An Expats Guide:

Orange Quarter are an eclectic bunch. We’ve come from different corners of the world before choosing to settle in Berlin, Amsterdam, London or New York. Between the consultants that work in our Berlin office, we’ve learnt a few things about packing our lives up and moving to Germany. We’ve made mistakes, discovered useful tips, found work and began building our new communities. And so we compile our collective knowledge here in this guide to do just that – guide you on the smoothest route to starting your new life in Berlin.

We break this comprehensive tech-expat guide up into three sections – Working, The Practicalities and Community & Lifestyle. We cover all of the important things from choosing the right recruiter to setting up your bank accounts and choosing the best bar for your Friday drinks. Scroll through or download the digital pdf to read later but beware, this guide has convincing powers, you may find yourself falling in love with Berlin.

We love living and working in Berlin because…

• It’s a major European tech hub with real momentum. Berlin is consistently cited as one of Europe’s leading startup ecosystems in recent ecosystem benchmarking (e.g., Dealroom’s global ecosystem reporting).
• It’s still comparatively good value by “big European city” standards. Costs have risen sharply in recent years, especially housing, but Berlin remains mid-pack versus the most expensive capitals (and materially cheaper than some).
• It’s genuinely international. As of end-2024, Berlin had roughly 829,000 foreign residents from more than 190 nations, making it one of Europe’s most diverse cities in day-to-day life.
• The culture-to-effort ratio is hard to beat. Food, galleries, live music, and club culture are not “tourist extras” here; they’re part of the weekly local lifestyle.

If you’re thinking about moving to Berlin, you’ll want to understand what it means for your career and what you’re legally allowed to do while you job hunt. Berlin remains one of Europe’s most established startup ecosystems and a major hub for tech hiring, supported by a steady pipeline of venture funding and international talent.

Berlin also continues to be genuinely international, at the end of 2024, roughly 829,000 foreign residents from more than 190 countries were registered in the city—one reason English-speaking teams (especially in tech) are so common.

Below, we cover how to set yourself up for success during your pre-arrival job hunt, how to think about recruiters, and the key residence-permit pathways that affect your right to work in Germany.

If you have already found a job and want to start planning your move – skip to ‘The Practicalities’ section of this guide.

Finding work

Demand fluctuates by function and sector, but for experienced tech and digital professionals, Berlin remains a strong market—particularly for product, engineering, data, and go-to-market roles across startups and scale-ups. A practical starting point is still job boards (LinkedIn, Glassdoor), but the real challenge is narrowing down roles that match your seniority, your salary expectations, and the kind of team you’ll thrive in.

Setting yourself up for success

• Confirm your right to work in Germany early. Your immigration pathway affects not just whether you can accept an offer, but also timing (e.g., whether you must apply abroad before arrival). See “Residence permits & visas” below.
• Activate your network before you apply. Berlin hiring is referral-heavy. Let people know you’re moving, and join local communities (XING, LinkedIn groups, Slack communities, relevant subreddits).
• Update your CV for the German market. If you’re providing a German version, it needs to be professionally accurate—poor translation can hurt more than it helps.
• Align your LinkedIn/XING profile with your CV. Hiring managers will cross-check dates, titles, and scope.
• Shortlist specialist recruiters (by discipline). Strong recruiters in Berlin typically focus by market (e.g., backend engineering, data, product, GTM) rather than “tech in general.”

Choosing the right recruiter

Choose a Market Specialist

Tech and digital roles are full of nuance (stack, delivery model, product maturity, domain complexity). A recruiter who truly understands your discipline will be faster, more accurate, and materially better at negotiating for you.

Service Matters

You should connect with a specialist recruiter who maintains positive client and candidate relationships as standard. A good recruiter will be high-touch. Meeting you in person and maintaining regular contact allows them to understand more about the specifics of what you’re looking for in your next role and ensures transparency in the process. Check your recruiter’s track record by reviewing testimonials on their company page or LinkedIn page.

Ask the right questions

A good recruiter is bound to ask a lot of questions, so it’s only fair that you do the same. Start with asking about their experience placing candidates in your area, ask specific questions about the companies that they are working with and don’t be afraid to throw some industry terminology around to test their knowledge.

Berlin salary expectations

Salaries vary widely by seniority, function, and company stage. Berlin compensation has risen over time, but offers can still differ materially between early-stage startups, scale-ups, and large multinationals. Housing costs have also increased, so it’s worth calibrating expectations early, ideally with a recruiter who can reference current bands for your exact role and level.

German Residence Permits & Visas

This is the part that most often derails timelines. Germany’s rules are structured around your nationality and the purpose of your stay (employment, job search, family reunification, etc.).

