Source: CNN
The small village of Ollolai in Sardinia is making a bold appeal to Americans, who, as non-European Union citizens, are being given preferential treatment in its latest campaign to attract new residents. With a population that has dwindled from 2,250 a century ago to just 1,150 today, the village is banking on U.S. expats to breathe new life into its community.
Ollolai’s mayor, Francesco Columbu, has explicitly tailored this initiative to appeal to Americans, even though they face more hurdles than EU citizens in relocating. He believes U.S. residents, motivated by dissatisfaction with domestic politics or a desire for a simpler life, could be the village’s saviors.
The campaign includes the sale of one-euro homes in need of renovation, move-in-ready properties priced up to $105,000, and even free housing for select digital nomads. While applications are open to everyone, Americans are being offered a fast-tracked process, with the mayor describing them as the "winning card" in Ollolai’s efforts to reverse its population decline.
“Of course, we can’t mention names,” Columbu says, “but we all know why many Americans might be looking to leave now.”
Relocating to Italy as a non-EU citizen involves navigating residency permits and legal requirements, but the village is offering support to make the process easier. A dedicated team will guide Americans through every step, including private property tours, paperwork, and connecting with contractors for renovations.
The campaign builds on previous efforts to lure newcomers, which have included workspaces and homes for symbolic prices. Despite global attention, only 10 one-euro homes have been sold and renovated since 2018. However, the mayor’s team has mapped 100 more properties, which will soon be listed online.
Situated in Sardinia’s mountainous heart, Ollolai offers an escape from urban life. The village boasts clean air, sweeping views, and a rich cultural heritage. Local highlights include the Casu Fiore Sardo cheese, the cortes apertas (open courtyards) festival, and a unique masked carnival.
This push specifically aims to attract Americans, who might seek a simpler lifestyle away from the complexities of U.S. politics and urban stress. Pensioners, remote workers, and entrepreneurs are all welcome, with no demographic restrictions on applicants.
Favoring non-EU citizens—particularly Americans—might raise questions about fairness, but Ollolai is unrelenting in its strategy. While the village emphasizes that all are welcome, its website is clearly designed with American expats in mind.
The mayor is optimistic, especially after receiving over 38,000 inquiries, primarily from U.S. residents, since launching the initiative. “We know Americans are the right people to help us revive this village,” he says.
For Americans willing to overcome the bureaucratic hurdles of moving abroad, Ollolai offers a rare chance to own a piece of history and be part of an effort to restore a community on the verge of vanishing.
