Nine countries Brits would love to relocate to and one paying £74,000 to new arrivals

From Alpine villages to sun-soaked islands, moving abroad is no longer just a fantasy for many Brits. With remote work on the rise, creeping living costs at home, and the search for a slower pace of life, relocating has become a tangible option - and some countries are rolling out incentives that make it almost impossible to ignore.

A fresh study by 1st Move International removals has revealed the most desirable countries to relocate to in 2025, based on global Google search data.

For the second year running, Canada tops the list, with 269,220 searches worldwide from people keen to start a new life in its vast landscapes and thriving cities.

Following closely are Australia (207,900 searches) and Ireland (179,400 searches), with New Zealand, Japan, Portugal, Costa Rica, Spain, the Netherlands, and Thailand rounding out the top ten.

Interestingly, several of these highly sought-after countries are actively encouraging new residents through financial incentives and relocation schemes.

In Europe, Switzerland offers generous payments to families willing to move to its Alpine villages. In Albinen, located in the canton of Valais, adults receive CHF 25,000 (around £22,000) and children CHF 10,000 (around £8,800) if they commit to living in the village for at least a decade. Applicants must also purchase or build property worth at least CHF 200,000.

Ireland, which ranks third globally for relocation searches with 179,400 inquiries, is taking a similar approach with its "Our Living Islands" initiative. The program aims to increase populations on remote islands by offering grants of up to €84,000 to help newcomers purchase and renovate long-vacant homes. Properties must be used as a primary residence or long-term rental, with short-term holiday lets ineligible. The initiative targets both Irish citizens and international applicants, supporting the revitalization of island communities while appealing to remote workers looking for a peaceful lifestyle.

For those drawn to the Mediterranean, Greece offers one of the most remarkable incentive packages in Europe. On the remote island of Antikythera, local authorities provide a free house, a plot of land, and a monthly stipend of €500 for the first three years. The program targets young families and skilled workers, such as bakers and tradespeople, who can contribute to the community.

Spain, which appears eighth on the relocation ranking with 127,670 global searches, is also actively courting newcomers, particularly digital nomads and families willing to settle in depopulated villages. In Extremadura, remote workers can access grants of up to €15,000 for committing to a minimum two-year stay. The town of Ponga offers around £2,600 (€2,971) to attract new residents, with additional bonuses for newborns, while Rubia in Galicia pays families €150 per month to bolster local school numbers.

Canada, the world's most searched-for relocation destination, has its own financial hooks. Saskatchewan's Graduate Retention Program reimburses tuition fees of up to CA$20,000 (£11,580) to graduates who commit to living and working in the province after finishing their studies. For young Brits considering a move, this is a particularly practical incentive.

Other highly desired destinations like Portugal (sixth, 170,030), Costa Rica (seventh, 127,880), the Netherlands (ninth, 127,100), and Thailand (tenth, 126,960) show varying levels of incentives or lifestyle benefits.

Costa Rica, for example, is famed for its eco-friendly communities and emphasis on wellness, while Portugal's residency programs and tax advantages for newcomers provide practical appeal for retirees or remote workers.