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Living in Paradise Islands and Receiving a Benefit is Already a Reality in the Irish Government Program
Have you ever thought about earning money to live in a paradise-like place, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities? The Government of Ireland launched the program “Our Living Islands,” which offers up to €84,000 — equivalent to R$ 455,000 to R$ 500,000 — for those who accept to live in Irish islands and renovate abandoned houses.
The initiative aims to repopulate communities that have been losing residents over the past decades. Today, only 2,700 people live on the 23 islands participating in the program. With this measure, the expectation is to revitalize the local economy and bring life back to regions with unique natural beauty.
“The main condition is that the renovated property must be used as the primary residence,” informed the Irish Department of Housing.
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That is, no using the property as a vacation home or short-term rental: the rule is that the new resident must truly establish themselves there.
How the Incentive Works
The government offers a minimum amount of €50,000 for vacant homes. For properties classified as abandoned, the resident can receive up to €84,000, provided they take on the renovation challenge.
But there are important conditions:
- The property must have been built before 2007.
- It must remain vacant for at least two years.
- After the renovation, the new resident must use the home as their primary residence for 10 years.
Additionally, anyone who sells the property before 5 years must return the amount received to the government. This rule ensures that the funding genuinely serves to repopulate communities.
Where the Islands Are
The available houses are located in some of the most beautiful settings in Ireland, such as:
- Clare Island: known for its beaches and adventure trails.
- Bere Island: a refuge for cyclists, bird watchers, and lovers of tranquility.
- Inis Mór (Aran Islands): the setting for the movie The Banshees of Inisherin, nominated for an Oscar in 2022.
On the other hand, each of these islands holds cultural traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and a lifestyle very different from that found in big cities.
Opportunity for Life Change
Since its launch in 2023, the program has already generated candidates. The program, launched in 2023, has drawn interest. By March 2025, the Government of Ireland received 35 applications, of which 22 were approved.
In summary, the proposal is simple yet powerful: to transform abandoned houses into new homes, bring vitality to isolated communities, and offer a chance for a fresh start in a unique environment.
For those dreaming of living abroad, Ireland offers not only the charming landscape of its islands but also a financial incentive that is hard to ignore.
Have you ever thought about trading the hustle of the city for the silence of an Irish island?
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