Relocation Agencies & Services in Berlin

Relocation Agencies & Services in Berlin – The Complete Guide (2026)

Berlin is one of Europe’s most exciting cities to move to — and one of the hardest to navigate when you arrive. Over 829,000 foreign residents from 190+ nationalities call the city home, yet Berlin ranked dead last among 53 cities for “Expat Essentials” in the 2024 InterNations survey. The bureaucracy is notoriously complex, the housing market operates at below 2% vacancy, and most official processes happen exclusively in German.

A relocation agency can compress months of confusion into weeks of structured progress. This guide from FARAWAYHOME explains what relocation services exist in Berlin, profiles the leading agencies, breaks down realistic pricing, and helps you decide which services are worth paying for — and which you can handle on your own.

 

 

Do You Need a Relocation Agency in Berlin?

Not everyone does. If you speak some German, have relocated internationally before, and have time to navigate the system, you can handle much of the process yourself. But there are situations where professional help pays for itself many times over.

 

When an agency is worth it

Visa and residence permits: This is where agencies deliver the clearest ROI. Berlin’s Ausländerbeörde (foreigners’ office) has been described by its own director as “on the edge of dysfunctionality,” with backlogs of 10,000+ unanswered emails in the skilled worker department alone. Agencies typically achieve freelance visa appointments in roughly three months versus six or more months independently. A single missing document can push your case back by months — agencies ensure your file is complete on first submission.

Apartment search: With vacancy below 2%, average rents at €15.79/sqm (unfurnished) and €36.82/sqm (furnished), and desirable listings leasing within 7–14 days, Berlin’s housing market punishes newcomers who lack local knowledge, a German-language application, and a Schufa credit score. Agencies with landlord networks can access listings before they hit the public portals.

Corporate transfers: If your employer is covering relocation costs, a managed relocation package ensures nothing falls through the cracks during a compressed timeline. Most agencies coordinate visa, housing, Anmeldung, bank, insurance, school search, and settling-in as a single programme.

Families with children: Finding the right Kita (daycare) or international school in Berlin involves navigating waitlists, Kita-Gutschein vouchers, district-specific admissions, and bilingual options — all while managing everything else. Family-specialist agencies save enormous stress.

 

When you can do it yourself

Bank account: N26, Wise, and Revolut offer English-language apps, no branch visit, and often no Anmeldung required for basic accounts. Setup takes minutes. Health insurance comparison: Online calculators from TK, Barmer, or comparison portals like Feather and Ottonova work well in English. SIM card: Prepaid options (Aldi Talk, Vodafone CallYa) require no Schufa and can be activated at any electronics store. Anmeldung: Straightforward if you speak basic German and can secure a Bürgeramt appointment — the form (Anmeldeformular) is a single page, and the appointment itself takes 10 minutes.

 

What Relocation Services Cost in Berlin

Berlin relocation pricing follows two models: flat-fee packages for defined service bundles, and hourly consulting for flexible support. Here is a realistic overview of current market rates.

 

Service	Typical price range	Notes
Hourly consulting	€80–€150/hour	Most agencies require 2-hour minimum
Full individual package	€800–€2,000	Visa + apartment search + settling-in
Immigration / visa support	€830–€5,000	Depends on visa type and complexity
Apartment / housing search	€800–€1,500 flat fee	Typically 6–8 accompanied viewings
Anmeldung assistance	€95–€200	Appointment booking, documents, accompaniment
School / Kita search	€500–€1,500	Includes Kita-Gutschein guidance
Bank / insurance / utilities setup	€95–€200 each	Often bundled into settling-in packages
Corporate package (per employee)	€2,000–€15,000+	End-to-end: visa, housing, settling-in, family
International household goods move	€3,000–€20,000	Volume and distance dependent
Pet relocation	€1,500–€7,000	Microchip, rabies, EU Health Certificate

Prices as of early 2026. Most agencies offer free initial consultations of 15–20 minutes.

 

Types of Relocation Services Explained

Relocation agencies in Berlin typically offer services à la carte or as bundled packages. Here is what each service category covers in practice.

