Chapter 7 of 15

Finding housing

Immobilienscout24, WG-Gesucht, Kaution, Schufa, Wohnungsbesichtigung

Summary

The German housing market varies enormously by region. In Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg, it's extremely tight — expect 50-200 responses to a listing. In mid-sized cities and eastern Germany, it's considerably easier. The rental process is more formal than in the Netherlands: you need a Schufa report, must fill in a Selbstauskunft (self-declaration), and typically pay 3 months' cold rent as deposit (Kaution).

What you need to know

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Knowledge Base

Emigrating to Germany
Complete guide for emigrating to Germany.
Cost of living in Germany
Overview of cost of living in Germany.
Anmeldung in Germany
Anmeldung in Germany: steps and documents.
Taxes in Germany
Explanation of the German tax system.
Healthcare in Germany
Everything about healthcare in Germany.

Glossary

Anmeldung (Address Registration)
The mandatory address registration at the Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving. Without Anmeldung you cannot open a bank account, sign an employment contract or pay taxes in Germany.
Meldebescheinigung (Registration Certificate)
Proof of your Anmeldung. You need this document for almost everything: bank account, tax number, health insurance, employment contract. Keep it safe!
Bürgeramt (Citizens Office)
The citizens office where you register your address, request identity documents and handle other administrative matters. Always make an appointment — without a Termin you will not be served.
Steuer-ID (Tax Identification Number)
Your personal tax identification number, automatically assigned after your Anmeldung. Your employer needs this number. It arrives by mail — takes 2-4 weeks.
Finanzamt (Tax Office)
The local tax office. Here you register as a taxpayer, file your Steuererklärung (tax return) and handle all fiscal matters. Much can be done online via ELSTER.
Krankenversicherung (Health Insurance)
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Choose between gesetzliche (public: TK, AOK, Barmer) or private Krankenversicherung. Employees earning under ~€69,300/year must be publicly insured.
Schufa (Credit Score Agency)
The German credit information agency. Your Schufa score determines whether you get a rental apartment, can get a phone contract or a loan. Build your score by opening a German bank account and paying bills on time.
Rundfunkbeitrag (Broadcasting Fee)
The mandatory broadcasting fee of €18.36/month per household. Everyone with a registered address must pay, regardless of whether you watch TV or listen to radio.
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (Landlord Confirmation)
A confirmation from your landlord that you live at the address. This document is required for your Anmeldung. Your landlord is legally required to provide it within 2 weeks.
Aufenthaltstitel (Residence Permit)
The residence permit for non-EU citizens. EU citizens do not need to apply for an Aufenthaltstitel, but must register via the Anmeldung.