Berlin is one of the most international cities in Europe. Around 20 percent of Berlin's population does not hold a German passport. Expats from all over the world come for jobs in the tech scene, for academic positions, for startups, or simply because Berlin is a city that draws people in. At the same time, getting started in Berlin involves more bureaucracy than in most other European metropolises. Those who prepare well experience the first few weeks more calmly.
This article walks through the most important steps: finding an apartment, completing registration, opening a bank account, and sorting out health insurance. A practical guide for anyone new to Berlin.
Step 1: Finding an apartment
For most expats, the apartment search is the first major challenge. On the classic Berlin housing market, applicants compete with German SCHUFA credit checks, German payslips, and German references. Anyone without these has hardly any chance. The most practical way to start is with a furnished temporary apartment: no SCHUFA required, no furniture to buy, no long lease terms.
The advantage of furnished living as a starting point: you arrive, get to know the city, find the district where you actually want to live, and then search for a long-term apartment from within Berlin. Furnished apartments in Berlin can be booked from one month, all-inclusive, with no commission.
Which district suits you? That depends on where you work and how you want to live. Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg are central and popular, but expensive. Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg are more affordable and lively. Charlottenburg is quieter and well connected. As an initial point of orientation, it's worth researching the commute time to work and then choosing the nearest attractive district.
Step 2: Registration at the Einwohnermeldeamt
Anyone staying in Berlin longer than three months is legally required to register at the Einwohnermeldeamt (residents' registration office). Registration is a prerequisite for many further steps: bank account, health insurance, tax number, driver's license. It should be done as early as possible.
What you need: a completed registration form (available online), an ID card or passport, and a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation). The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is a form filled out by the landlord confirming that you actually live in the apartment. Not all landlords of furnished short-term apartments issue this, so it's worth asking in advance.
Appointments at the Bürgeramt (citizens' office) are often booked out several weeks in advance. Online appointment booking is possible, but you should start early. Some Bürgeramt offices also offer queue tickets without an appointment.
What |
Where |
What to bring |
Registration |
Bürgeramt (by district) |
Passport, Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, registration form |
Tax ID |
Finanzamt or automatically by post |
Registration confirmation |
Bank account |
Bank or online bank |
Passport, registration confirmation |
Health insurance |
Health insurance provider directly |
Employment contract or residence permit |
Step 3: Opening a bank account
A German bank account is practically indispensable for everyday life in Berlin. Rent, electricity, streaming services, mobile phone contracts: almost everything runs via SEPA direct debit. Anyone with only a foreign credit card quickly runs into limitations.
The simplest options for newcomers are online banks such as N26 or Vivid. They open accounts entirely digitally, require no registration confirmation, and can be used within a few days. For a classic German account with Sparkasse or Deutsche Bank, you generally already need a registration confirmation.
Step 4: Health insurance
In Germany, health insurance is mandatory. Anyone working here is automatically covered under statutory health insurance, provided their salary is below the annual income threshold (Jahresarbeitsentgeltgrenze). The employer registers the employee and pays half of the contribution. Those who are self-employed or have a high income can opt for private insurance.
For expats who do not yet have a German employment contract: private international health insurance can bridge the time until statutory insurance takes effect. Once an employment contract is in place, you can register with a statutory health insurance provider.
Daily life in Berlin as an expat
Berlin is a city where you can get by well in English. In the tech scene, in restaurants, in supermarkets: English works almost everywhere. Nevertheless, even a little German makes everyday life considerably easier, especially when dealing with authorities and on phone calls with offices.
What often surprises expats: despite its international reputation, Berlin is more bureaucratic than expected. Documents arrive by post, not by email. Appointments must be booked weeks or months in advance. Anyone who knows this and prepares accordingly avoids frustration.
For those still looking for the right accommodation to get started: temporary apartments in Berlin offer the most flexible option with no long lead time.
Conclusion
Starting out as an expat in Berlin is manageable if you take the right steps in the right order. Apartment first, then registration, then everything else. With a furnished temporary apartment, you have the peace of mind needed to take care of everything calmly.
Frequently asked questions
1. Do I need a SCHUFA as an expat in Berlin?
For classic rental apartments, generally yes. For furnished temporary apartments, a SCHUFA is usually not required. Instead, proof of income or an advance payment is sometimes requested.
2. How long does registration in Berlin take?
The appointment at the Bürgeramt may be booked out several weeks in advance. The registration itself only takes a few minutes. You usually receive the registration confirmation directly on site.
3. Can I live in Berlin without German language skills?
Yes, quite well even. Especially in the tech scene and international environments, everything runs in English. However, when dealing with authorities and in everyday life, a bit of German also helps.
4. Which Berlin district is best suited for expats?
That depends on your workplace and lifestyle. Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg are popular among younger expats. Charlottenburg and Prenzlauer Berg among professionals and families. Mitte is central, but expensive.
5. How quickly can I move into a furnished apartment in Berlin?
Often within a few days. With platforms like Farawayhome, the process is digital and fast: submit a request, clarify the terms, move in.
Guide: Expat Guide Berlin