If you’re an EU/EEA citizen…

You do not need a visa or residence permit to live or work in Germany. You still need to complete local admin like registering your address (Anmeldung) once you have housing.

If you’re an Swiss citizen…

Swiss nationals have freedom-of-movement rights under the EU/Switzerland arrangements, but Berlin offers a specific “Residence permit for Swiss citizens” process that is commonly used in practice (and can be helpful as proof for employers/administration).

If you’re from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK, or the USA…

You can enter Germany without a visa and then apply for a residence permit from inside Germany (including for employment routes).

Important practical notes:

• You typically need Anmeldung before the immigration office (Berlin LEA) can finalise many residence-permit applications.
• Berlin’s LEA appointment process has changed: you generally apply online / via the LEA process and are issued an appointment rather than booking freely in the old system.

If you’re from any other non-EU country…

In most cases you must apply for a national (D) visa before travelling, and then convert it to a residence permit after arrival.

EU Blue Card

Germany has expanded and modernised the Blue Card pathway in recent years. In 2026, the published minimum salary thresholds are:

• €50,700 (standard threshold), and
• €45,934.20 (shortage occupations / certain cases),
  as referenced in official guidance.

Also notable for tech: Germany’s updated rules explicitly include an option for IT specialists without a degree under certain conditions (e.g., relevant experience), depending on role and salary threshold.

Spousal & Family Visas

If your partner and/or family will be migrating with you to the Gemany and they are also a non-EU citizen, certain conditions are required to be met. View Make it in Germany for more information.

More information on visas through these websites:

• iamexpat.de/expat-info/official-issues/residence-permit-germany
• iamexpat.de/expat-info/official-issues/information-types-visa-germany

To apply for a German visa you’ll need:

• A valid passport from another country.
• A clean criminal record.
• Minimum B1 German language proficiency (for Blue Card and Permanent Residence Permit).
• German health insurance.
• A passed health check.
• Financial stability.
• If employed: a job offer from your employer.
• If joining a spouse: your marriage certificate.
• An appointment at the Ausländerbehörde.
• A completed application form from the Ausländerbehörde website.

Social security ID (Sozialversicherungsausweis)

When your employer enrols you in the social security system, you will automatically be issued a social security ID (Sozialverischerungsausweis or Rentenversicherungsausweis). This is a compulsory document all Expats need to have and will be used for claiming health insurance benefits, payroll and more. The document will arrive by mail so ensure to check with your employer which address it will arrive to. If you urgently require your social security ID, your health insurance provider may be able to help you obtain a temporary document.

Berlin’s startup economy is booming

Berlin is the largest city in Europe’s biggest economy. According to Pitch Book, venture capitalists invested around EUR 1.07 billion in new businesses across Germany in 2016 and these numbers have been on a steady rise since. The strong tech scene and reasonable cost of living have attracted top tech talent from around the world contributing to a great expat friendly culture. The Deustche Startup Monitor survey found that around 40 percent of staff in Berlin startups in 2016 were foreign.

You’ve decided Germany is where you want to be. You’ve begun your job search, and now you’re ready to think about the practicalities of shipping your life abroad. Read on for the key admin, housing and “day one” systems you’ll need to get settled smoothly in Berlin.

Language

Because of the large number of Expats and student youth in Berlin, most people living in the city will at least speak a little bit of English. Finding an English speaking job in Berlin is not difficult however we do recommend beginning to learn the local language to help you integrate into local culture. A level of proficiency in German will also allow you to fill out government forms and will give you a better chance of visa approval in some cases.

Weather

If you’re coming from a tropical location, you’ll be confronted with four very distinct seasons. Winter is cold, dipping below freezing and the summer is warm with most locals heading out to parks and lakes to enjoy the water. Berlin weather is unpredictable, a beautiful sunny day can fast turn into a thunderstorm. Make sure to bring a rain jacket without abroad and check the weather before you leave the house.

Registering your address & Tax ID
(Anmeldung and (steuerliche Identifikationsnummer)

Registering your address (Anmeldung) at your local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) is compulsory for all residents in Germany once you move into a permanent address. Legally, registration must take place within 14 days of moving into a residence. In Berlin, appointment availability can lag, but it is important to book as early as possible and keep proof of when your tenancy began.

A successful registration provides you with a registration confirmation (Anmeldebestätigung / Meldebescheinigung). This is one of the most important steps in your move, as you’ll need it to open a bank account, set up contracts, and complete many immigration-related processes.

