German City Launches Program for Newcomers: Free Trial Residency Offered

The authorities of Eisenhüttenstadt, a city in eastern Germany, have launched a new image-building project to combat population decline. Starting in September 2025, newcomers will be able to live in the city free of charge for two weeks to explore its opportunities, CNN reports.

A Socialist Legacy

Eisenhüttenstadt is located near the Polish border on the Oder River, about 100 km from Berlin. It was founded in 1950 as Stalinstadt, becoming the first fully planned socialist city in East Germany (GDR). Many buildings from that era are now protected as historical monuments.

The city’s architecture and structure were built around one of East Germany’s largest steelworks, which still employs about 2,500 people today. Eisenhüttenstadt is surrounded by greenery and numerous lakes. According to IamExpat, around 40% of residents voted for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the 2025 federal elections.

Over the years, the population has fallen from 50,000 to just 24,000. As Mayor Frank Balzer told The Guardian:

"Many people left in search of work, especially young people. Now we are trying to attract newcomers to secure the future of our businesses and the city's vitality."

City spokesperson Julia Bazan added that the goal of the program is to encourage participants to consider permanent relocation.

The city still appeals to some. One new resident admitted his decision was spontaneous after visiting Karl Marx Street with friends and being impressed by the architecture. After a guided tour with a local historian, he decided to stay permanently.

Program Details

The program, called Probewohnen ("trial living"), is part of the city’s 75th anniversary celebrations, as noted on its official website. Applications are open until July 5, 2025, and the trial residency will take place from September 6 to 20.

The program primarily targets:
- skilled workers,
- self-employed professionals,
- and those already living and working in Germany or other EU countries.

Important limitations:
- This is not an immigration program and does not offer visas, residence permits, or work authorizations.
- Applicants must have valid work rights in the EU.
- Applications must be submitted in German (C1 level or higher) and are subject to organizer approval.
- Only two furnished apartments are available, making space extremely limited.

During the 14-day stay, participants will receive:

- free accommodation,
- guided tours,
- company visits,
- meetings with local employers,
- networking events and cultural activities.

At the end of each visit, participants will be invited to write a “love letter to Eisenhüttenstadt” sharing their impressions, which may be used in future promotional campaigns.

The program specifically targets those seriously considering relocation — not tourists, Work & Travel participants, or students.

Conclusion

Probewohnen is a small-scale initiative and is unlikely to solve the city’s demographic challenges. Instead, it serves as a marketing effort to attract attention to Eisenhüttenstadt. The program offers no long-term incentives for those who choose to stay but gives interested participants a chance to experience the city first-hand.

Similar projects exist elsewhere in Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain, where towns offer symbolic home purchases for as little as €1. However, buyers often face significant renovation costs, sometimes reaching €50,000–100,000. Eisenhüttenstadt’s project represents a new variation of these resettlement efforts.