How To Move To Berlin, Germany: A Guide For Expats in 2025
Fell in love with this beautiful city? Ready to make a commitment and move to Berlin?
Welcome to the club! Just over ten years ago, I did the exact same thing. In fact, I came with the intention of staying for only one year. Years later, I’m still here, so that should tell you how much I love this place.
And why not? It’s big, it’s vibrant and it’s artistic. Plus there’s a great community of other expats here. The climate is pretty good and people are usually friendly.
However, please be warned: Getting a visa, finding a job, finding a flat and learning German are not easy. But despite these difficulties, the dirtiness and occasional outright rudeness (Berliner schauze), I still love Berlin.
Is moving to Berlin the right decision for you? Only you can know the answer to that! I can tell you that I’ve never regretted it. But we all have different priorities and reasons to move.
If you’re considering a move to Berlin, here’s a quick’n’dirty guide on almost everything you need to know:
How To Move To Berlin
1. Plan For Your German Visa
Moving to Berlin is an exciting adventure, but it’s crucial to have the right visa to legally reside and work in Germany. (A Berlin expats favorite topic of conversation is always “How long did you get on your visa?”)
Do your research ahead of time at the official website of the Foreigner’s Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) or consult your local German embassy for details.
To give you an idea of where to start, here’s a breakdown of common visa types for expats:
4 Common Types of German Visas
1. Working Holiday Visa
A popular choice for young travellers, the Working Holiday Visa allows you to work and travel in Germany for a specific time period. Eligibility criteria and visa processing times vary by country. (Most countries only offer this for young people ie under a certain age.)
2. Freelance Visa
If you’re a freelancer or self-employed, you’ll need a Freelance Visa. This visa requires proof of income and a solid business plan.
3. Student Visa
If you’re here to study (even if that’s just taking German classes), you can acquire a student visa. (This one might also require 10k in your bank account.)
4. Employment Visa
If you’ve secured a job offer from a German company, you’ll need an Employment Visa. However, in this case everything becomes much easier! Your employer will typically handle the visa application process on your behalf.
For Visa Waiver Countries:
If your passport is from a country with a visa waiver agreement with Germany, you can enter the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days without a visa. This gives you time to sort out your residency permit.
For Other Countries:
Typically, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. The specific requirements and procedures may vary, so it’s essential to consult the official website of the German Foreign Office or your local German embassy for the most accurate information.
Get A Visa in Germany Tips
- Start early. Visa processing can take time, so begin your application well in advance if you can.
- Book appointments early. Germany has yet to join the digital age for many things and getting appointments usually takes a few months.
- Gather and print the required documents. Germany loves paperwork so you might as well get a jump on it. Start collecting all the necessary documents, such as proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation.
- If necessary, consult with an immigration lawyer, translator, or relocation service. Consider seeking professional advice to ensure a smooth application process. Note: sometimes taking a German-speaking friend with you to the appointment is enough.
- Stay updated: Visa regulations can change. Check for the latest information on the German Foreign Office website. (Here’s a link to the German Embassy in the USA.)
- Permanent residence and citizenship. Want to make it official? After you’ve resided in Germany for a set period of time (depending on your permit), you can apply for permanent residence and eventually citizenship.
German Visa Resources
2. Find A Job in Berlin
If you’re not a student, freelancer or self-employed, finding a job is obviously a priority after your move to Berlin.
Berlin’s vibrant international scene has many options for English-speaking expats seeking exciting career opportunities. But don’t get it twisted! You will obviously have a lot more options if you learn German. English-speaking jobs are highly coveted and therefore very competitive.
Therefore, I highly encourage you to start your search before moving here, if possible. Of course, you can search after you’ve arrived here as well. Just be aware that the hiring process in Germany typically takes a lot longer than it does in North America. (Think months not weeks.)
Here are the top resources to kickstart your job search in Berlin:
Berlin Jobs in English
Finding A Job In Berlin Tips
- Look up German resume norms. If you’re coming from North America, know that things are quite different here. To my surprise, employers typically want a photo, as well as your marital status (two things that would be outright illegal to ask for in Canada!)
- Tailor your resume and cover letter. Highlight your English skills and experience relevant to the Berlin market.
