What is an apartment?
An apartment is a private residence in a multi-storey building. It can be a good choice to rent an apartment if you want to be close to a city and have access to public transport. It's also a great place to stay if you want to stay close to other people.
It is often cheaper to live in an apartment than in a house, but it also has some disadvantages. For example, there are often restrictions on how much you can change on your apartment. In addition, there are often restrictions on how much noise you can make.
As a tenant in an apartment, you have the right to inhabit the apartment and use facilities in the property such as attics and courtyards. You are responsible for keeping the apartment in reasonable condition and paying rent on time.
Some of the most common types are one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom apartments. There are also larger apartments, such as four-bedroom apartments, five-bedroom apartments and as many as six-bedroom apartments or more.
Apartments in Germany
Germany is a great country, with all types of apartments for rent, accommodation, and housing opportunities. You can use these links to search the different categories of apartments for rent in Germany. You can find 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments for rent in Germany. You can find furnished apartments for rent and unfurnished apartments for rent in Germany.
Guide: How to find an apartment for rent in Germany
Do you need help finding an apartment for rent in Germany? Then you have come to the right place! In this guide, we will review some of the things you should be aware of when you are looking for an apartment for rent in Germany. Follow the steps in the guide and you will be well on your way finding the perfect apartment for rent in Germany!
1. Consider your needs for an apartment
Firstly, you must consider what type of apartment in Germany you need. What should be the size of the apartment? Do you need your own parking? How long should the apartment rental period be? Where in Germany should the location be? Should the apartment have a fridge and dishwasher, be renovated, have a terrace, balcony, have a bath, etc.? Does the apartment have to be in scenic surroundings? Should the apartment be located close to the beach? How should the neighborhood be?
The questions are many. Once you have defined your needs, you can begin your search for an apartment for rent that meets your requirements
2. Search the internet for an apartment for rent in Germany
There are many good websites with available apartments for rent, where you can search for your new apartment rental in Germany. You can search directly for all types of apartments for rent on Housingtarget.com, which is one of the leading portals for apartments for rent in the world. We provide an overview of the entire housing rental market.
3. Contact the landlord
When you have found an apartment for rent in Germany that you are interested in, you must contact the landlord. You must be prepared to write an application to the landlord, in which you tell a little about yourself and why you want to rent the apartment for rent. You can also ask for a showing of the apartment for rent, so you can see it with your own eyes.
4. Have the lease checked by a lawyer
When you have found your new apartment for rent in Germany, you must sign a contract. It is important that you get advice from a lawyer so that you make sure that everything is in order. A contract must include information about the rent, deposit, heat consumption, condition upon moving in, etc. You must, among other things, pay close attention to whether the rental is taken over repaired or unrepaired, as this can have a major impact on the costs you will be charged when you move out later. Always have a lawyer or legal practitioner check the lease before you sign it.
5. Check out the landlord properly
If the landlord wants to rent out an apartment that he owns or rents, it is not certain that he can do this without further ado. Check the landlord's permissiom to rent out and the housing association's statutes. Here you will be able to see any reservations regarding the housing rental right.
6. Deposit
Once you have signed the lease, you must pay a deposit to the landlord. The deposit is a security for the landlord in case you cause damage to the apartment for rent or do not pay the rent. The deposit is typically one month's rent. When both you and the housing provider have signed the lease, you will typically have several days to transfer the deposit. You should only transfer the money here to a bank in your own country bank.
You must never transfer the deposit under these conditions:
- Never transfer the deposit/rent for the apartment to a bank outside your own country.
- Never transfer the deposit/rent for the apartment to a person you have not met in person.
- Never transfer the deposit/rent for the apartment until you have a contract signed by both parties.
- Never transfer the deposit/rent for the apartment before you have checked whether the housing provider has the right to rent out the apartment in question.
- Never transfer the deposit/rent for the apartment before you have seen the apartment.
7. Make a clear agreement on moving in
Remember to make a clear agreement with the landlord about the transfer. When can you move in? When will you get the keys? etc. etc.
8. Relocation
When everything is in place, you can start moving into your new apartment for rent. Remember to report your move to your local municipal moving center so they know you've moved.