After your first registration, you will automatically be issued a tax ID (steuerliche Identifikationsnummer). This unique 11-digit number is sent by post by the Federal Central Tax Office. Your employer uses it to calculate payroll taxes, and it is also required for health insurance and other official processes.

Please note: registering your address does not grant non-EU citizens the right to work in Germany. Work permission depends on your visa or residence permit.

Tips:

• Registration forms and appointments are often conducted in German. If you’re not confident, completing the form in advance with help or bringing a German-speaking friend can be useful.
• Appointments can take time to secure. Book early and check the booking system regularly, as cancellations are frequently released.

To register your address (Anmeldung) at the Bürgeramt you’ll need:

• An appointment within 14 days of your arrival
• Your passport
• The registration form – Anmeldung bei der Meldebehörde
• A Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (confirmation from your landlord or primary tenant)
• Rental contract (not explicitly needed if you have the confirmation from your landlord but can’t hurt to have it at hand).

SCHUFA: Your German credit rating

SCHUFA is Germany’s primary credit reporting system. Banks, landlords, mobile phone providers and utility companies use it to assess reliability. Your SCHUFA record develops over time as you open accounts and sign contracts in Germany.

As a new arrival, your SCHUFA file is typically created once you have registered your address and started establishing financial relationships (for example, opening a bank account or signing a phone contract). Until then, landlords and providers may accept bank statements or employment contracts instead.

Taxes

If you’re working and earning money in Germany, you are required to pay taxes. Some are deducted automatically, while others apply at household level.

Income Tax / Payroll Tax (Lohnsteuer)

Most employees pay income tax via payroll deductions organised by their employer. Your employer calculates your tax class and deducts the appropriate amount from your monthly salary. If employment income is your only source of income, you may not be required to submit an annual tax return, although many people still do to reclaim overpaid tax.

All residents working in Germany require a tax ID, which is issued automatically after address registration.

For more detailed information on income tax and how it will affect your salary visit iamexpat.de.

Less Obvious Taxes

Broadcasting contribution (Rundfunkbeitrag)

Each household in Germany is required to pay a broadcasting contribution. The current fee is €18.36 per month per household, regardless of how many people live there or whether you own a TV or radio. You will receive a letter with instructions on how to register and pay. When leaving Germany, you should deregister to avoid further charges.

Church tax (Kirchensteuer)

Church tax is charged if you are registered as a member of a recognised church. It amounts to 8–9% of your income tax (Berlin applies 9%). If you have never been a member of such a church, you can register as having no religious affiliation. If you are already recorded as a member, stopping church tax usually requires a formal church exit (Kirchenaustritt).

Dog Tax (Hundesteuer)

If you bring a dog to Berlin, you must register it with the local tax office and pay an annual dog tax.

Relocating to Berlin

Once you’re ready to move, you can either manage the process yourself or work with a relocation service.

Option A – Relocation Services

Many employers hiring internationally offer relocation support, which may include flights, temporary accommodation, immigration assistance, or full-service relocation. If not included in your offer, independent relocation services can help with paperwork, appointments and logistics.

Option B – DIY Relocation

Some expats choose to manage the move independently, including arranging accommodation themselves. This is entirely possible, but requires preparation—especially in Berlin’s competitive housing market.

Where to live in Berlin

Some popular neighbourhoods for expats include:

a. Mitte – “Mitte” translates to “Center” in English and it’s the closest thing Berlin has to a downtown area.
b. Neukölln – Young and international feel with great markets and cafes.
c. Prenzlauer Berg – Upmarket yet urban, perfect for families and young professionals.
d. Kreuzberg – Best described as the creative center of the city.
e. Charlottenburg – Wilmersdorf: Chic pre-war buildings, landscaped gardens and a vibrant dining scene, great for families.
f. Moabit – Multicultural residential neighborhood close to train stations and eclectic markets.
g. Friedrichshain – A charming district with lots of cafés, restaurants, flea markets, and an alternative scene.
h. Wedding – Berlin’s less touristy up-and-coming neighborhood.

Finding a Rental

Berlin’s rental market is highly competitive. Ideally, start your search early and consider short-term accommodation first if you’re unable to secure a long-term place before arrival.

Before applying for a rental you will need:

• Your passport or equivalent identification.
• Latest bank statements.
• A Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung that proves you do not owe money to previous landlords. However, if you have never lived in Germany, it is unlikely any landlord will expect this from you.
• Three recent salary slips (payslips) or proof of sufficient savings.
• SCHUFA-Auskunft (credit report). However, if you have just moved to Berlin, data for this report will be unavailable, so you will have to show bank statements instead.
• Mieterselbstauskunft form which gives the landlord information about you, such as what you do for a job.

