Back in 2017, the small hill-top village of Albinen in Switzerland, wanted to counter its steady decrease in population size. To do so, the offer to new residents included a lovely £17,746 (20,000 CHF) pay packet if you were under the age of 45.
The monetary deal became even more lucrative when an extra £8,873.20 (10,000 CHF) was granted for every child you brought over.
One of the conditions, however, was that you needed to buy a house for at least £17,746 (200,000 CHF) and you would pledge to live in the alpine village for 10 years.
Another condition was to become a Swiss citizen, which would have been enticing for many. Mr Wayne Mills, the Head of Operations at Seven Seas Worldwide – an international shipping company for movers – commented on the allure.
“Switzerland is routinely mentioned as one of the safest and happiest countries in the world,” said Mr Mills.
“Albinen is set right in the middle of the stunning Swiss Alps; [it’s a] serene lifestyle in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.”
News travelled fast, however, and the tiny 4,300ft village was bursting at the seams with applications within a couple of years.
In 2023, the mayor at the time, Nicole Köppel told SWI swissinfo said that people had to consider the limitations to moving to Albinen.
She said: “Albinen has no school, no bank, no post office, one remaining pub, one shop and a bus every hour. You have to anticipate that beforehand and accept it when you’re here.”
In a somewhat deterrent, the cash offers have since been delayed until residents have lived in Albinen for five years. While the village might be limited in amenities, the rest of the stunning country has lots to offer to visitors.
There are over 1,500 lakes in Switzerland, with Lake Geneva being one of the most well-known beauties.
Best for nature lovers, there is more to see than lakes in the mountainous backdrop – there’s the highest European alp, Matterhorn, to climb. Then there’s the numerous ski resorts to visit, which is sure to keep anybody in shape.
The country is also known for the creation of the triangle-shaped chocolate Tolberone, and the Swiss are stereotypically fans of cheese and wine.