Finding apartments for rent in Germany
Germany have all types of apartments for rent, accommodation, and housing opportunities.You can find 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments for rent in Germany. You can find furnished apartments for rent and unfurnished apartments for rent in Germany.
Apartment in Germany
You can find an apartment in Germany or other type of accommodation in Germany. You can find a 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartment in Germany. You can find a furnished apartment in Germany and a unfurnished apartment for rent in Germany.
How to find apartment for rent in Germany
If you need to find an apartment for rent in Germany, you should start finding out your criteria. There are many websites that list apartments for rent in Germany, and you can use these websites to find an apartment that meets your needs. Housingtarget.com is one of the largest portals where you can find an apartment.
Search for apartment in Germany
When you search for an apartment in Germany it’s very important that you first define your needs - for example: Should the apartment in Germany have a fridge and dishwasher, be renovated, have a terrace, balcony? How many m2 do you need your apartment in Germany to be? Do you need parking? How much are you willing to pay in rent for an apartment in Germany? When you have defined your needs, you can start your search.
Nice to know when you are searching for apartment in Germany
Germany is greatly known as the country of beer, mountain scenery and tech businesses. It’s the second largest country in Europe after Russia at 83,190,556 inhabitants (2020). Germany has an important role in the EU as the largest economy and thereby also a big contributor to the union. Germany is divided into 16 states all with individual landscaping, traditions and look.
The largest state is called North Rhine-Westphalia and makes up about 15% of the population of Germany. North Rhine-Westphalia is located in the western part of Germany along with the states of Hesse, Rhineland - Palatinate and Saarland. Here you can experience some of the many cathedrals like the Kölner Dom in Cologne, or the Aachener Dom in Aachen, which is the burial place of Charlemagne and where more than 30 German kings have been crowned through the centuries. The landscape here is characterized by mostly rolling hills and fields and forests, but also mountains further south. There are many National parks in this area like Arnsberg Forest Nature Park, which is one of the largest wooded areas of Germany. The largest cities of these states are Düsseldorf, Cologne, Münster and Mainz.
The capital of Berlin is composed into its own small state, with a large number of citizens. It’s located in the Eastern part of Germany along the states of Saxony, Saxony - Anhalt, Brandenburg and Thuringia. The main attraction for tourists here would be Berlin. The city of glamour, grit, cutting-edge architecture, exclusive nightclubs and museums with some of the most influential stories of Europe's recent history. As the surrounding states were ruled by the Soviet Union government just 32 years ago, they’ve got many stories to tell, and historic sights to visit. The landscape in these states are characterized by Boasting forests, idyllic lakes and untamed rivers near Berlin, and rugged, rocky landscape further south.
In northern Germany lies the states of Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg. Here you’ll enter a never ending hindsight of green fields full of cows and rolling hills. Here you’ll also find some of Germany’s only coastlines. This area is especially known in Germany as the holiday destination, and some of the islands have reached a status like the hamptons in the U.S.
If you venture south by the autobahn into the southern states of Baden - Württemberg and Bavaria, you’ll reach the rocky mountains, rolling hills and the beginning of the alps. Here you can taste the infamous traditional dish of Schweinshaxe (Pork Knuckle). Some of the biggest cities in this area are Munich, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. In total, the two states house around 40% of Germany’s population, and are also economically the strongest in Germany.
FAQs
How to search apartments for rent in Germany? ›
There are various websites you can search, immobilienscout24.de, immowelt.de and deutsche-wohnen.com being some of the more popular ones. Also keep an eye on social media sites as people often post rooms or apartments to rent there.
How to rent an apartment in Germany without Schufa? ›If the letting agent doesn't mention being able to offer accommodation without a SCHUFA, just ask them. Even if they don't advertise the fact, many are able to provide leases with especially if you're ready to pay the rent several months in advance.
What is the best app to rent a flat in Germany? ›Immowelt: Immowelt is one of Germany's leading online platforms for finding apartments to rent. With over 1.5 million listings, Immowelt has the largest selection of apartments and homes available for rent. Immowelt lets you not only rent but also acquire houses, land, commercial, and foreign real estate.
