Albinen: The Beautiful Village That Pays You to Stay (2024)

If you’ve been dreaming of living in Switzerland, you might get the chance this time in Albinen. The municipality is located in the district of Leuk, which is a part of Valais. The canton is in the southern part of Switzerland, where the famous Matterhorn Mountain is found. Valais is in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

From Valais, you can reach Albinen by traveling by car for 41.2 kilometers. It will take 58 minutes via Route 9.

The Village of Albinen

The village of Albinen is located on Rhone Valley’s sunnier side. It is a mountain village that is considered as one of Valais’ most beautiful villages. About six kilometers away are Leukerbad’s famous thermal springs.

Albinen is a peaceful and quiet village and it’s going to be awesome to breathe in the fresh mountain air while feasting your eyes on the spectacular view. It is a great holiday and vacation destination.

Guided tours around Albinen are available. One of the unique attractions in the village is the Albinen ladders, which is an alternative way to reach Leukerbad faster. Who, why and when the Albinen ladders started, nobody knows. These eight well-maintained wooden ladders divide the climb up the 100-meter high mountainside in eight stops. In the past, the ladders were used by traders as walking on the valley floor takes longer.

Now, the ladders are securely bolted in place, with steel guard wires bolted on the cliff’s face where you can clip your carabiner for safety. If you are afraid of heights, there is a tunnel bypass. New roads also make traveling to other areas outside the valley easier.

Albinen’s History

Scholars cannot determine if the name of the village came from Arbignon, which means “forest” or from Albignion that means ”alp.” Both are terms from Old French. Since there is no evidence to prove if the area was wooded or pastureland in the past, the source of the name is still debatable.

What is known is that there were already settlers in the area during prehistoric times, proven by the remains of Celtic graves in the area. Germanic-speaking tribes arrived and settled in the region in the 11th century. They cultivated the area and built a permanent settlement.

Albinen comprises the communities of Dorben and Tschingeren. The former is the most important as it is the site of the original village hall or thingstead.

In the past, the village of Albinen was connected to the parish of Leuk. In 1737, it was declared as a separate parish and even had its own church.

Isolation

The essential charm of Albinen is its geographical location over the sharp incline of the Dala gorge. It provides stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains but its location also causes the area to be isolated. It does, however, makes the residents self-sufficient, with most of them working in agriculture.

Before roads were built, only steep footpaths allowed people to reach Albinen. According to Switzerland’s Geographical Encyclopedia, there was no salthouse, shop or tavern to be found in Albinen in 1902. At that time, the village has 301 residents, historically the highest population achieved by Albinen. Since the 1940s, the residents have been leaving the village.

Despite the accessibility of the place by car since the 1960s, Albinen’s population continues to decline. The concrete roads brought in tourists, giving the residents an alternative income source.

Heritage Site

The entire village of Albinen is a Swiss heritage site because of its historic architecture, visual appearance and its location. The community is densely developed, with the residential and other buildings tightly constructed, using minimal land space. Unlike other villages in the region that are located on mountain terraces, the houses and buildings of Albinen look like they are clinging to the mountain slope. Notable are the historical buildings that were built during the 17th and 18th centuries. These structures are very well preserved, adding to the charm of the village of Albinen. It’s an extraordinary sight to see the functional and residential building built uniformly.

Why the Village of Albinen Pays People to Stay

Late last year, the village of Albinen made the news. The story says that the Swiss municipality is offering money to entice non-residents to live in the village, and get this – the deal is for 10 years minimum!

The story also mentioned that those who will pass their criteria would each be given $25,200 if they were adults. Each child will be paid $10,000. The offer’s very irresistible, isn’t it? Seventy-one of the Albinen residents approved the initiative in November 2017.

But before you start selling your furniture and appliance and packing your bags, wait! There are other conditions that you have to consider, so read on.

Why is Albinen Making This Move?

The main reason is to increase its number of residents. Right now, the population, which continues to dwindle, is only 240. With many of the residents leaving their village, the village officials want to ensure that they will improve their economy by bringing in new residents. Most of those leaving the village are young people, particularly those with families of their own. The recent departures caused the closure of the local school.

What prompts people to leave Albinen? The place is very habitable, it has scenic views that are IG-worthy, it’s clean and peaceful, and you inhale pollution-free air.

Here are some of the things you have to consider before you lodge in your application.

