Moving to Germany and need to find an apartment? Here are 10 essential tips to help expats succeed in Germany's competitive rental market.
1. Start BEFORE You Arrive
Don't wait until you're in Germany. Many expats struggle because they start their search too late.
- 📅 Start 2-3 months before moving
- 🏨 Book temporary accommodation for first 2-4 weeks
- 💻 Register on ImmoScout24 and WG-Gesucht early
- 📧 Set up apartment alerts (or use FastFlat)
2. Prepare Your Documents Package
German landlords expect a complete application. Have these ready in English AND German:
- Schufa (credit check): Order from meineschufa.de (€29.95)
- Employment contract - official translation if not in German/English
- Last 3 payslips or proof of savings
- Passport copy
- Mieterselbstauskunft (tenant self-disclosure form)
- Previous landlord reference (if available)
3. Write Applications in German (Even If Basic)
Even simple German is better than English. Use DeepL to translate your message:
Template:
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
ich bin [your profession] bei [company] und suche eine langfristige Wohnung. Ich habe ein unbefristetes Arbeitsverhältnis mit einem Nettoeinkommen von [amount]€.
Ich komme aus [country] und spreche [Englisch/etwas Deutsch]. Ich bin ein ruhiger und zuverlässiger Mieter.
Alle Unterlagen sind im Anhang.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
[Your name]
4. Income Requirements Are Strict
German landlords typically require:
- Net income = 3x warm rent (minimum)
- Example: €1,500 rent → need €4,500 net income
- Unemployment or probation period = very difficult
If your income is lower:
- Offer higher security deposit (up to 3 months)
- Provide proof of savings (3-6 months rent)
- Ask parents/employer for Bürgschaft (guarantee)
5. Get Your Schufa ASAP
No Schufa = No apartment in 90% of cases.
Options for new arrivals:
- Best: Order Schufa immediately after getting German address
- Alternative: Credit report from home country + explanation letter
- Temporary: Show bank statements proving financial stability
6. Understand German Rental Culture
Key differences from other countries:
- 🔑 No furnished apartments - often no kitchen, no lights, no floor!
- 💰 Provision (realtor fee): Can be 2-3 months' rent (but less common now)
- 📅 Notice periods: Minimum 3 months
- 🏠 Apartment size: Listed in m², not bedrooms
- 🔒 Tenant protection: Very strong - hard to evict
7. Timing Matters
Best times to search:
- January-March: Less competition (winter)
- Mid-month: New listings appear
- Weekday mornings: Be first to see new posts
Avoid:
- August-September: Students flood market
- December: Holiday season, nothing happens
8. Viewing Strategy
During viewings:
- Arrive 5 minutes early
- Dress professionally (Germans notice!)
- Bring your document folder
- Speak a few German phrases (shows effort)
- Ask intelligent questions about Nebenkosten, heating
- Don't criticize - show enthusiasm
9. Registration (Anmeldung) Is Mandatory
Within 14 days of moving in, register at local Bürgeramt:
- Required for everything (bank, phone contract, insurance)
- Need Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation)
- Bring passport, rental contract, completed Anmeldeformular
- Book appointment weeks in advance (cities are busy)
10. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Don't manually check websites every hour:
- ⚡ FastFlat: Instant alerts within 60 seconds of new listings
- 🤖 Monitors ImmoScout24 + WG-Gesucht 24/7
- 📱 Get notified on Telegram immediately
- 🎯 Filter by city, budget, size, rooms
Expat-Friendly Cities
Easier for English speakers:
- 🥇 Berlin: Most international, English widely spoken
- 🥈 Munich: High salaries, but expensive
- 🥉 Hamburg: Growing expat community
- Frankfurt: Finance hub, international
Harder but cheaper:
- Leipzig: Affordable, creative scene
- Cologne: Friendly locals, cheaper than Munich
- Dresden: Beautiful, less international
Summary: Your Expat Apartment Hunting Checklist
- ✅ Start searching 2-3 months early
- ✅ Order Schufa immediately upon arrival
- ✅ Prepare document package (English + German)
- ✅ Use DeepL for German applications
- ✅ Verify income requirements (3x rent)
- ✅ Book temporary accommodation for first month
- ✅ Set up instant alerts (FastFlat recommended)
- ✅ Learn basic German phrases
- ✅ Dress professionally for viewings
- ✅ Register within 14 days (Anmeldung)
Good luck with your move to Germany! 🇩🇪