What is normal rent in Germany? ›What is the average cost of rent in Germany? Average rent costs in Germany range from €300 to €800 per calendar month for a room in shared accommodation and from €500 to €1,346 for a one-bedroom flat.
What town in Germany has 1$ rent? ›As unrealistic as it might sound, this is really the case of Fuggerei, a neighbourhood in the city of Augsburg, Germany, which is situated in the South-Western state of Bavaria. For nearly 500 years, the residents of the town have been paying the same rent.
Can I rent an apartment in Germany as a foreigner? ›Renting in Germany can be a challenge to everyone, and especially internationals. However, if you just master the key terms, budget-friendly areas, as well as the renting guidelines and documentation, you will be alright.
Can a foreigner get a Schufa? ›For foreigners, the issuance of a SCHUFA report is usually only possible if you have already lived in Germany for some time and have a German bank account. If this is the case, you will need some other proof of your financial reliability.
Do you need credit score to rent in Germany? ›Landlords in Germany may use a tenant's credit score, known as the Schufa score, to decide whether or not to rent an individual. As such, renters need to be aware of their credit score and take steps to improve it if necessary.
Does everyone have Schufa? ›Do you need a Schufa? Most landlords ask for a Schufa when you apply for an apartment. Short-term apartments (from Homelike, Spotahome, Wunderflats) rarely require a Schufa. It can be a good way to find your first apartment, even if you don't have a job or you are in your probation period.
How much is rent in Germany per month? ›Renting an apartment in Germany
According to recent figures from Numbeo, you can expect to pay the following per month on rent: €854 for a 1-bedroom, city-centre apartment. €627 for a 1-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre. €450 for a room in a shared flat.
Can you get an apartment in Germany without a job? ›
Can I get an apartment without a job? There's no legal reason why you can't get a flat without a job. However, landlords will certainly want to check that you're able to pay the rent for the duration of the lease. As such, if you don't have a job yet, you might need to offer additional proof in order to rent.
What is cold rent in Germany? ›Cold rent means that you pay basic rent for the residence and there are no extra costs included in your monthly payment. Warm rent means that your monthly payment includes the basic rent for the residence and additional costs – called Umlagen or Nebenkosten.
How much does it cost to live in Germany in US dollars? ›You will need around 934 euros a month to cover your living expenses in Germany as of 2022. On average, to cover your living expenses in Germany you will need around 934 euros per month (around $906 US dollars) or 11,208 euros per year (around $10,876 US dollars).
How much does it cost to move from USA to Germany? ›The average cost of a move from the United States to Germany is $4,450. Generally speaking, Americans living on the East Coast will see lower fees than those on the West Coast, as they're simply closer to Germany.
Is Germany cheaper than USA? ›Living costs
Germany is generally cheaper than the USA. However, living in big cities, such as Munich and Hamburg, can be expensive. In general, you'll need around €850 per month to cover your expenses in Germany. This amount includes groceries, health insurance, rent, and other related costs.
- 1# Cost of Living in Bielefeld City of Germany.
- 2# Cost of Living in Frankfurt City of Germany.
- 3# Cost of Living in Halle City of Germany.
- 5# Passau City Germany.
What is included in the rent in Germany? Your rental contract will set out exactly how much rent you are expected to pay. It will usually specify a payment date and a preferred method of payment. The most common way of paying your rent is by transferring it to your landlord's bank account.
Where do richest people in Germany live? ›Looking at the spatial distribution of the highest and lowest household incomes, it is apparent that a disproportionately high number of the richest 10 percent of households live in the south and in the large cities of western Germany in particular.
Can I stay in Germany without a job? ›Entry and residence
There are no restrictions regarding access to employment and self-employment in Germany for you or your family. The same applies if you are a citizen of Switzerland or the European Economic Area – i.e. Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland.
Unlike in other countries, such as Denmark and Switzerland, there are no restrictions to foreigners to purchase real estate in Germany. Currently, many foreign purchasers acquire properties in large German cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich.
How long can I stay in Germany without residence? ›
A residence visa is required if you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study or if you intend to move to Germany permanently.
What is a good credit score in Germany? ›You should strive to maintain a SCHUFA score of 97 % or better. This way you will not run into problems with the bank or landlords in the future. Generally, a SCHUFA score above 90 is considered to be a good one.
