Sardinia, up to €30,000 for under-40s who move to small municipalities

The Sardinia Region has set the criteria for incentives for under-40s who move to the island to work or start a business. The grant available is €20,000, rising to €30,000 for those who choose a municipality with fewer than 5,000 residents. The measure aims to encourage young people to return and support small towns.

The Regional Council has established that young people who work or run a business in Sardinia can qualify for the benefit if they undertake to transfer their residence to the island within six months of being approved. Those who have already moved their residence to Sardinia during 2026 are also eligible. In both cases, they must maintain their residence there for at least five years.

In setting its priorities, the regional government identified the return of young Sardinians, employment and business projects, the relocation of families, and the choice of municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents. The stated aim is to foster new professional and entrepreneurial opportunities and combat depopulation, with particular attention to less populated towns. The measure is therefore intended both for those returning to the island and for those moving there to build a life and career.

Regional President Alessandra Todde presented the criteria as a step toward launching the initiative. The Regional Council said the next phase would be preparing the public notice, which will set out how to submit applications. Todde said: «The next step will be preparing the public notice, which will set out how to submit applications».

The key details of the announced measure are:

• Eligible applicants: people under 40 who work or run a business in Sardinia.
• Grant amount: €20,000; €30,000 for those who settle in a municipality with fewer than 5,000 residents.
• Residence: must be transferred within six months of approval for the benefit, or must already have been transferred during 2026.
• Duration of requirement: residence in Sardinia must be maintained for at least five years.

Among the factors identified by the Regional Council, selection will prioritize the return of young Sardinians and family, employment, and business projects. The issue forms part of the broader picture of young Sardinians returning, with the financial incentive also intended to make municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents more attractive.