In an effort to rejuvenate rural towns and promote the repopulation of mountain areas, the Italian region of Tuscany has launched a new program called "Residency in the Mountains 2024." This initiative offers financial incentives to individuals who are interested in moving to rural communities in Tuscany.

Through the program, the Italian government will provide grants ranging from €10,000 to €30,000 ($10,720 to $32,161) to assist with the expenses related to purchasing and renovating a home. The grants will cover up to 50% of the costs associated with buying and fixing up a property in towns with fewer than 5,000 residents.

The main objective of this program is to combat the marginalization of mountain areas by encouraging their socio-economic revitalization through the repopulation of these regions. Tuscany has allocated a total fund of €2,800,000 ($3,001,712) to support this initiative.

To be eligible for the program, interested individuals must make the property their permanent residence and must be either Italian citizens, EU citizens, or non-EU citizens with a long-term residency of at least 10 years. Applicants must commit to registering as residents in an Italian town and should not currently reside in another mountain town.

The application period for the "Residency in the Mountains 2024" program opened in June and will close on July 27 at 1 p.m. local Tuscan time. Those interested are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.

This is not the first time Italy has implemented such schemes to revitalize rural communities. In 2022, the government of Sardinia offered €15,000 ($14,767) to individuals willing to move to the Mediterranean island, while the region of Calabria promised $33,000 to new residents. In the village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, people were offered grants of up to $52,022 to relocate and work there.

These initiatives seek to boost the local economy and breathe new life into small-scale communities. By providing financial incentives, the Italian government aims to attract individuals who are willing to contribute to the growth and development of these rural areas.

If you're considering a move to Italy's picturesque countryside and have dreams of living under the Tuscan sun, the "Residency in the Mountains 2024" program might be the opportunity you've been waiting for. Take advantage of this initiative and be part of the revitalization of Tuscany's mountain communities.