City Hub · BER

Moving to Berlin

What official sources say about arriving, settling in, and working in Berlin, Germany. Every point links to the page it came from.

Checked against official sources · last verified 24 Oct 2026

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Decide

Is this the right city for us?

Berlin at a glance

The basics about Berlin: size, growth and what housing costs.

Berlin had 3,917,196 residents on 30 June 2026, according to the state statistics office. The average resident was 42.8 years old at the end of 2025.
Source: Durchschnittsalter in Berlin und Brandenburg 2025 — Amt für Statistik Berlin-Brandenburg ↗
Berlin grows through migration from abroad. In 2025, 111,064 people moved to Berlin from abroad and 78,883 left for abroad, a net gain of 32,181.
Source: Zuwanderung aus dem Ausland nach Berlin — Amt für Statistik Berlin-Brandenburg ↗
Berlin's large districts (Bezirke) are divided into 97 smaller localities (Ortsteile). berlin.de has portraits of each one.
Source: Living in Berlin — berlin.de ↗
berlin.de is available in eight languages: German, Arabic, French, Polish, Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian and English.
Source: Living in Berlin — berlin.de ↗
The Berlin rent index (Mietspiegel 2026) puts the median net cold rent of existing tenancies at €7.71 per m² a month. It took effect on 28 May 2026.
Source: Berliner Mietspiegel 2026 veröffentlicht — Senatsverwaltung für Stadtentwicklung, Bauen und Wohnen ↗
Rents asked for new lettings are much higher: the IBB housing report gives a Berlin-wide median asking rent of €15.78 per m² a month (net cold, 2025 listings).
Source: IBB Wohnungsmarktbericht 2025, Tabellenband (Tab. 25) — Investitionsbank Berlin ↗

External links

Living in Berlin (berlin.de) ↗Amt für Statistik Berlin-Brandenburg ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Laws and local rules

Everyday German and Berlin rules that often surprise newcomers.

You must register your address (Anmeldung) within 14 days of moving into a flat in Berlin. Registration is free.
Source: Anmeldung einer Wohnung — Service Berlin ↗
Every home pays the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag): €18.36 a month per dwelling, however many people live there. Register online when you move in.
Source: Rundfunkbeitrag — ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice ↗
Adults 18+ may carry up to 25 g of dried cannabis in public and keep up to 50 g at home, and grow up to 3 plants each. Using it next to under-18s, or within sight of schools, playgrounds and youth facilities, is banned.
Source: FAQ Cannabisgesetz — Bundesministerium für Gesundheit ↗
For cannabis and driving, the legal limit is 3.5 ng/ml THC in blood serum. Novice drivers face a cannabis ban, and drivers may not combine cannabis with alcohol.
Source: FAQ Cannabisgesetz — Bundesministerium für Gesundheit ↗
Paper public transport tickets must be stamped in the yellow or red boxes before you travel. Riding without a valid ticket costs a €60 penalty fare, and an unstamped ticket counts as no ticket.
Source: Tickets, fares and route maps — berlin.de ↗
For a life-threatening emergency call 112. For an illness that can't wait when your doctor's practice is closed, call 116117 (free, 24/7).
Source: 116117 Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst — Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung ↗

External links

Rundfunkbeitrag: register ↗Cannabis law FAQ (BMG) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving in Berlin

Getting from BER airport into town, and your first admin steps.

BER airport is in fare zone C. To reach central Berlin you need a Berlin ABC ticket: €5.00 for a single (€3.50 reduced), valid for 2 hours.
Source: Tickets, fares and route maps — berlin.de ↗
The FEX Airport Express and the RE20 take about 23 minutes between BER and Berlin Hauptbahnhof. The FEX runs every 15 minutes from 4:00 to 1:00; until December 2026 the two lines together give four trains an hour.
Source: Öffentliche Verkehrsmittel — Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg ↗
S-Bahn line S9 runs from Flughafen BER to Treptower Park, Warschauer Straße, Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstraße, Hauptbahnhof and on to Spandau.
Source: S9 Flughafen BER – Spandau — S-Bahn Berlin ↗
A taxi from BER to the city centre costs about €60–70, according to S-Bahn Berlin.
Source: Berlin Brandenburg Airport BER — S-Bahn Berlin ↗
Book a Bürgeramt appointment to register your address within 14 days. Bring ID and the landlord's move-in confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung): a rental contract does not replace it. With an activated German eID you can register online instead.
Source: Anmeldung einer Wohnung — Service Berlin ↗
Berlin's immigration office (Landesamt für Einwanderung) takes online applications for residence permits for employment, and since 23 March 2026 also for family reasons.
Source: Berlin Immigration Office — Landesamt für Einwanderung ↗

External links

Public transport to BER ↗Book Anmeldung (Service Berlin) ↗Berlin Immigration Office ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Getting around

Tickets, fares and night services on BVG, S-Bahn, trams and buses.

