Expat & Relocation Guide 2025 - Berlin
Berlin is Germany’s vibrant capital and its largest city. With around 3.9 million inhabitants (2024), Berlin is the biggest city in the EU by population. It is extremely multicultural – residents hail from roughly 190 countries – and is known worldwide for its rich history, iconic landmarks (Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the East Side Gallery on the Berlin Wall, etc.), and its lively arts and nightlife scene. In economic terms, Berlin is also a powerhouse: in 2018 its GDP was about €147 billion, making it Germany’s largest city economy and the third-largest in the EU. Today Berlin is a renowned hub for culture, startups, media, and science, with strong sectors in technology, life sciences, creative industries, and tourism. Expats find it appealing for its open-minded atmosphere, plentiful green spaces (e.g. Tiergarten, Tempelhofer Feld), and the fact that English is widely spoken in many workplaces and neighborhoods.
Population: ~3.9 million
Language: German (English widely spoken)
Currency: Euro (€)
Key Industries: Startups, Tech, Media, Government
Cost of Living: Moderate (rising)
Best Areas for Expats: Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg
Public Transport: Extensive (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses)
Lifestyle: Creative, diverse, relaxed vibe
Highlights: Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, vibrant nightlife
Visa and Immigration
• EU/EEA and Swiss Nationals: No visa is required. By EU freedom-of-movement rules, you can live and work in Berlin freely – you simply need to register your address (Anmeldung) at the local Bürgeramt (residents’ registration office) upon moving in.
• Non-EU Nationals: You will generally need a visa to enter Germany for stays over 90 days. Apply for the appropriate visa (work, freelance, student, etc.) at a German embassy or consulate before arrival. Once in Berlin, you must convert that visa into a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) at the Landesamt für Einwanderung (Berlin Immigration Office) within 90 days. The Immigration Office issues permits tied to your purpose (employment, study, family, etc.).
• Visa-Exempt Nationals: Citizens of countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Israel, or South Korea can enter Germany without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days). However, if you intend to work or stay longer, you must still apply for the proper residence/work permit within 90 days of arrival. It’s often easier to apply for the necessary work visa at home so you can start work immediately on arrival.
• EU Blue Card: Highly skilled professionals (usually with a university degree) may qualify for the EU Blue Card, a fast-track residence permit for in-demand professions. As of 2024, the Blue Card requires a German-recognized degree and a minimum gross salary of roughly €55,200 per year (lower for shortage occupations).
Housing Overview
Berlin’s housing market is competitive. Rents have risen in recent years, and supply in popular neighborhoods can be tight. Many German apartments are offered unfurnished (often without a kitchen unit), and landlords typically require a security deposit (up to 3 months’ rent). Expect that a modern 1‑bedroom apartment in the city center rents for roughly €1,230/month on average (spring 2025); outside the center, a comparable unit is closer to €900. Larger family flats (2–3 bedrooms) range from about €1,600 (outside center) to over €2,200 (city-center). Utilities (heat, electricity, water, etc.) add ~€300–400/month for a medium-size flat, and high-speed internet plans are around €40/month.
Common neighborhoods for expats include Mitte (historic center with startups and shops), Prenzlauer Berg (family-friendly with parks and cafés), Kreuzberg/Friedrichshain (trendy nightlife and international food), Charlottenburg (Western, residential with good schools), and Pankow or Steglitz for quiet suburbs.
Furnished and corporate housing are popular for shorter stays or ease of move-in. The FARAWAYHOME platform offers curated rentals for every need:
• Furnished Apartments: Ideal for temporary or turnkey stays. FARAWAYHOME’s Furnished apartments in Berlin come fully equipped with furniture and utilities.
• Furnished Luxury Apartments: For high-end living, see the furnished luxury apartments on FARAWAYHOME, featuring premium furnishings and central locations.
• Serviced Apartments: These are like short-term hotels with self-catering kitchens. Check FARAWAYHOME’s serviced apartments listings for flexible, all-inclusive stays.
• Corporate Housing: Companies relocating staff often use corporate housing solutions. FARAWAYHOME’s corporate housing options are tailored for professionals.
• Apartments for Sale: If you plan to buy, FARAWAYHOME lists apartments for sale across Berlin – options range from modern condos to pre‑war flats.
• Luxury Real Estate: For premier buyers, see FARAWAYHOME’s luxury real estate portfolio, featuring high-end properties and penthouses.
Finally, larger online portals like Immobilienscout24 or Immowelt are commonly used (though many listings are in German). It’s helpful to enlist a relocation agent or use networks (social media/expat groups) to find listings quickly, as demand is high.