What does SCHUFA mean? ›Schufa is the shorthand abbreviation of Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung, which roughly translates to “general credit protection agency.” Whenever someone refers to your Schufa score, Schufa report, Schufa rating and so on, they're talking about the same thing—your “Schufa Auskunft”—credit information ...
Does Germany use credit scores? ›Germany. Germany gives each person a starting credit score of 100. The country's credit reporting agency, SCHUFA, collects data about consumer credit behavior, which may include: Missed and late payments.
What is proof of income in Germany? ›Gehaltsnachweis – Proof of income
This document proves that you receive a fixed income, and basically, that you will be able to afford the property you are choosing to rent. As proof of this document, you can show any payslips or invoices issued by your previous employer.
You're behind on your rental payments: a German landlord can ask the court for eviction if your rental arrears amount up to 2 months of rent or more. Even if you're making partial payments, if you're behind more than the sum of 2 months rent, the landlord can push for eviction.
Can you rent in Germany without a visa? ›If you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days or to work there and you do not also hold an EU citizenship, you need a visa or residence permit. You can either: apply for a visa before you travel, or.
Can I have SCHUFA without German bank account? ›Apply in Person at a Bank
If you are in a time crunch and need your SCHUFA report immediately, your best bet is visiting a bank. It does not matter if you do not have a bank account with these particular banks, they will still be able to process your SCHUFA for you.
- Get a flat for the first few months from a furnished flat provider like Housing Anywhere, which does not require a German credit score and allows you to register with it. ...
- If Housing Anywhere is not your thing, you can also look for a flatshare (WG short for Wohngemeinschaft).
One way to query your SCHUFA score for free is the data copy according to article 15 of the General Data Protection Regulation ("Datenkopie nach Art. 15 DSGVO"). You can get a free copy of your SCHUFA report here. SCHUFA will then send you a copy of the data by mail.
Is 1500 euros enough in Germany? ›
Is 1,500 euros a month enough in Germany? 1,500 euros a month happens to be the net salary of a single person having a minimum wage and working full time, that is, 40 hours a week. So, it should be enough money for most people to get by.
Is 1000 euros enough for a month in Germany? ›It's enough to spend one month in a shared apartment and either in a cheap area or with a frugal lifestyle. Is 1,500 euros enough for a student in Germany?
Is Health Care Free in Germany? ›Technically, no country has free healthcare, since you have to pay for your medical expenses somehow. In the case of Germany, German residents pay for health insurance every month, therefore it is not free. You have to pay for health insurance whether or not you get sick.
Can Americans move to Germany without a job? ›Happily, the simple answer is YES — it's definitely possible. The more realistic answer, however, is that it's highly dependent on a number of factors: Your ability to learn German quickly, you skillset, and — perhaps most crucially — your own self confidence and drive.
How long can I stay unemployed in Germany? ›Unemployment benefit:
For 2022, the gross wage will be a maximum of EUR 7,050 per month in West Germany and EUR 6,750 in East Germany. Labour offices pay unemployment benefit for 12 months at most (up to 24 months for older people). It depends in particular on how long you have paid contributions and how old you are.
Will you even need a car in Germany? If you're moving to a large city like Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, or Munich, it is easy to get around on public transport, and Germany's excellent rail and airline network can take you farther afield. Even medium-sized towns have good public transportation.
Is electricity included in rent in Germany? ›In Germany, you pay two energy bills.
Heating and hot water costs are included in your “warm” rent (Warmmiete). You pay this to your landlord every month. The cost of your warm rent is adjusted once a year. If you use more energy, you will get an invoice.
In Germany, we count the number of rooms, not the bedrooms. For example, a 2-room apartment is an apartment with one bedroom and a living/dining room. The kitchen does not count as a room.
Why do most Germans rent? ›Tax treatment
There's another pretty simple reason Germans are less likely to own houses. The government doesn't encourage it. Unlike high-homeownership countries like Spain, Ireland and the US, Germany doesn't let homeowners deduct mortgage-interest payments from their taxes.
Visas for Retirees in Germany
As an American, you can stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. To stay longer, you'll need to apply for a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) during your initial 90 days.
