Finding affordable housing in Germany can be a challenge, especially in larger cities, due to high demand and limited supply. However, there are various options vailable, and with the right information, navigating the paperwork can be manageable.
Foreigners face no restrictions in renting accommodation in Germany—rights and obligations are the same, regardless of origin. Here’s a guide to help you find accommodation and what to keep in mind during your search.
As rental prices in Germany have risen in recent years, especially in urban areas, shared living has become more common. Searching online is the most straightforward way to find long-term rentals and shared housing. Here are some popular portals:
| Long-term rentals | Short-term rentals (furnished/unfurnished) |
| Immobilienscout24 | Holmes Relocation |
| Immowelt | Wunderflats |
| Kleinanzeigen | Housing Anywhere |
| WG-Gesucht | Homelike |
Many rental platforms allow you to post a housing wanted ad, which can be useful for finding shared apartments. For example, on WG-Gesucht, roommates can contact you directly. Here are some tips on what to include in your ad:
Tips for Your Ad:
Germany has a reputation for bureaucracy, but understanding the rental process can actually help you enjoy security in your housing situation. Here are some essentials:
When you find a place, you’ll receive a rental contract. Make sure it includes the following:
| What Should Be Included | Explanation |
| Contract type and start date | Details on fixed-term vs. open-ended contracts. |
| Landlord’s name and address | Essential for contact purposes. |
| Rent breakdown | Know the difference between Kaltmiete (basic rent, excludes utilities) and Warmmiete (includes utilities like heating, waste disposal). Note: Electricity and internet are usually separate. |
| Deposit (Kaution) | Can be up to three months’ rent, payable in three installments, and refundable upon moving out if no damages occur. |
| Termination notice | Generally, three months’ notice unless specified differently. Landlords always have a minimum of three months. |
| Signatures | The contract needs to be signed by both tenant and landlord. |
In Germany, you need to register your address at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). For this, you’ll need a confirmation of residence from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). This is necessary for various processes, like opening a bank account and receiving a tax ID.
If you book a furnished apartment or short-term stay, make sure that the landlord or service provider can provide this document.
Afterward, you can make an appointment at your local district office and register your new address with the landlord’s confirmation.
You can find more details on registering your address in Germany in our related blog article.
Financial support from the state is available not only to German citizens but also to EU citizens. Whether and how much support you can receive depends on your income. Once you have signed an employment contract and have clarity on your earnings, you can check what benefits you may be eligible for.
If you are already in Germany or have found temporary accommodation while searching for a long-term residence, you may qualify for social housing.
Social housing is generally rented to people with low incomes. Check with the local housing office for a “Wohnberechtigungsschein” (certificate of eligibility), which allows you to rent such social housing.
If you rent an apartment or a room, you might be eligible for a government subsidy towards your rent. You can check your eligibility using the housing allowance calculator (Wohngeldrechner).
Afterward, you can apply for Wohngeld online. Since the process can be complex, you may also choose to make an appointment at your local district office for in-person assistance with the application.
Ready for a new job in Germany? JOBSMART connects you with employers for the job that’s right for you!
