Meis island announces financial incentives to boost population

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a new financial incentive program for the island of Meis to combat population decline and encourage permanent residency. The initiative targets both new settlers and existing residents to ensure the island's long-term viability.

Under the new regulations, households that complete at least one full year of residency will receive an annual tax-free support payment of 5,000 euros. This amount increases based on family size, with an additional 1,000 euros provided for each minor child, potentially reaching 7,000 euros for households with two children. Existing permanent residents are expected to begin receiving these payments in early 2027, while new residents who meet the residency requirements will see payments starting in 2028.

Additionally, a separate annual incentive of 5,000 euros will be provided to public sector employees, security forces, and military personnel serving on the island. Meis is located in close proximity to the Turkish coast, specifically across from the Kaş district of Antalya. The island currently has a population of approximately 584 people.