Cost of Living
Berlin is generally more affordable than other Western capitals (like London or Paris), but costs are rising. According to Numbeo (April 2025 data), a typical monthly budget (family of four) is about $3,872 (≈€3,417) excluding rent. For a single person, living expenses average around $1,140 (≈€1,006) per month. Key expenses include:
Housing/Rent
As noted above, expect ~€1,230 for a 1-bed city-center apartment, and ~€900 outside. A 3-bedroom in the center averages ~€2,230.
Food & Groceries
Everyday groceries are reasonably priced. For example, 1.5 L milk is about €4.45, a 1 kg loaf of bread €1.60, 12 eggs €3.23. Dining out varies widely: an inexpensive restaurant meal is ~€15, a mid-range three-course dinner for two ~€70. A domestic beer (0.5 L draught) costs around €4.50 in bars, while a 0.5 L bottle at a store is about €1.01; a cappuccino is ~€3.78.
Utilities & Internet
Monthly utilities for a 85 m² flat (electricity, heating, water, garbage) average about €313. Unlimited broadband internet (60 Mbps+) runs ~€40. Mobile phone plans with 10+ GB data are roughly €17–20/month.
Public Transport
Berlin’s public transit system is excellent (see next section). A single bus/U-Bahn ticket (AB zones) is about €3.20; a day pass ~€9; a monthly AB pass ~€90 (2024) for unlimited local travel. In fact, Germany introduced a national Deutschlandticket: unlimited local/regional travel for €49/month (2024 price) (rising to €58 in 2025). This ticket covers all Berlin public transit (BVG/U-Bahn/S-Bahn) plus regional trains.
Childcare & Education
Public kindergarten (Kita) and schools are generally subsidized or free. Private international schools are costly: for example, an international primary school year costs on the order of €9,700 per child (typical range €6,000–12,000). Private full-day daycare can be €150–€700/month depending on age and subsidies.
Overall, many expat families find Berlin quite reasonable for the quality of life. Still, budget carefully and consider free or low-cost options (like farmers’ markets, discount supermarkets, and the €49 Deutschlandticket) to keep expenses down.
Healthcare in Berlin
Germany has universal healthcare, and health insurance is mandatory. Most residents join one of the statutory public health insurance funds (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV). If you are employed, about 14–15% of your gross salary goes to health insurance, split roughly half with your employer. Statutory insurance covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs (with small co-pays), and emergency care. Once insured, you’ll receive a health card to use at clinics and hospitals.
High-income earners, civil servants, or self-employed individuals may opt for private insurance (PKV), which can offer broader coverage (e.g. choice of specialists, private rooms). It’s best to compare plans early. EU citizens can use an EHIC/GHIC card for emergency care temporarily, but must obtain German insurance for longer stays.
Healthcare quality in Berlin is very high – you’ll find excellent English-speaking doctors, high-tech hospitals (e.g. Charité, Vivantes), and good emergency services (call 112). As a tip, register with a local Hausarzt (general practitioner) for regular check-ups.
Education and International Schools
Education is free for all children at public schools in Germany. Compulsory education runs roughly ages 6–16. Public schools are taught in German, and integrate children into the local system. Many expat families place children in bilingual or international schools to continue education in English (or other languages). Berlin has numerous international or private schools, for example: John F. Kennedy School (German-American bilingual), Berlin Metropolitan School (IB program), Berlin International School, Berlin Cosmopolitan School, Berlin British School, and others. Tuition can be high – roughly €6,000 to €12,000 per year for primary/secondary level (as noted, about €9,700/year on average).
There are also “Europaschulen” and bilingual branches of public schools, which combine German and foreign curricula at reduced cost. For younger children, Berlin has many international daycare centers (Kita) and English-speaking kindergartens (often with fees around €150–€700/month depending on subsidies). The network of English-speaking tutors and language schools is also strong for supplemental lessons. When moving, apply early to popular schools, as spaces (especially in good internationals) can fill up a year in advance.
Public Transportation & Getting Around
Berlin’s public transit network is extensive and easy to use. The city is served by:
• U-Bahn (subway/metro) and S-Bahn (urban rail) trains, covering all neighborhoods;
• BVG trams (streetcars) mostly in the east;
• BVG buses, including 24-hour lines.
All are run on an integrated ticket system (zones A, B, C). You can check schedules and routes on the BVG app or website. Tickets can be bought at stations or via apps. As of 2024, a one-way ticket (AB) is about €3.20, a day pass ~€9, and a monthly AB pass ~€90. However, the nationwide Deutschlandticket (49€/month in 2024) is valid on all BVG/U-Bahn/S-Bahn and regional trains in Berlin/Brandenburg.
