Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a Medieval village located in the eastern region of Italy known as Abruzzo. This quaint, walled town is full of charm and history. If you have dreams of living a simpler life amongst mountains and sprawling landscapes, the government of Santo Stefano is offering to pay people willing to move and start a business there. If you agree to this offer, you will also receive a place to live with nominal rent.
Currently, there are only 115 residents in the village, and around half of them are pensioners. Fewer than 20 are under 13 years old. Mayor Fabio Santavicca told CNN Travel that they are doing what they can to keep this tiny village alive.
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“The town council will pay new residents a monthly fee for three years, up to a maximum of €8,000 ($9,500) per year. And the council will even pay a one-off contribution of up to €20,000 ($24,000) to get an entrepreneurial business off the ground,” reads CNN Travel.
But your start-up business must fall within one of the approved categories, including guides, staff for the information office, cleaners and maintenance workers, drugstore owners, or those who can work with, and sell, the area’s food.
To qualify for this program, you need to be or have the legal ability to become an Italian citizen, and you must be between the ages of 18 to 40. You are also required to live in the town for at least five years.
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Winters are not easy in the mountain village, however Mayor Fabio Santavicca says, “I live really well here. There’s good air, and right from the moment you wake up there are incredible views that really lift your spirits and give you a reason to go to work.”
News of this offer is spreading around the world with 1,500 applicants since the program launched on October 15. With only 10 spots available, the competition is strong. If you are interested in applying, you can find more information on the website.