  1. The village is relatively small. Its total size is 6.01 square miles or 15.56 square kilometers. About 10% of the land is not suitable for agriculture.
  2. The location is about 4,300 feet or 1,300 meters above sea level.
  3. Only 16 people live within one square kilometer.
  4. Jobs are scarce. The annual subsidy given by the town for its residents is not enough.
  5. Albinen is hopeful they can attract at least 10 families to move to their village within the next few years. They are allocating $100,000 annually for the project.
  6. To qualify, the applicant has to be at least under 45 years of age.
  7. The applicant must be willing to invest a minimum of US$201,600 or 200,000 francs to buy or build a home, which should be the applicant’s primary and permanent home.
  8. The agreement is that the applicant should be willing to stay in Albinen for 10 years. Should the successful applicant decide to leave Albinen before the end of the contract, they have to pay back the monetary incentive given to them in full.
  9. One of the most important considerations is residency. The foreign applicant has to secure the Swiss C permit or the permanent residency permit. This means you have to apply as an immigrant and receive the residency permit in order to qualify to stay in Albinen.

Some of the conditions for non-EU residents to acquire a Swiss C permit:

  • Has lived in Switzerland continuously for 12 years
  • Has continuous residency in Switzerland for 5 years using a B permit
  • Married to a Swiss citizen
  • Submission of other required documentation for immigration such as clean criminal and debt records and certification of proficiency in the German language

Note: The Swiss passport is one of the most difficult passports to get.

The response from many parts of the world to the Albinen initiative was overwhelming. The office of Mayor Beat Jost was inundated with phone inquiries. The Albinen authorities were quick to correct the media though, for what they believed were misleading media coverage. According to the local officials, the story that came out in the media indicated that it is easy to apply for the initiative, as the conditions attached to the offer were not clearly explained.

First Approval

April of this year, it was announced that a family of three (soon to be four) is the first family approved tomove to the village of Albinen. They are from Aargau, a Swiss canton in the northern part of Switzerland. The family were to relocate to Albinen in September.

The village officials are optimistic about their project. After approving the first family, they are studying at least five promising requests. Surprisingly, many of the serious contenders are Albinen villagers themselves.

Need Help with Your Legal Document Translations?

Are you willing to spend the next ten years of your life in an idyllic Swiss town high up the mountains?

Albinen residents speak German and French. A few speak Romansh. If you need translation from any language into German or French, work with the professional translators of Day Translations, Inc. Our translators are native speakers and reside in-country, meaning they not only have a deep understanding of their language but also its nuances and their native culture. It’s an assurance that you will get the most accurate translation possible. Whatever type of translation you need, we are here to help. You can immediately reach us by phone by calling 1-800-969-6853. You can also reach us by email through Contact us. Day Translations is open 24/7, 365 days of the year, so you can reach us anytime you need translation service.

Image Copyright: Xenos [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], from Wikimedia Commons

Albinen: The Beautiful Village That Pays You to Stay (2024)

FAQs

Does Albinen pay you to live there? ›

Albinen, a small Swiss town famous for different types of cheese and stunning locales, has around 240 inhabitants. If you are under 45 the town will pay you around 25,000 Swiss francs (Approx. Rs 20 lakh) for singles over the age 45, 50,000 (Approx.

How do you get paid to move into Albinen? ›

Since 2018, Albinen has tried to attract new inhabitants by paying a housing grant to every individual moving into the village. Adults receive 25,000 Swiss francs each, provided they are aged under 45. They receive an additional 10,000 francs for every child they bring with them.

How do I apply to live in Albinen? ›

You do have to be a Swiss citizen or a have a permit C residence (permanent residence) to apply for the program. If you're a member of the EU you can get that in five years, but for other foreigners it takes up to 10. But if you have duel citizenship or family in Switzerland, it may be worth looking into!

Will Switzerland pay me to move there? ›

The Swiss village of Albinen wants to offer money to non-residents who are willing to live in the town for at least 10 years. New residents will be paid $25,200 per adult and $10,000 per child. The village only has 240 residents, with many moving away in great numbers over the last few years.

What country will pay you to move there 2022? ›

The Greek island of Antikythera has less than 50 inhabitants, and the Greek Orthodox Church will pay you to move there. You'll receive a house and a piece of land, as well as €500 (around $590) a month for your first three years.

What states will pay you to move there 2022? ›

States that pay you to move there
  • Alaska. If moving closer to the great outdoors sounds appealing to you, nothing beats the rugged, beautiful landscape of Alaska. ...
  • Maine. Cash incentive? ...
  • Vermont. ...
  • West Virginia. ...
  • Arkansas – Northwest Arkansas.
21 Jul 2022

What is the cost of living in Albinen Switzerland? ›

A village in the Swiss Alps will pay up to $70,000 for a family of four to move there -- but only if they are eligible.