Berlin is also very bike-friendly: there are many dedicated lanes and cheap bike-share schemes. Taxis and ride-sharing (Uber, etc.) are available, but expensive. For intercity travel, the two main airports (BER) offer flights to most of Europe, and the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) connects to Germany and beyond via Deutsche Bahn (regional tickets are also covered by the €49 Deutschlandticket in 2024).
Working in Berlin
Berlin’s job market is broad, but networking is key. Major industries include ICT/tech, life sciences, media & creative arts, environmental tech, logistics, and tourism. The service sector dominates (about 85% of businesses). Notable employers are the German government (many federal agencies), Deutsche Bahn (rail), major hospitals (Charité, Vivantes), public transit (BVG), tech companies (Zalando, SoundCloud), telecom (Deutsche Telekom), engineering (Siemens), and a huge startup community. In fact, Berlin is Germany’s top startup hub; it pulled in more venture capital than any other European city in 2015.
Work culture in Berlin tends to be more relaxed and informal than in some German cities. Many startups and tech firms use English as the office language, though learning German will greatly expand your opportunities. German workplaces usually value punctuality and clear communication. Titles (Herr/Frau) and handshake greetings are common in the first meetings. Networking is important: join professional groups or coworking events, and use platforms like LinkedIn, Meetup.com, or the “Berlin Startup Jobs” communities. The federal Make It in Germany portal (see Resources) is a good starting point for finding visa-sponsored jobs and visa advice. Also consider local job sites like Jobbörse der Arbeitsagentur and region-specific recruiters.
While Berlin has many English-speaking jobs (especially in tech), traditional German companies often expect at least B1–B2 level German. If you have a university degree or in-demand skills, you might qualify for an EU Blue Card (see above) which streamlines the work-permit process.
Lifestyle and Culture
Berlin boasts an unbeatable lifestyle and social scene. The city has world-famous cultural venues and events: dozens of theaters, concert halls, and museums (including Museumsinsel, the Jewish Museum, and East Side Gallery on the Berlin Wall) offer something for every interest. Berlin’s film industry is also huge – there are over 1,000 film and TV companies in the region – and it hosts the annual Berlinale international film festival.
By night, Berlin comes alive. It is legendary for its nightlife: from techno temples (Berghain, Tresor) to indie bars and beer gardens, the options are endless. Alternative neighborhoods (Friedrichshain, Neukölln, Mitte) have countless clubs and live-music venues. Beer culture is strong – most locals enjoy a draft Pils in a Späti (late-night store) or at a seasonal beer garden.
Food-wise, Berlin is a melting pot: you’ll find excellent Turkish, Vietnamese, Italian, Middle Eastern and other cuisine alongside traditional German dishes. Street-food staples like Döner kebab, Currywurst, and Turkish gözleme are ubiquitous and cheap. The city also has many international restaurants and markets; don’t miss the weekly farmers’ markets or Christmas markets in winter.
For families and outdoor lovers, Berlin has vast parks (Tiergarten, Volkspark) and nearby lakes (Wannsee, Müggelsee) for recreation. Seasonal festivals – Karneval der Kulturen (multicultural carnival), Carnival (Rosenmontag parades), summer music concerts, and New Year’s parties – ensure year-round fun. Many expats join sports clubs, language tandems, or hobby groups (Meetup.com is very active) to build their social network.
Tips for Settling In
Register Early
As soon as you have a place to live, book an appointment to Anmeldung (residents registration) at a Bürgeramt. You are required by law to register your address (even EU citizens “have to register in your new … city”). You’ll need this registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) for almost everything (opening a bank account, getting a phone line, etc.).
Open a German Bank Account
Most employers pay only to German IBAN accounts. Banks like DKB, Commerzbank, or online banks (N26, bunq) are popular with foreigners.
Health Insurance
Do not delay getting insured. Once employed, your insurance is handled via payroll, but if unemployed or self-employed you must secure a policy immediately. Keep proof of insurance handy, as you’ll need it for Anmeldung and many registrations.
Learn German Basics
Many bureaucratic processes (filing for visa extensions, tax ID, even apartment contracts) are in German. Knowing basic German phrases and terminology (or getting a translator) will save time. Consider enrolling in an Integrationskurs or Goethe Institute courses.
Understand Bureaucracy
German bureaucracy can seem complex. Key terms: Anmeldung (register), Steuer-ID (tax ID, mailed to you after Anmeldung), Krankenversicherung (health insurance), Arbeitserlaubnis (work permit). Bring original documents and translations if requested. For tips, use guides like “How to Register in Berlin” on Berlin.de or relocation blogs.
