new residents to Germany

This Historic German Town is offering 14-Day Rent-Free stays to attract New Residents

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a charming European town, Eisenhüttenstadt, a hidden gem on the Germany-Poland border, is offering two weeks of free accommodation to encourage potential new residents to experience life there. This unique relocation initiative is part of a broader effort to attract new residents to Germany and revitalise population growth in smaller towns.

Nestled just 60 miles from Berlin, Eisenhüttenstadt (literally “Steel Mill City”) welcomes commuters, remote workers, freelancers, and skilled professionals to try out the town for free. From September 6th to 20th, selected applicants will receive free furnished housing, local tours, and career networking opportunities as part of the innovative migration program called the “Make Plans Now” campaign. The application window is open until early July, so there’s still time to seize this rent-free opportunity in Germany.

Why Is This German Town Offering Free Housing?

Like many towns in the former East Germany, Eisenhüttenstadt has seen a steady population decline since reunification, dropping from over 50,000 residents to around 24,000. The town council hopes that offering a rent-free trial stay in Germany can entice new residents, particularly skilled workers, to consider relocating permanently.

As part of the program, participants will:

  • Live in a furnished apartment for 14 days, completely free.
  • Tour the town and the local steel factory.
  • Meet community members and local business owners.
  • Explore job shadowing, internship, and employment opportunities.

All this is aimed at giving participants a real taste of what life in Eisenhüttenstadt could be like if they choose to stay long-term.

Experience a Piece of German History

Founded in 1950 as the first fully planned socialist city in East Germany, Eisenhüttenstadt was originally named Stalinstadt (Stalin Town). Today, its carefully designed architecture and spacious urban planning draw architecture enthusiasts from around the world. Many of the town’s buildings are now protected as historical landmarks.

Sitting on the scenic Oder River, Eisenhüttenstadt is not only rich in history but also home to eastern Germany’s largest integrated steelworks, employing around 2,500 people. This makes it an ideal location for those interested in careers in metal processing, manufacturing, and industrial operations.

A Real-Life Success Story

One recent newcomer discovered Eisenhüttenstadt completely by chance. In a video shared on the town’s Instagram page, he explained how a drive down Karl-Marx-Straße changed his life:

“We were on a road trip with friends and passed through town. I saw the architecture and said to my wife, ‘I’m going to move here.’”

After taking a historical tour, he and his wife were so captivated by the town’s layout and cultural charm that they decided to relocate.

READ MORE: Top UK Scholarships 2025–2026: How to Apply for British Council’s Fully Funded Programs

Could You Be the Next to Move to Germany for Free?

If you’re considering relocating to Germany or just curious about what life is like in a smaller, community-driven town, Eisenhüttenstadt’s 14-day free stay offer could be your perfect starting point.

This initiative to attract new residents to Germany isn’t just about free housing. It’s about building a future in a town that values history, innovation, and community.

So whether you’re a remote worker tired of big-city life, a freelancer seeking inspiration, or a professional looking for fresh opportunities, Eisenhüttenstadt is inviting you to come and see what life in their town is really like, for yourself.

Are You Ready to Take the Leap?

Applications are open until early July. If you’ve been searching for a cost-free way to explore life in Germany, don’t miss this rare chance to move to Germany rent-free, even if just for two weeks. It could be the beginning of a brand-new chapter.

Here is the link to apply for this opportunity: https://www.eisenhuettenstadt.de/index.php?La=1&object=tx,2852.40934.1&kuo=2&sub=0#


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