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In the quiet border town of Guben, tucked away in the Eastern German state of Brandenburg, a bold social experiment is underway. Once a thriving industrial hub, Guben’s population has halved in the past three decades — from more than 30,000 to around 16,600 residents today. The shrinking numbers are not unique to Guben, but the town’s answer certainly is: it is now inviting newcomers — including foreigners — to try living there.
A Town Fighting Back Against Decline
Like many towns in Eastern Germany, Guben faces an ageing population, low birth rates, and the departure of young people to larger western cities. The result: fewer workers, fewer children in schools, and empty housing stock. Instead of accepting its fate, Guben decided to actively attract new residents, offering affordable rents, space, and a warm welcome to anyone ready to give the town a chance.
The “Trial-Living” Project – Probewohnen in Guben
One of the town’s most talked-about initiatives is called Probewohnen in Guben (“Trial Living in Guben”). The idea is simple but clever: people interested in moving to the area can live in a furnished flat for two to four weeks for a small fee — roughly €100 per week — to see if Guben could become their new home.
This programme, organised by the city administration together with the Gubener Wohnungsgesellschaft GmbH (municipal housing company) and the local initiative Guben tut gut., has already attracted interest from people across Germany — and even from abroad, including Bosnia, Algeria, Egypt and Brazil.
The project has been praised by the State of Brandenburg as a model of good practice for addressing demographic change. Participants can experience the town’s amenities, meet locals, and explore job or business opportunities before deciding whether to relocate permanently.
Jobs, Family Life, and a Fresh Start
Beyond the trial-living scheme, Guben is also investing in schools, childcare facilities, and infrastructure to make life easier for families and skilled workers. Local employers are looking for nurses, skilled trades people, technicians, and other professionals.
However, unlike some government-backed programmes in Western Europe, Guben’s initiatives do not include direct cash grants, relocation bonuses, or guaranteed jobs. The trial stay is purely a first step — a way to get a feel for life in a smaller, quieter town with affordable living and cross-border access to neighbouring Poland’s Gubin.
Can Non-EU Nationals Apply?
The “Trial-Living” project appears to welcome all interested participants, including foreigners already residing in Germany or from abroad. Applications have come from different countries, suggesting that nationality is not a strict barrier.
However, non-EU nationals must still comply with Germany’s general residence and work permit laws to live or work in the country long term. The programme itself does not override immigration regulations.
In short: anyone can try living in Guben for a few weeks, but permanent relocation still requires the usual visa or residence procedures.
Challenges and Opportunities
Guben’s strategy is brave but not without hurdles. Language barriers, limited job opportunities, and occasional scepticism toward newcomers remain realities. Eastern Germany has a reputation for conservative politics, and some residents may not yet be used to cultural diversity.
Still, Guben’s openness marks a refreshing contrast — a rural town saying yes to new beginnings. With affordable housing, calm surroundings, and a location on the German-Polish border, Guben could become a small but symbolic model for rural regeneration.
Final Thoughts
Guben’s invitation is not a grand migration plan. It’s a local experiment in hope, openness, and demographic survival. For people seeking affordable housing, fresh air, and community life — whether from Berlin, Lagos, Warsaw, or Nairobi — this small town may offer exactly what big cities have lost: space, peace, and belonging.
👉 Interested in testing life in Guben?
Visit the official website for more information: www.guben.de/de/leben-wohnen/probewohnen
or contact the local initiative: www.guben-tut-gut.de