Can I get paid to move to Italy? ›

The government of Sardinia, Italy, is prepared to pay people €15,000 each (about $14,767) to move to the Mediterranean island. According to a translated press release, Sardinia is setting aside €45 million to subsidize 3,000 grants of up to $15,000 each.

How do I become a resident of Albinen Switzerland? ›

To be eligible, new residents must be under 45 years old, sign up to live in Albinen for a minimum of 10 years, buy or build a property there with a minimum value of CHF200,000 (£150,000), and be a Swiss citizen or have a valid Swiss C permit. Their house there must be a primary residence, rather than a second home.

Can I move to Switzerland without a job? ›

If you wish to settle in Switzerland without taking up gainful employment, you must apply for a residence permit from the cantonal immigration and employment market authorities. Depending on your nationality, you must also obtain a visa from the Swiss representation abroad.

How can I get permanent residency in Switzerland? ›

After you have lived in Switzerland for 10 continuous years, you will be eligible to apply for a Swiss Permanent Residence Permit (C Permit). Once you are a permanent resident, and have lived in Switzerland for 10 years, you can apply to become naturalized as a Swiss citizen.

How do I become a Swiss resident? ›

Foreigners with no direct blood ties to Switzerland through either birth or marriage must live in the country for at least 10 years before they can apply for citizenship. Years spent in the country between ages eight and 18 count double, but in this case the actual stay in Switzerland must be at least six years.

Which country give money to live there? ›

Alaska, USA

Alaska has been a hotspot for moving through several years, and they still keep on paying people to move there. Alaska is mostly pollution-free, so you get to stay in a place that is clean and fresh. If you permanently shift to Alaska, then you may earn up to USD 2000 every year.

Can you live in Switzerland without citizenship? ›

Everyone, regardless of nationality, needs a residence permit if they want to stay and work in Switzerland for longer than three months. Apply for a permanent residence.

What language do they speak in Albinen Switzerland? ›

Albinen residents speak German and French. A few speak Romansh.

What state pays you $10000 to move there? ›

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Like Vermont, the city of Tulsa is looking to inject new life into their state with remote worker incentives. They offer a $10,000 relocation award. The payment is made over the course of a year and there are other eligibility requirements.

Which country pays you to get married? ›

The central region of Italy is offering couples a cash reward of 2,000 euros to spend on their weddings if they tie the knot in the area. The enticing offer is being given by the authorities of Lazio, which includes the country's capital, Rome. The famous Trevi fountain is also located in Lazio itself.

How much do you get paid to live in Alaska 2022? ›

Alaska. Alaska's Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a dividend paid to Alaska residents who have lived in the state for a full calendar year. The amount of the PFD changes every year according to what the Alaska state legislature approves. The 2022 PFD budget set aside $3,284 for every eligible Alaskan.

Where is the best place to move to start over? ›

Fresh Start: 10 Best Cities to Move to Start a New Life
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Anyone looking for a fresh start will find a kindred spirit in Pittsburgh itself. ...
  • Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. ...
  • Salt Lake City, Utah. ...
  • Jacksonville, Florida. ...
  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. ...
  • Cleveland, Ohio. ...
  • Denver, Colorado. ...
  • Nashville, Tennessee.
7 Jan 2022

How much do you get paid to live in Alaska per month? ›

Alaska. Alaska's incentive program dates back to 1976, and it's called the Permanent Fund Dividend. How much do you get paid to live in Alaska, though? In the past, citizens have qualified for up to $1,600 for simply living in Alaska, and in 2021 the amount was $1,114.

How can I get money to move? ›

If you don't have savings for a move, a personal loan may provide fast cash and lower rates than some credit cards. These lenders offer moving and relocation loans, whether you have good or bad credit, need fast funding or are looking for a small loan.

Is it hard to move to Switzerland? ›

Switzerland is one of the world's best expat countries, with some of the highest living standards and a sophisticated, multilingual population. Yet moving to Switzerland can still be stressful and difficult if you don't do it right. The challenges faced by expats vary depending on where in Switzerland they live.

How long can a tourist stay in Switzerland? ›

1.17 Maximum duration of a visitor's visa

People travelling on a visitor's visa may stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. After this period of time, they must leave the Schengen area and reapply for another visa.

Is it hard to get a work visa in Switzerland? ›

Obtaining a work permit or employment visa in Switzerland has become increasingly difficult. Non-EU/EFTA nationals who intend to live and work in Switzerland should be aware that the Swiss government has permit quotas in place, which only allow a certain number of permits to be distributed every year.

