for free if they come up with a really worthwhile idea to improve the city's infrastructure or culture.
Would you like to live in another country, and even for money? Not many people know that there are countries that need permanent residents, and are ready for a lot for them. If you have long dreamed of moving to another country, then this post is for you!
"Paris of the West", "Automobile Capital of the USA"... The almost deserted city lost these glorious titles in the second half of the 20th century. And is currently struggling to restore its former glory. The local government has unveiled a new Challenge Detroit program that offers $2,500 to industry professionals who will live and work in the city.
If you love winter, snowy landscapes and a leisurely pace of life and are not afraid of low temperatures, then life in Alaska may be perfect for you. A special government fund pays specialists who agree to work in regions where the population is steadily declining. The only condition is that you have to live in Alaska for at least one year.
The Canadian province offers an amazing opportunity for recent graduates who have not yet decided what to do next in life. Young enthusiasts will be paid 20,000 Canadian dollars to work and live in the province for seven years.
Another fantastic opportunity that seems too incredible to be true is to live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet and get paid for it. The authorities are offering $7,000 to university graduates as an incentive to work in local businesses for two years.
This delightful little village in the protected areas of the northeast of Spain is one of the oldest in the country. To attract young residents and boost the economy, local authorities are offering 3,000 euros to every young couple who move there. Plus, for every child born in the village, they also pay 3,000 euros. This is a great opportunity to live in an incredibly beautiful place with a clean environment.
The Netherlands is world famous for its deep study of the humanities and social sciences. And here is one of their social experiments: what would happen if everyone living in the same city received $1,000?
Each of us must have complained that the local authorities are not doing anything significant for the city. The American town of Curtis came up with a solution - anyone can get a site for free if they come up with a really worthwhile idea to improve the city's infrastructure or culture.
New Haven is a government program designed to increase interest in the city. If you are buying a house here for the first time, they will give you a loan of 10 thousand dollars without interest. If you live in the house for more than five years, then the loan is completely written off. You can also get $30,000 to upgrade your home with new energy-saving features. If you live in it for 10 years, you can not return the money.
This is the seventh most dangerous city in America, but he really wants to change, and therefore gives visitors $ 5,000 to buy a house anywhere in the city. If this amount doesn't impress you, you can double it by buying an abandoned house - yes, an empty and uninhabited house in need of repair, but actually for free.
Kansas is willing to pay you if you move. The city of Lincoln (pop. 3,500), for example, will give you free land to build a house on. If Lincoln is too big for you, you can get land in the town of Marquette, which has only 600 inhabitants. In addition, you will be exempt from income tax for 5 years or pay off a loan for studying at a university in the amount of up to $15,000
The Canadian city of Pipestone doesn't give away land for free, but they offer steep discounts if you build on the lot during the year. In addition, if you want to start a business, the city offers grants of up to 32,000 Canadian dollars (24,000 US dollars).
If the US or Canada doesn't inspire you, then what about Tasmania? On the island of Matsyker off the coast of Tasmania provide jobs and housing. Preference for families who will maintain the lighthouse, provide meteorological reports, monitor the land and buildings. If they, of course, agree to a life in relative isolation. Living in a lighthouse on the edge of the earth - isn't that a dream?
You are alone? Then the Japanese settlement of Mishima (not to be confused with the city of Mishima) awaits you. The village is located on three small islands and the population is only about 400 people and mostly retirees. Mishima is offering Japanese people 100,000 yen (about $840) to cover the cost of moving and a monthly allowance for the first three years of living in the village. Here you can rent a three-bedroom house for 23,000 yen ($207) a month. Lastly, they give you a cow. One free cow!
If you crave living on one of the most remote islands in the world, Pitcairn Island is for you. There are only 50 people here, so every immigrant gets free land in this island paradise. Alas, since 2015 only one person has moved there. Maybe because there is only one shop on the island that is open only three days a week, and everything must be ordered in advance from New Zealand? But if you like beaches and seclusion, you can be the second person to move there.
