Back

Try Before You Buy: German Town Offers Free Two-Week Stay to Win Over New Residents

Considering a European move? This town in eastern Germany is offering a free two-week trial stay to entice you, in a bid to boost its population.

Just 60 miles from Berlin and right by the Polish border, Eisenhüttenstadt is on the hunt for new people to call it home.

According to a statement from the local council, they’re offering a 14-day trial stay for potential new residents.

“The project is aimed at anyone interested in moving to Eisenhüttenstadt—such as commuters, those interested in returning to the town, skilled workers, or self-employed individuals seeking a change of scenery,” it read.

Applications are open until the beginning of July.

Selected participants will live for free in a furnished apartment from September 6-20 as part of an “innovative immigration project” named “Make Plans Now,” said the council.

Through this initiative, potential newcomers “will have the opportunity to get to know the life, work and community of (Eisenhüttenstadt) in a 14-day living trial — for free and in the middle of the town,” reads the statement.