- Network. Getting jobs (or flats) is always easier through interpersonal connections. Since it’s a new city (and you probably don’t know anyone) make it a priority to attend industry events and connect with professionals in your field. (Check out the free events at Factory Berlin, for example.)
- Keep your LinkedIn up-to-date. Update your location, making new contacts or even start making posts there.
3. Finding A Flat in Berlin
Now for the scariest part of moving to Berlin: finding a flat.
Please know ahead of time that there is a severe housing shortage in Berlin and rising rates are a hot topic. If you are looking for an affordable flat in a hip neighborhood, the competition will be fierce. Things get a bit easier if you’re willing to look outside the ring or if you have more money to spend (and therefore less competition).
In other words, finding a flat might take some time. It’s a common Berlin story to bounce from one long-term flat stay to the next for a year or even longer. Bottom line: don’t take it personally if you can’t find a flat right away. You’re not the only one!
However, it’s not all bad news! Berlin is still significantly cheaper than London or Paris and is even cheaper still than most of its other German sister cities.
Here are some resources to help with your flat search:
Berlin Flat Rental Resources
Immobilienscout24: The best place to find your new flat.
WG-Gesucht: Finding a room in an existing flatshare is often much easier than finding a flat on your own. (Plus typically you don’t have to buy the kitchen and furniture etc.)
eBay-Kleinanzeigen: Think of it the German Craigslist.
Berlin Housing: Facebook group with pretty much everything on offer.
SimbaCasa: This is a great Telegram group with temporary options all over the world but you need a member to add you.
Temporary Housing Resources in Berlin
Personally, I booked a long-term vacation flat stay for the first six weeks I was here. It takes a bit of the stress out of the housing problem. (And cheaper than a hotel!)
My best tip for finding a flat is to use your network! That’s how I got many of the places I’ve lived over the years.
And finally, avoid Craigslist at all costs! It’s scammer central in Berlin.
Read our Berlin neighborhood guide here.
4. Get Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Germany, including expats. Whether you’re on a Working Holiday Visa, a Freelance Visa, or an Employment Visa, securing adequate health coverage is crucial.
One way to make sure that you get the right insurance for you is to work with an English-speaking broker, like Feather Insurance.
Why Choose Feather Insurance?
The process of finding suitable health insurance in Germany can be daunting, especially for non-German speakers. This is where Feather Insurance comes in. Their team of experts can guide you through the complexities of German health insurance, ensuring you have the right coverage.
Benefits of Using Feather Insurance
- They provide English language support. Just a few years ago, finding any insurance help in English was impossible! Thankfully, that is no longer the case.
- Personalized guidance. German insurance options can get quite complicated. Fortunately, Feather Insurance can help you find the right option for your needs and budget.
- They have a partnership with Ottonova. Ottonova is the first insurance options that is digital, English-speaking and freelancer friendly. They also partner with Feather Insurance directly.
Book your free consultation with Feather Insurance here.
5. Open A German Bank Account
One of the initial challenges expats face when moving to Berlin is opening a bank account.
The classic problem is that you can’t open a bank account without an address but you can’t rent a flat without a bank account! Many traditional banks in Germany require proof of residence (Anmeldebestätigung or Meldebescheinigung) before opening a bank account. This is obviously frustrating for newcomers, especially if you haven’t secured long-term accommodation yet.
While it might seem like a chicken-and-egg situation, there are solutions to overcome this hurdle.
N26: English-Speaking Bank in Berlin
N26 is a digital bank that offers a convenient solution for expats. It doesn’t require proof of residence, making it an excellent choice for those who are just starting their expat journey in Berlin.
Benefits of N26
- English-language support. Most banks do not offer support in English, which is another reason why N26 is so great for expats.
- Fee-free basic account. No account fees or ATM fees on the basic account.
- Premium options. Upgrade to their affordable premium plans for additional benefits like travel insurance and worldwide ATM withdrawals.
- Easy online setup: A straightforward process to open an account.
How To Transfer Funds To Your N26 Account
To fund your N26 bank account or to make transfers to foreign accounts, I highly recommend using Wise (formerly Transferwise). This popular money transfer service offers competitive exchange rates and low fees, making it a cost-effective way to transfer funds internationally. Plus, Wise now works directly with N26, making everything easy breezy lemon squeezy.