Depending on your situation, you should start with the online platforms listed below.

• facebook.com/groups – ‘Berlin Wg Zimmer Wohnung Room Flat Apartment for Rent’, ‘Rent a flat in Berlin’ and ‘Berlin Apartments’ are the most popular.
• Wunderflats.com –  One of the most visited websites in Berlin for furnished apartments. They offer services in English and often do not require a SCHUFA record (or credit record).
• Uniplaces caters more for students and young working adults. 
• Urbanground.de – For long term rentals and they offer contracts in dual languages. 
• Wgsuche.de – Ideal for rooms, flats or student apartments.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid When Buying or Renting a Property in Berlin

• If dealing with a private landlord (i.e. not through an estate agency) always ask for a viewing. If they say they are abroad, make sure that the landlord’s contact details and address match the country of their bank account when you are asked to pay a deposit.
• To ensure you understand how utilities costs work in Germany, read the utilities section below.
• Make sure you are clear about all fees associated with employing a German real estate agent (Makler) to help with your search. This will typically be an agent fee (Provision) and a security deposit (Kaution) for the property which can be two or three months’ rent.
• Always check your contact with your landlord for hidden costs like removing snow, cleaning public spaces, heating and internet.
• Do not pay your deposit in cash. This is not the norm in Berlin and you will have no proof of having made the transfer if something goes wrong.
• If you aren’t able to view the rental, consider signing up for a short term rental first. The demand for affordable apartments in Berlin’s popular areas is much higher than the supply. 
• If the contract is provided to you in German, ask for an English version or use Google Translate to a language you are most comfortable with.
• Be on the lookout for any scam emails requesting transfers and do not trust anyone you have not met face to face, even if they share their identification documents with you prior.

Buying a Property in Berlin and getting a mortgage

As daunting as it may seem to buy a property in a foreign country, the good news is that house prices in Berlin are still fairly moderate compared to other economic hotspots.

Mortgages in Germany

Buying property in Germany is possible for foreign nationals, though lenders assess both the property and the buyer’s financial profile. Buyers typically need to fund around 20% of the purchase price, plus additional costs such as property transfer tax, notary fees, land registry fees and potential agent commissions, which can total around 15% of the purchase price.

Getting Around

Berlin’s public transport system is extensive and reliable, including U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses and trams. Some paper tickets must be validated before first use—there is no tap-out system—so always check signage and ticket instructions.

U-Bahn/Underground: Most of Germany’s metropolitan areas are connected with underground train lines organised by means of a code for each line starting with a U followed by a corresponding number. These operate quite frequently, usually every 5 to 15 minutes.

S-Bahn (suburban commuter rail): If you are travelling between suburbs or nearby towns. These travel every 20 – 30 minutes. The train will make a few stops in the centre and then travels to the surrounding suburbs. The S-Bahn can get very busy over weekends and holidays, so make sure to travel early to avoid any discomfort.

Bus: Berlin has several bus systems and also offers night bus services.

Straßenbahn/Trambahn (Streetcar/Trams): Trams are typically suited for navigating shorter journeys throughout the city. Remember to check out as you exit.

Stadtbahn (light rail): The Stadtbahn is similar to U-Bahn but operates only in suburban areas. They typically travel faster than trams because of their exclusive routes.

Navigating the City:

Navigate the city, plan your trips and view timetables using the following apps and websites.

• sbahn.berlin – Official S-Bhan journey planner.
• google.com/maps – Google app that collates all public transport timetables and suggests your easiest routes.
• germanrailpasses.com – Plan rail journeys and buy tickets.
• citymapper.com/berlin – App that collates all public transport timetables and suggests your easiest routes.

Healthcare System

The German Government requires everyone living in Germany to be insured for at least hospital and out-patient medical treatment. Your German employer will typically register you with a German health insurance company but in case you want to choose your own, they will ask for your medical insurance information beforehand.

You will typically have three options for health insurance while living in Germany.

• Government-regulated public health insurance scheme (GKV). Most German residents are members of the government health system.
• Private health insurance which you can obtain from a German or international insurance provider (PKV)
• A combination of both GKV and supplemental PKV.

Which are the Best Public Health Insurance Schemes (GKV’s)?

There are more than 100 health insurance companies in Germany, the biggest are aok.de, signuptk.de, and barmer.de. The average cost varies considerably and depends on the health insurance coverage, and whether you’re using the state system or private insurance.

If you’re wanting to get a good overview of available packages and their pricing, use a comparison platform like tarifcheck.de or preisvergleich.de.

