Incentives

30,000 euros set aside for young people returning to live in small towns across Sardinia

The new measure, adopted by the regional government, provides for a grant of 56 million to combat depopulation in small municipalities

by Davide Madeddu

27 October 2026

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Versione italiana

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Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The aim is to bring back ‘home’ those who have left Sardinia to study or work, thanks to a fund totalling 50 million euros. In return, a grant of 20,000 euros will be offered to those under 40 who choose to move their residence to the island to work or set up a business. This figure rises to 30,000 euros for those who decide to settle in a municipality with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants.

The Region’s measure

This is the latest measure adopted by the Regional Government to tackle the problem of depopulation affecting small towns across the region. In particular, those situated in central Sardinia, where residents still have to contend with a lack of services – notably the high-speed broadband network and the transport system. The focus, as the regional government emphasises, is entirely on small municipalities which, year on year, are seeing an ever-increasing number of young people leaving.

President Todde

“The return of young people to Sardinia is at a crucial juncture. We have decided in the Regional Executive which individuals will be eligible for the incentives, what the requirements are, and under what conditions,” says Regional President Alessandra Todde. “ “The scheme is aimed at young people under the age of 40 who work or run a business in Sardinia and who undertake to transfer their residence to the island within six months of being granted the benefit.”

Who will be eligible for the scheme

Those who have already transferred their residence to Sardinia during 2026 will also be eligible for the incentives. In both cases, they will be required to maintain their residence there for at least five years.

The priority criteria identified by the Regional Executive include encouraging young Sardinians to return home, employment and business projects, the relocation of families, and the selection of municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants.

The initiative aims to encourage the return of those who have left Sardinia, to support new employment and business opportunities, and to tackle depopulation, with a particular focus on encouraging people to settle in small towns.

“The next step will be to draw up the public notice setting out the procedures for submitting applications,” says the chairwoman. “Because leaving must always be an option, but returning must become a viable choice.”

Other measures in place

This is just one piece of a wider mosaic that also provides support for young people who decide to pursue their education and remain in Sardinia. Among other initiatives, €21 million is earmarked for the three-year period 2026–2028 for the Ersu offices in Cagliari and Sassari, to strengthen financial support measures for students. Then there is the NewGens Plan, providing 44.2 million euros for youth employment and job security, new businesses, work placements, career guidance and advanced training, and the STEP Plan for technological skills, master’s degrees, PhDs, research grants, recruitment incentives and microcredit for innovative start-ups, which will see the disbursement of over 35 million euros. A further 30 million euros is earmarked for the ‘First Settlement’ scheme for young farmers aged 18–40.