6. Get A Phone/Sim Card
Getting a local phone number is important for job and flat hunting. However, getting a phone contract here usually involves another chicken and egg scenario: you can’t get a flat without a phone number and you can’t get a phone number without a flat!
Choosing An eSim
For most people, getting a temporary eSim is a good choice. Esims allow you to switch between local and foreign plans easily, which is perfect for your first few weeks in Berlin.
For those just arriving I recommend Airalo.
Benefits of Airalo
- Airaolo offers low-cost flexible packages.
- No need to buy a physical SIM on arrival at your destination. Buy your eSim now and activate it once you arrive in Berlin.
- Choose a data only option or add call time and SMS if you need to.
Looking for the best German mobile plan?
After you’ve been here for a while, you’ll want to set up your local German SIM card. It’s obviously beneficial to have a local phone number for many things. For this, I recommend using 02 / Telefonica or a reseller of the same network.
7. Learn German
Do I need to speak German in Berlin? As much as the locals hate to admit it, in Berlin, you can very much get away without speaking German. However, learning even just the basics will take you a long way. Consider enrolling at a language school like Speakeasy or Sprachsalon.
Without enrolling in a course, there’s still a lot you can learn. At the very least, using an app like Duolingo or Babbel can help you grasp the basics. DW also offers some free German language resources as well as a slow news podcast to help you learn.
If you’re planning to stay for the long-haul, learning German becomes a requirement for most people. (If you are applying for a Blaue Karte or you’ve been here a long time, they sometimes waive the requirements. But don’t count on it!) To get your permanent residence or citizenship, you must speak German at a B1 level.
A Moving To Berlin Checklist
Before You Move
- Save money. International moves are expensive! You’ll need funds for rent deposits (possibly multiple), living expenses, relocation costs, and potentially winter clothes. If you can, negotiate a relocation bonus from your employer. But it’s wise to have your own savings regardless.
- Find a job (if needed). Having a job offer can help secure your residence permit. Focus on English-speaking jobs if you don’t speak German yet.
- Secure your housing. Finding an apartment in Berlin can be tough. Consider temporary housing initially while you search for a more permanent place. Be aware of housing scams!
On Arrival
- Open a bank account. This is crucial for paying rent and receiving your salary. (I recommend N26.)
- Get a SIM or German phone contract. Consider a digital SIM card for immediate data access, followed by a more affordable local plan.
- Get health insurance. (Try Feather Insurance!)
- Register your address at City Hall (Bürgeramt). Anmeldüng/Registration will grant you a registration certificate and tax ID, both essential for various services. (FYI, it will also start billing you for the TV Tax that all residents of Germany must pay.)
Getting Settled In
- Get liability insurance. Insurance is a love language to Germans! I recommend getting it, even if you only have a temporary flat. Getting liability insurance will make you more attractive to potential landlords.
- Start working (if you have a permit). Your employer will need your tax ID, health insurance number, and pension insurance number during the onboarding process.
- Bring your family (if applicable). They might require a family reunion visa. Be warned that childcare (Kita) can be challenging to find, so plan ahead (and keep this in mind while looking for a flat).
- Getting around. Berlin boasts excellent public transportation. Consider a bike for exploring the city. Cars are expensive and not always necessary. Otherwise, a BVG pass should do you well if you’re commuting regularly. (Check schedules and buy tickets all inside the Jelbi app.)
Bonus Moving To Berlin Tips
- Adjust to German culture. Learn about waste sorting, movie streaming regulations, quiet hours, tipping culture, and where to buy groceries on Sundays.
- Find English-Speaking professionals. Doctors, therapists, and other professionals are all available in English, although not always easy to find. Doctolib lets you book online doctor appointments and filter doctors by specialty, insurance type, and location
- Find a good accountant/tax advsior. For freelancers or self-employed, a good English-speaking steuerberater is essential. (Ask friends or colleagues for recommendations.)
- Make a tax declaration. You might need to reclaim potential overpaid taxes, especially if you relocated mid-year.
How To Move To Berlin | Final Thoughts
What can I say? I took the big leap and moved to Berlin and I’m so happy that I did. Life here will be different for everyone but most people I know are happy that they got to experience life here–even if only for a year or two. Your decision is up to you but I hope this guide serves you well if you decide to make the big leap!
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