What is the cheapest place to live in Italy? ›

So what are the cheapest cities to live in Italy? Turin, Palermo, and Naples are the cheapest cities to live in in Italy. The cost of living in Milan is just slightly higher than the living costs in Rome. The cost of living in Florence is only slightly lower than the cost of living in Rome.

Can you buy a house in Italy if you are not a citizen? ›

There are no restrictions for foreigners who want to buy properties in Italy. However, the Italian authorities have the power of making some verifications of criminal records and other aspects.

How much is it to live in Italy for a month? ›

Summary: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,715$ (2,709€) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 771$ (769€) without rent.

How much money do I need to immigrate to Switzerland? ›

The average cost of a move from the U.S. to Switzerland is $3,450. International moves tend to be more expensive as items need to travel a long distance, safely and quickly.

Why is it so hard to get citizenship in Switzerland? ›

A new Swiss Citizenship Act came into force in 2018 making it harder to acquire Swiss citizenship. The most notable change was that applicants need to hold a settlement C residence permit to qualify. Certain cantons may have their own specific requirements for integration into Swiss society.

What jobs are in demand in Switzerland? ›

Most In-Demand Jobs in Switzerland in 2022:
  • Various engineers: civil, mechatronics and electrical engineers.
  • Skilled technicians.
  • Welders and mechanics.
  • Software developers and other IT-related jobs.
  • Legal jobs.
  • Nurses.
  • Doctors.
  • Other medical staff.
12 Aug 2022

How much is rent in Switzerland? ›

A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,462$ (1,435Fr.) without rent. Cost of living in Switzerland is, on average, 52.82% higher than in United States.
...
Cost of Living in Switzerland.
RestaurantsEdit
Rent Per MonthEdit
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre1,601.70Fr.
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre1,248.49Fr.
63 more rows

What is the easiest country to immigrate to? ›

  • Easiest Countries to Immigrate To. Here are some of the easiest countries to immigrate to: ...
  • New Zealand. New Zealand is a popular destination for immigration mainly because of its Skilled Migration Program. ...
  • Australia. ...
  • Spain. ...
  • Paraguay. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • Montenegro. ...
  • Czech Republic.

Does a baby born in Switzerland get citizenship? ›

Yes, your child will acquire Swiss citizenship at birth. According to the Swiss Citizenship Act (SCA), a child born to Swiss parents is a Swiss citizen from birth. If the parents are unmarried and only the mother is Swiss, the child automatically receives Swiss citizenship.

Can a foreigner buy a property in Switzerland? ›

Can foreigners buy a property in Switzerland? Yes, but there are restrictions imposed at a national, regional and local level on where and what foreigners may buy. Foreign property owners may occupy their property in Switzerland for up to six months per year.

How long do you have to live in Switzerland to become a citizen? ›

To obtain Swiss citizenship, an immigrant must live in the country for 10 years and have a permanent residence permit. Permanent residence can be obtained after ten years of living in a country with a residence permit. A temporary residence permit must be renewed every year.

Can I get residency in Switzerland if I buy a house? ›

Not all foreign nationals are free to purchase property in Switzerland. Some need authorisation to become the owner of a house or land. Purchasing a house, an apartment or land in Switzerland will not grant you a residence permit.

How much is cost of living in Switzerland? ›

What is the average cost of living in Switzerland? The average person spends $1600 USD per month, excluding rent. Rental expenses depend on the city and can range from $1900-2600 USD.

Is Swiss healthcare free? ›

There are no free state-provided health services, but private health insurance is compulsory for all persons residing in Switzerland (within three months of taking up residence or being born in the country).

Which country gives free house? ›

Finland Solves Its Homelessness by Providing Apartments for Anyone Who Needs One. Homelessness is a problem all over the world, but Finland is leading the way with an initiative that could provide a long-term solution. In 2008, the Northern European nation introduced the “Housing First” policy.

Which country gives free money? ›

Distributing free money to the unemployed improves their well-being, but doesn't appear to have any significant impact on their job prospects. That's according to the preliminary results of a landmark experiment in Finland, the first country in the world to trial a basic income at a national level.

Which country is best to become rich? ›

The top 5 places in the world to grow your wealth
  1. Switzerland. Switzerland takes the top spot for expats looking to grow their wealth. ...
  2. Saudi Arabia. ...
  3. United Arab Emirates (UAE) ...
  4. Bahrain. ...
  5. Hong Kong.