How much should I save to move to Germany from USA? ›
How Much Money Should I Take to Germany? As a general rule, plan on going with savings of at least three times your monthly expenses. Upfront fees upon your arrival in Germany could include a housing deposit equalling up to three months of rent, insurance, and setting up your new place.
Do a lot of Americans live in Germany? ›Americans in Germany or American Germans (German: Amerikanische Deutsche or Amerikodeutsche) refers to the American population in Germany and their German-born descendants. According to Destatis, 300,000 - 400,000 Americans live in Germany. 200,000 of them in Rhineland-Palatinate[1].
Do I still have to pay US taxes if I move to Germany? ›When living abroad in Germany, many American expats wonder whether they should file taxes with the US government, Germany, or both. In most cases, the answer is both, as virtually all US citizens are required to file a US Federal Tax Return, and most expats in Germany will also need to file a German tax return.
What is the easiest way to move to Germany? ›Work Visas
This is probably the most common way that people move from the US to Germany. If you can get a job in Germany that is willing to sponsor your visa and give you an official job offer, you can stay in the country. It's that simple.
- Berlin. Berlin is an obvious choice because it is the largest city in Germany. It is also one of the best cities for expats for many reasons. ...
- Munich. Munich is another great city for expats. ...
- Hamburg. Hamburg is an excellent option for internationals.
But if you wish to do a comparison of USA vs Germany, then the USA is better in this aspect. It is mainly because the USA has a higher average payscale as compared to Germany and therefore better living conditions. Also, the tax rate is higher in Germany than the USA.
Which state is cheapest to live in Germany? ›- The City of Halle. Halle is one of the cheapest cities to live in Germany. ...
- Bielefeld. The city of Bielefeld is located in the northeast region of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and has a population of around 350,000 citizens. ...
- Frankfurt (Oder) ...
- Krefeld. ...
- Passau City Germany.
In general, wages in the United States tend to be higher than those in Europe, particularly for skilled and high-paying jobs. Part of the reason for this is that the cost of living in the U.S. is usually higher than in Europe.
How can I find accommodation in Germany? ›- 1) Think about what features your flat in Germany should have. ...
- 2) The most popular flat portals in Germany. ...
- 3) Find a flatshare in Germany. ...
- 4) Interim rent and temporary living in Germany. ...
- 5) Student halls of residence at German universities. ...
- 6) Living for help – housing partnerships between young and old.
German apartments rarely have individual door numbers, only a name on the person's mailbox. This is why the person's name must be correct. Germany uses 5-digit postal codes. Always include it in the address, because big cities can have two streets with the same name.
What is the biggest housing website in Germany? ›
You'll need the following required documents for renting in Germany as a foreigner: Your ID or passport. A Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung—a document to prove you don't owe previous landlords money. Your potential landlord might not ask for this but it's best to have it if possible.
What is the most common housing in Germany? ›Das Einfamilienhaus (Single family or detached home)
People in the suburbs of cities and large towns and in villages often live in an Einfamilienhaus which they often own.
Past travelers have spent, on average, €40 ($44) on meals for one day and €24 ($26) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Germany for a couple is €150 ($165). So, a trip to Germany for two people for one week costs on average €2,124 ($2,345).
Can I live in Germany without address? ›Registering your address in Germany is mandatory.
By law, everyone staying longer than three months in Germany must register their address (anmelden) within 14 days of moving into a new apartment. Not registering your address within 14 days can result in a fine of up to €1,000.
With private money lacking to finance the building of private homes, the state quickly stepped in to provide social housing, before slowly withdrawing from the sector. This meant that rents remained cheap for a long time, and so most people were happy to stay in rented accommodation.
Where is the most expensive rent in Germany? ›Just as with renting, Munich was the most expensive city for newly built apartments. In the first quarter of 2022, the cost per square meter in Munich was almost 3,000 euros higher than in the runner-up city Frankfurt.
Is it hard to get an apartment in Germany? ›Finding an apartment in Germany is not easy, let alone if you are not German and can hardly speak the language — and two years of global pandemic haven't made things easier either. You might have faced bizarre replies during your search, like "we prefer a German" or "is your language too loud" (erm, what?)