Since 1 January 2026, a Berlin AB single costs €4.00 and is valid for 2 hours. A short trip (3 S-/U-Bahn stops or 6 tram/bus stops) costs €2.80, and a 24-hour AB ticket €11.20.
Source: Neue Fahrpreise im VBB ab 1. Januar 2026 — VBB ↗
A 4-trip ticket (4 single trips) costs €12.40.
Source: All tickets — BVG ↗
The Deutschlandticket costs €63 a month and covers local transport and second-class regional trains across Germany, but not IC, EC or ICE. The price rises to €66.80 a month from 1 January 2027.
Source: FAQs Deutschlandticket — BVG ↗
You can cancel a Deutschlandticket at the end of any month. For subscriptions in BVG's apps, cancel by the 10th of the month; later notice pushes the end to the following month.
Source: FAQs Deutschlandticket — BVG ↗
Zone AB covers Berlin up to the city limits. Zone ABC adds the surrounding area, BER Airport and Potsdam Hauptbahnhof.
Source: Tickets, fares and route maps — berlin.de ↗
The U-Bahn has 9 lines and about 175 stations. Trains run every 5 minutes during the day on weekdays.
Source: Underground (U-Bahn) — berlin.de ↗
The U-Bahn runs all night on Friday and Saturday nights and before public holidays (every 15 minutes). On other nights it stops around 1 am and night buses N1–N9 follow the U-Bahn routes.
Source: Night buses and public transport at night — berlin.de ↗

External links

BVG tickets ↗Deutschlandticket FAQs (BVG) ↗Night services ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods and renting

Choosing a district, what rents look like, and tenant rules.

Median asking rents (net cold, 2025) range from €11.56 per m² in Marzahn-Hellersdorf to €20.00 per m² in Mitte. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg (€19.40) and Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf (€19.17) are close behind.
Source: IBB Wohnungsmarktbericht 2025, Tabellenband (Tab. 25) — Investitionsbank Berlin ↗
Check what a flat should cost on the official Mietspiegel 2026 online query service at mietspiegel.berlin.de.
Source: Berliner Mietspiegel 2026 veröffentlicht — Senatsverwaltung für Stadtentwicklung, Bauen und Wohnen ↗
In areas designated as tight housing markets, a new rent may be at most 10% above the local comparative rent (Mietpreisbremse). Federal law lets states keep these designations until 31 December 2029 at the latest.
Source: § 556d BGB Zulässige Miethöhe bei Mietbeginn — Bundesministerium der Justiz ↗
A deposit (Kaution) can be at most 3 months' rent, excluding service charges. You may pay it in 3 equal monthly instalments, and the landlord must keep it in a separate interest-bearing account.
Source: § 551 BGB Begrenzung und Anlage von Mietsicherheiten — Bundesministerium der Justiz ↗
Your landlord must confirm your move-in in writing (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) within two weeks. You need it to register your address.
Source: Anmeldung einer Wohnung — Service Berlin ↗
To apply for subsidised housing you need a Wohnungsberechtigungsschein (WBS). It's free, usually valid for one year, and open to non-EU citizens with a residence permit valid for at least one year who will stay in Berlin at least 11 months.
Source: Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) — Service Berlin ↗

External links

Mietspiegel 2026 query ↗Apply for a WBS ↗District portraits ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Schools and childcare

Kita, school places and the Berlin school system.