Bank Account

If you are entering Germany from outside the European Union to study or look for a job. you must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses. This is an essential condition for obtaining a visa or residence permit. Opening a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) is one of the most common ways people provide proof of sufficient financial resources.

What is a blocked account (Sperrkonto) in Germany?

A blocked account is a bank account that serves as proof of financial funds when applying for a German visa. It is called a ‘blocked account’ because it requires the account owner to deposit a predetermined sum of money, in advance of arriving in Germany. This lump sum can then only be withdrawn in monthly pay-outs. As of 2026, the standard reference amount is €992 per month (€11,904 per year), though requirements vary by visa type.

Opening a bank account in Germany is often the first step to setting up your new life. You need to arrange utilities for your new home, arrange telephone and internet services, and get German insurance coverage as required by law – and this all relies on having money in the bank. 

What you’ll need to open a bank account

Opening a bank account will vary bank to bank, but in general, you will need the following to open up a bank account in Germany:

• Passport or ID Card
• Registration Document (Meldebescheinigung)
• Tax Id Number (Sometimes needed)
• Monthly Income (Sometimes needed)

Our favourite German banks for Expats

• N26 – Great for expats because N26 don’t insist on a Meldebescheinigung as a condition of opening an account. For newcomers without a permanent address, this is your best course of action, even if it’s just for the first few months. This bank is Digital only so you will have the option to visit a physical branch.  
• Bunq – Another popular mobile bank in Germany in Bunq. The app allows you to spend, save and invest freely and the interface is available in English. 
• comdirect bank – Easily apply for an account online through the comdirect website. their website and banking interface is all in German.
• ING DiBa – Easily apply for an account online and do your identity verification via video chat or through PostIdent at any Deutsche Post office
• DKB – The big advantage of DKB is for frequent travellers. Their Visa credit card gives you free withdrawals from any ATM worldwide

Getting Connected 

Mobile Phone

To be able to receive a mobile sim card, you will first need to have a valid proof of ID (not a drivers licence) and proof of address (your address registration certificate Anmeldebescheinigung).

Once you have these things, you’ll need to decide whether purchasing a prepaid sim or entering a long term contract (Handyvertrag) is the right option for you. Prepaid sims are much more flexible where German phone contracts are quite rigid. Contracts normally require you to enter an agreement of 24 months which high exit fees if you decide to leave the contract early. A good way to choose which phone plan or sim is right for you is through using a comparison tool like deinhandy.de.

Note: First check with your new employer if they provide you with a connected phone which will save you having to complete the steps above yourself.

We recommend the providers below.

• o2online.de
• sim24.de
• 1und1.de
• Vodafone.de – Provides complete packages phone, TV and internet.

Internet & TV

Despite Germany being one of the world’s tech and economic superpowers, the internet infrastructure is fairly poor. When you negotiate your home rental agreement, ensure to check if internet is included in your monthly rental price. If your internet is not included in your rent, you can easily find a provider online and check speeds in your area by entering your address. When you sign up to a contract online, you’ll wait for contract confirmation, receive the modems/routers to your home address and wait for a technician to open your line.

We recommend the providers below.

• Telekom.com (Deutsche Telekom) – The mainline provider for Germany.
• o2online.de
• sim24.de
• Vodafone.de – Provides complete packages phone, TV and internet.

Utilities

How utilities are connected and billed in Germany is very different from most EU-countries and can become confusing for expats entering rental agreements for the first time. Before signing a rental agreement, we recommend reading this in depth explanation on Nebenkosten (additional rental costs) in Germany.

Your new city won’t feel like a home until you start building your social circle. Many find that the best way to start building theirs is within the office. When you’re ready to branch out and start exploring the city, read below for our tips on building your community and beginning to enjoying the local lifestyle.

Meetups, groups and clubs

Berlin is a city with a vibrant international cultural scene. With this, you’ll find local meetups that come in all shapes and sizes where you can begin building your community of friends.

• Meetup.com –  Tech relevant meetups and events where you can learn new skills while getting social.
• facebook.com/groups – Local groups on Facebook often host monthly meetups.
• Sporting Clubs – Fast way to become social in Berlin.
• bumble.com/bff – Meet like-minded friends in your area.

Berlin Tech Events

There is an overwhelming amount of quality tech events scheduled throughout the year from AI conferences to coding camps. You can use the below websites to search tech Networking events near you.

• Meetup.com –  Tech relevant meetups and events where you can learn new skills while getting social.
• Gruenderszene.de – Founders Scene and associated tech events
• Eventbrite.com – Tech and social events near you.
• Betahaus.com – A small community that also hosts Tech events.
• berlinvalley.com/events – The latest startup news and event.