Turns out, there’s more to this generous offer than it first appears.
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If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to the mountains and starting a quieter life, there’s a small Swiss village that might sound like paradise — especially because it pays newcomers $70,000 to move there. But as YouTubers from Yes Theory discovered, there’s a pretty big catch behind the offer.
Many people have imagined packing up their lives and starting fresh somewhere remote and peaceful, but few have had the chance to do it while getting paid. The team from Yes Theory decided to find out whether the offer from Albinen, a picturesque village in the Swiss Alps, was really as good as it sounds.
In their latest video, hosts Thomas Brag and Staffan Taylor set out to visit Albinen, hoping to learn the real story behind the town’s now-famous relocation program.
Joining them on the trip was a man named Sean, known online as Mr. Wildenfree, who had previously commented on one of their videos and was invited along for the adventure.
When the group arrived, they were stunned by how beautiful Albinen was — nestled among the mountains with traditional wooden homes and quiet cobblestone streets. But what struck them just as much was how empty it felt. Despite its postcard-perfect setting, there were few people around.
They soon met a local woman who confirmed that the town’s offer still stood: yes, people could still be paid to move to Albinen. But as she explained, it’s not as simple as packing a suitcase and showing up.
Albinen is a beautiful but remote place
Switzerland Tourism
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Officials in Albinen have received over 10,000 letters from people eager to move there, but relocating isn’t as straightforward as it might sound. The town’s payment plan comes with strict requirements — and a hefty investment.
While the offer is legitimate, anyone hoping to claim the $70,000 stipend must invest at least 200,000 CHF (around $250,000 USD) into property in the area. That means buying or renovating a home in Albinen before qualifying for the payout.
Many of the homes date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and the village is listed as a protected heritage site. For decades, Albinen was only accessible by steep paths — no roads existed until the 1960s. Winters often cut it off completely, and when farming declined, residents began to leave in search of easier lives elsewhere.
Yes Theory explained that in 2017, the local council launched the incentive program to bring young families back to the area. Applicants under 45 years old could apply for the grant, but only if they agreed to specific conditions.
To qualify, applicants had to build or restore a home worth at least 200,000 CHF, live in it as their main residence for at least 10 years, and hold either Swiss citizenship or a C-class permanent residence permit. The program’s goal was to breathe new life into the quiet mountain village by attracting people willing to settle there long-term.
Those accepted into the program would receive 25,000 CHF per adult and 10,000 CHF per child. While that might sound tempting, the YouTubers quickly learned that daily life in Albinen isn’t for everyone. The village is peaceful but isolated — there’s no school, no bank, and public transport runs just once an hour. The only gathering spots are a single pub and a small local shop.
During their visit, they met two locals, Vivian and Stephen, who told them that the council had recently voted to restart the incentive program after seeing continued interest from outsiders.
The residents also pointed out how life in Albinen carries certain risks. The area’s famous Albinen ladders — a set of steep wooden stairs clinging to the mountainside — are both scenic and dangerous. Many of the older houses are still heated with wood fires, and in the past, some mountain towns have burned down entirely.
By the end of 2023, Albinen’s population was just 262 — only a slight increase from 243 in 2020. Despite the government’s efforts, the town’s attempt to bring in new residents hasn’t had the booming success they hoped for.
Still, thanks to viral attention from social media and creators like Yes Theory, Albinen has found itself back in the global spotlight. The YouTubers noted that the charm, peace, and untouched beauty of this small village might draw in more applications soon — especially from people looking for a slower, simpler way of life.