Childcare (Kita) in Berlin has been free since August 2018. Kitas may charge up to €90 for extras such as sport, organic food or language lessons.
Source: Kindertagesbetreuung — Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Familie ↗
To get a Kita place, first apply for a Kita-Gutschein from the youth office (Jugendamt) of your home district. Apply 9 to 2 months before the start date; processing takes 6–8 weeks on average.
Source: Kita-Gutschein beantragen — Service Berlin ↗
From age one, a child is entitled to up to 7 hours of care a day without giving reasons. More hours need a reason, such as work or study.
Source: Kita-Gutschein beantragen — Service Berlin ↗
Primary school (Grundschule) usually lasts six years. Children then move to an Integrierte Sekundarschule (Abitur in year 13) or a Gymnasium (Abitur after 12 years).
Source: Berliner Schulsystem — Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Familie ↗
Moving with school-age children? The district school office (Schulamt) assigns school places. You must be registered in Berlin and need your registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) and recent school reports.
Source: Schulwechsel nach Berlin — Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Familie ↗
Children new to Germany can join a welcome class (Willkommensklasse). The Senate's brochure "Neu in Deutschland?" explains admission and is available in English.
Source: Schulwechsel nach Berlin — Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Familie ↗
In school year 2026/27 Berlin has 1,030 public and private schools and 404,910 pupils at general schools.
Source: Bildung — Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Jugend und Familie ↗

External links

School directory ↗Moving to a Berlin school ↗Apply for a Kita-Gutschein ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Healthcare

Health insurance is compulsory. Here's how it works and where to get help.

Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. International cover is advisable for your first days or weeks until German insurance starts.
Source: Health insurance — Make it in Germany ↗
Most employees are compulsorily insured in statutory health insurance (GKV) if they earn more than €603 a month and less than €77,400 a year (2026). Above that limit you may choose private insurance.
Source: Versicherte in der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung — Bundesministerium für Gesundheit ↗
In 2026 the GKV contribution is 14.6% of earnings plus a fund-specific extra (average 2.9%). Employer and employee each pay half, on earnings up to €5,812.50 a month.
Source: Beiträge der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung — Bundesministerium für Gesundheit ↗
Children, spouses and registered partners living in Germany can be covered free through family insurance if their own income stays below €603 a month (2026).
Source: Versicherte in der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung — Bundesministerium für Gesundheit ↗
Statutory members get an electronic health card (eGK). Take it to every doctor's visit; the back works as a European Health Insurance Card.
Source: Health insurance — Make it in Germany ↗
Call 116117 for the on-call doctor service when your practice is closed: 24/7 and free from German phone contracts. In a life-threatening emergency call 112.
Source: 116117 Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst — Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung ↗
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is Germany's largest university hospital.
Source: Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin ↗

External links

Health insurance (Make it in Germany) ↗116117 on-call doctors ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Banking and IDs

Your tax ID, a German bank account and SIM registration.

Your tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) is sent to your registered address by letter after you first register. Employers need it to deduct wage tax.
Source: Steueridentifikationsnummer — Service Berlin ↗
No tax ID letter within 3 months of registering? Request it from the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) with its online form. It's free.
Source: Steueridentifikationsnummer — Service Berlin ↗
To open a current account (Girokonto) banks usually ask for a valid passport, a residence permit, a registration certificate and possibly a payslip.
Source: Bank account — Make it in Germany ↗
Anyone lawfully resident in the EU without a German payment account has the right to a basic account (Basiskonto), including people with no fixed address. The bank must offer it within 10 business days of a complete application.
Source: Basiskonto — BaFin ↗
Statutory deposit protection covers up to €100,000 per customer per bank.
Source: Einlagensicherung — BaFin ↗
Providers must check your name and date of birth against an ID document before activating a prepaid SIM card.
Source: § 172 TKG Daten für Auskunftsersuchen — Bundesministerium der Justiz ↗

External links

Tax ID (Service Berlin) ↗Basiskonto (BaFin) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Driving and cars

Using your licence in Germany and converting it in Berlin.

A non-EU/EEA licence is valid for 6 months after you register your main residence in Germany. After that you need a German licence.
Source: Anerkennung von Führerscheinen aus Nicht-EU/EWR-Ländern — LABO Berlin ↗
The 6 months can only be extended (for a fee) if it is clear from the start that you will live in Germany for no more than 12 months.
Source: Anerkennung von Führerscheinen aus Nicht-EU/EWR-Ländern — LABO Berlin ↗
There is no deadline to apply to convert a non-EU licence, but your foreign licence must still be valid. Driving on a licence that is no longer recognised is punished as driving without a licence.
Source: Gültigkeit ausländischer Fahrerlaubnisse in Deutschland — Bundesministerium für Verkehr ↗
In Berlin, apply in person at a Bürgeramt with ID, residence permit, a biometric photo and your original licence (a translation if it's not in German or English). It costs €37.50 without a test and €45.10 with one.
Source: Umschreibung einer Fahrerlaubnis aus einem Nicht-EU/EWR-Staat — Service Berlin ↗
Licences from Anlage 11 countries convert with a simplified process. Other non-EU licences need an eye test and first-aid training, and usually a practical test through a driving school.
Source: Umschreibung einer Fahrerlaubnis aus einem Nicht-EU/EWR-Staat — Service Berlin ↗
EU/EEA licences generally stay valid after you move to Germany. UK licences must be exchanged within 6 months of taking up residence, currently without theory or practical tests.
Source: Gültigkeit ausländischer Fahrerlaubnisse in Deutschland — Bundesministerium für Verkehr ↗