Networking
Berlin has strong expat communities. Websites like Internations or Meetup have Berlin groups for career, tech, parenting, and hobbies. Attend language-exchange meetups or global coworking meetups to make local friends. Berliners tend to warm up slowly, so patience helps; join clubs or events to meet people.
Office Etiquette
Punctuality is important in Germany. When first meeting colleagues or business contacts, use formal address (“Herr/Frau [LastName]”) unless invited to use first names. Handshakes are common. Even if offices are casual, it’s better to be slightly more formal with new colleagues.
Simplify Move-In
For smoother logistics, consider hiring a moving service or professional cleaner for the first flat. Germans often perform a final cleaning at move-out, so read your rental contract on that. In furnished rentals (like via FARAWAYHOME), utilities are usually included, which avoids set-up hassles.
Resources and Useful Links
• Berlin Service Portal: Official city portal for registration, permits, and local administration – service.berlin.de
• Make It in Germany: Federal government portal on visas, work and living in Germany – make-it-in-germany.com
• Auswärtiges Amt (Foreign Office): Visa and entry requirements – auswaertiges-amt.de
• Arbeitsagentur (Jobbörse): Federal employment agency job listings – arbeitsagentur.de/en
• Expatica – Germany: English news and guides for expats – expatica.com/de
• Internations – Berlin: Online expat community – internations.org/berlin-expats
• Meetup – Berlin: Find meetups for tech, language exchange, hobbies, etc – meetup.com/cities/de/berlin
• BVG (Berlin Transport): Schedules and tickets for U-Bahn/S-Bahn/trams/buses – bvg.de
• Deutsche Bahn: For long-distance trains and the Deutschlandticket – bahn.com
• FARAWAYHOME: Housing platform with furnished rentals, serviced apartments, sales - farawayhome.com
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
1. Do I need a visa to move to Berlin?
Berlin follows Germany’s visa policy. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens don’t need a visa to live there. Other nationals (including Americans, Australians, etc.) can enter Germany for up to 90 days without a visa, but staying long-term requires obtaining the correct German residence permit or visa before you go.
2. How expensive is Berlin compared to other German cities?
Berlin used to be much cheaper, but prices have risen. It’s still generally more affordable than Munich or Frankfurt. For example, Berlin’s cost of living is about 4% lower than Munich’s. Housing is usually less expensive in Berlin, though it’s increasing. Overall, expect lower costs than in the south.
3. What are the best areas to live in Berlin as an expat?
Berlin has many distinct neighborhoods. Popular ones include Mitte (central, cultural landmarks), Prenzlauer Berg (family-friendly, cafés), Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain (youthful, multicultural, vibrant nightlife), Charlottenburg (upscale west side), and Neukölln (diverse and up-and-coming). Each area has a different vibe, so consider what matches your lifestyle (e.g., party scene vs. quiet parks).
4. Is English widely spoken in Berlin?
Very much so. Berlin is an international capital with a large expat and startup community. English is common in work, university, and social settings. Signs and menus often include English. However, official business (government offices, doctors, etc.) is typically conducted in German.
5. How good is public transport in Berlin?
Berlin’s public transit is outstanding. The U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (urban rail) networks span the city, supplemented by trams and buses. Trains run frequently (often every 5–10 minutes) and into the late night or early morning on weekends. A single ticket covers all modes, making it easy to travel nearly anywhere in the city.
6. How safe is Berlin?
Berlin is generally safe. It has moderate crime rates, typical for a city its size. Most neighborhoods are fine at any time of day. Of course, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. Certain nightlife or clubbing districts (especially late at night) can be rough around the edges, but violent crime against residents is rare.
7. What are the top things to do in Berlin?
Berlin is full of history and culture. Must-see sites include the Brandenburg Gate, East Side Gallery (remnants of the Berlin Wall), and Museum Island (e.g. Pergamon Museum). You can also stroll through Tiergarten (huge park), visit the Reichstag dome, or explore quirky street art in Kreuzberg. Berlin’s nightlife is legendary – from techno clubs to cozy bars. Annual events like the Berlinale film festival and Christmas markets add to the city’s cultural life.
8. How is the healthcare system in Berlin?
Berlin enjoys the same excellent German healthcare as elsewhere. All residents must have health insurance. Berlin is home to top hospitals like Charité (a world-renowned university hospital). There are many English-speaking doctors and specialists, and emergency medical care is accessible city-wide.
Moving to Berlin involves paperwork and adjustment, but with its high quality of life, cultural richness, and friendly expat networks, most newcomers settle in well. This guide covers the essentials, but always verify visa and legal info with official sources, and reach out to local expat groups for personalized tips. Viel Erfolg – good luck with your Berlin adventure!