How much does it cost to become a Swiss citizen? ›

The cost of the simplified naturalisation procedure in Switzerland varies according to age: 250 francs for minors under the age of 12. 650 francs for minors aged 12 and over. 900 francs for adults.

How much do you need to retire in Switzerland? ›

Switzerland is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world; therefore, you need a considerable amount of money if you want to move in. For a comfortable retirement, you would need around $1500 for your daily and monthly living expenses without including rent.

How hard is it to get a job in Switzerland? ›

On one hand, the Swiss job market readily welcomes foreigners, especially in senior management level positions. However, competition for positions is stiff. In such a small country with a reputation for a high quality of life, expats from around the globe flock to call Switzerland home, leaving few job vacancies.

How do you get paid to move into Albinen? ›

Since 2018, Albinen has tried to attract new inhabitants by paying a housing grant to every individual moving into the village. Adults receive 25,000 Swiss francs each, provided they are aged under 45. They receive an additional 10,000 francs for every child they bring with them.

Can foreigners move to Albinen Switzerland? ›

You do have to be a Swiss citizen or a have a permit C residence (permanent residence) to apply for the program. If you're a member of the EU you can get that in five years, but for other foreigners it takes up to 10.

Can I live in Switzerland speaking English? ›

English is not recognized as an official language but is still quite commonly spoken due to widespread teaching. Zurich and Geneva especially are very international cities and you will perfectly fine using English there as well as the other major cities.

Is moving to Switzerland a good idea? ›

Switzerland came out on top in well-being, income, healthcare, social and environmental quality, education, housing, and more. Expats in Switzerland enjoy a great work-life balance, high-quality education and healthcare, great housing, and incredible natural landscapes.

How much would it cost to move to Switzerland? ›

You'll probably need between $3000-$5000 to move to Switzerland from the United States. While fees can vary, in general you can expect this amount to cover the cost for shipping, transportation, customs, and immigration.

How much money do I need to retire in Switzerland? ›

Average Cost to Retire in Switzerland

In order to live comfortably in Switzerland, a single person would need more than $3,500 per month. However, in the larger cities, a retired couple can expect to pay $4,000 per month or more just for rent, utilities, food, and healthcare.

What jobs are in demand in Switzerland? ›

Most In-Demand Jobs in Switzerland in 2022:
  • Various engineers: civil, mechatronics and electrical engineers.
  • Skilled technicians.
  • Welders and mechanics.
  • Software developers and other IT-related jobs.
  • Legal jobs.
  • Nurses.
  • Doctors.
  • Other medical staff.
12 Aug 2022

Is Switzerland friendly to foreigners? ›

The Swiss scored poorly on friendliness, making foreigners feel welcome, and openness to expat friends. But Switzerland is still considered the safest country for expats, with a high quality of living and better income than is available elsewhere. Just don't tell that to a native.

How much is rent in Switzerland? ›

A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,462$ (1,435Fr.) without rent. Cost of living in Switzerland is, on average, 52.82% higher than in United States.
...
Cost of Living in Switzerland.
RestaurantsEdit
Rent Per MonthEdit
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre1,601.70Fr.
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre1,248.49Fr.
63 more rows

Is Swiss healthcare free? ›

There are no free state-provided health services, but private health insurance is compulsory for all persons residing in Switzerland (within three months of taking up residence or being born in the country).

What is the average salary in Switzerland? ›

In 2020, the OECD reported that the average annual salary in Switzerland was around CHF 60,600.
...
Average salary in Switzerland by sector.
Job sectorAvg gross monthly wage (CHF)
Arts, entertainment and recreation6,549
Construction6,218
Financial and insurance activities9,286
Human health and social work6,406
5 more rows
30 Jun 2022

How much is a Coke in Switzerland? ›

Price Rankings by Country of Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) (Restaurants)
1.Switzerland4.21 $
2.Denmark3.10 $
3.Norway2.84 $
4.Austria2.69 $
5.Israel2.65 $
101 more rows

Is it cheaper to live in Switzerland or Italy? ›

The average cost of living in Italy ($1221) is 51% less expensive than in Switzerland ($2507).
...
Italy vs Switzerland - Cost of Living Comparison.
ItalySwitzerland
🏠 One person rent$597$1351
🏘️ Family rent$1059$2468
🍽️ Food expenses$405$806
🚐 Transport expenses$87.2$127
11 more rows

How much money do you need per day in Switzerland? ›

If you want to keep your expenses under control, be prepared to spend something between Sfr 200 to Sfr 250 per person per day. For budget travelers, the average daily cost to travel in Switzerland is 80-100 Swiss Francs.

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