External links

Convert a non-EU licence ↗Convert an EU/EEA licence ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs and work

Pay rules, work visas and getting qualifications recognised.

The statutory minimum wage has been €13.90 gross per hour since 1 January 2026. It rises to €14.60 on 1 January 2027.
Source: Mindestlohn jetzt bei 13,90 Euro — Bundesregierung ↗
The earnings limit for a mini-job is €603 a month in 2026, rising to €633 in 2027.
Source: Mindestlohn jetzt bei 13,90 Euro — Bundesregierung ↗
An EU Blue Card needs a recognised degree and a job offer of at least 6 months paying €50,700 a year (2026). The threshold is €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and graduates of the last 3 years.
Source: EU Blue Card — Make it in Germany ↗
Blue Card holders can get a settlement permit after 27 months with A1 German, or after 21 months with B1.
Source: EU Blue Card — Make it in Germany ↗
The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) lets you look for work for up to 1 year. You may work part-time up to 20 hours a week and do 2-week job trials. You need about €1,091 net a month in a blocked account (2026).
Source: Opportunity Card — Make it in Germany ↗
The federal portal Recognition in Germany explains how to get foreign professional qualifications recognised and has a Recognition Finder.
Source: Recognition in Germany — Federal Government portal ↗

External links

Make it in Germany ↗Recognition Finder ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Universities and colleges

Fees, semester tickets and student residence rules.

Freie Universität Berlin charges no tuition fees (except for continuing education). The semester contribution for winter 2026/27 is €376.80, including €226.80 for the Deutschland semester ticket.
Source: Gebühren und Beiträge — Freie Universität Berlin ↗
At HTW Berlin the winter 2026/27 semester fee is €375.30. Re-registering late costs €19.94 extra.
Source: Semester fee: winter semester 2026/27 — HTW Berlin ↗
From winter 2026/27 the student Deutschland semester ticket costs €37.80 a month (€226.80 per semester), paid by all students at TU Berlin.
Source: Semesterticket — AStA TU Berlin ↗
Non-EU students need a residence permit for study: proof of €992 a month (€11,904 a year, 2026), German health insurance and a main residence in Berlin. A first electronic permit costs €100.
Source: Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Studium — Service Berlin ↗
Studierendenwerk Berlin supports over 170,000 students with housing in nine districts, canteens, counselling and the BAföG office.
Source: Studierendenwerk Berlin ↗
Many German universities use uni-assist to check applications from international students; it works for 180 universities.
Source: uni-assist ↗

External links

Studierendenwerk housing ↗Student residence permit ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Newcomer support

Free advice, language courses and official help in your language.

The Willkommenszentrum Berlin (Welcome Center) gives free, multilingual, individual advice to newcomers on site. Its website is in English, German, Russian, Turkish and Arabic.
Source: Willkommenszentrum Berlin — Beauftragte des Senats für Integration und Migration ↗
Berlin's adult education centres (Volkshochschulen) run integration courses. You start with a consultation and placement test, offered at every Berlin VHS; bring your passport or ID.
Source: Integration courses — Berlin adult education centres (VHS) ↗
The integration course ends with the "German test for immigrants" (target level B1) and an orientation test on law, culture and history.
Source: Integration courses — Berlin adult education centres (VHS) ↗
The Landesamt für Einwanderung takes residence permit applications online for work, family and humanitarian reasons.
Source: Berlin Immigration Office — Landesamt für Einwanderung ↗
berlin.de publishes city information in eight languages, including English, Arabic, Turkish and Ukrainian.
Source: Living in Berlin — berlin.de ↗

External links

Welcome Center Berlin ↗Integration courses (VHS) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

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