 

Immigration and visa support

Covers eligibility assessment, document preparation and certified translation, Ausländerbeörde appointment booking, accompaniment and interpretation, and employer coordination where needed. Common visa types handled include the EU Blue Card (minimum salary €45,300/year, or €41,042 for shortage occupations), employment visa (Arbeitsvisum), freelance and self-employment visa, artist visa, family reunification, the new Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card, introduced June 2024), and permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis). EU citizens do not need a visa but must still complete the Anmeldung. Most agencies work with partner immigration lawyers for complex cases.

 

Apartment and housing search

Includes a needs consultation (budget, size, neighbourhood preferences, furnished vs. unfurnished), active searching across portals and private networks, document preparation (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung, Schufa, salary proof), accompanied viewings (typically 6–8), application management, contract review and summary translation, and move-in handover. Since the 2015 Bestellerprinzip, tenant-side broker fees are prohibited for unfurnished rentals, so agencies charge flat fees rather than a percentage of rent. For newcomers without a Schufa score, a furnished apartment that does not require Schufa is often the fastest path to getting settled.

 

Registration and settling-in

The Anmeldung (address registration at the Bürgeramt) is legally required within 14 days of moving in. You need your passport, rental contract, and a Wohnungsgeber­bestätigung (landlord confirmation). Average Bürgeramt appointment wait times have improved to 27 days as of mid-2025, with over 180,000 appointments processed in July 2025 alone — but navigating the booking system and documentation in German remains a significant hurdle. Settling-in services extend to utility setup (electricity, internet, Rundfunkbeitrag at €18.36/month), mail redirection, driver’s licence conversion, parking permits, and local orientation tours.

 

School and Kita search

Berlin Kitas are essentially free since 2018 (parents pay only ~€50–100/month for meals), but high demand creates long waitlists, especially in central districts. Agencies navigate the Kita-Gutschein voucher system through the Jugendamt, identify bilingual and international options, and manage applications. International schools — Berlin International School, Berlin British School, Berlin Metropolitan School (IB programme), JFK School (German-American), Phorms, Berlin Cosmopolitan School — charge €6,000–€20,000/year in tuition and have their own admissions timelines.

 

Corporate relocation packages

Designed for companies transferring employees to Berlin. Typically include end-to-end immigration management, pre-move consultation or look-and-see trip, temporary and permanent housing search, full settling-in, family support (school, Kita, spouse career coaching), intercultural and language training, and digital tracking platforms with HR reporting. Berlin’s tech ecosystem drives enormous demand — 49% of startup employees are non-German citizens, and companies like Zalando, Delivery Hero, N26, HelloFresh, and Tesla actively relocate international talent.

 

Moving and shipping

Within Berlin, a typical move costs €280–€1,200 depending on apartment size. International household goods shipping ranges from €3,000 to €20,000+ based on volume and origin. Duty-free import requires having lived outside the EU for 12+ months and owned the goods for 6+ months. FIDI-FAIM certified companies in Berlin include Hasenkamp, Hertling, Hartmann International, and Rosebrock.

 

Pet relocation

EU entry requirements: ISO-compliant microchip, valid rabies vaccination (administered 21+ days before travel), and an EU Health Certificate endorsed within 10 days of departure. From high-risk rabies countries, an antibody titer test with a three-month waiting period is required. No quarantine if documentation is complete. Berlin’s annual dog tax (Hundesteuer) is approximately €120. Some breed restrictions apply.

 

Berlin’s Leading Relocation Agencies

Berlin’s relocation market spans small boutique consultancies with deep local knowledge to global mobility firms managing thousands of assignments annually. Below is a curated directory of the most established providers, organised by type.

 

Berlin-specialist agencies

 

Archer Relocation

Founded in 2015 by Australian expat Emily Archer, this is one of the most transparent agencies in Berlin when it comes to pricing. Published rates include orientation coaching at €110/hour (2-hour minimum), home search from €990, immigration and visa from €830, school/Kita search from €530, Anmeldung and bureaucratic services from €110, and utility registration from €95 (all inclusive of 19% VAT). Services span apartment search (up to 8 viewings), visa assistance via partner immigration lawyers, Anmeldung, bank setup, health insurance, school and Kita search, orientation tours, and interpreting. Archer also offers a “Move to Germany” mobile app. Originally Berlin-only, now expanded to Munich and Germany-wide. EuRA-affiliated.

 

Wilde Relocation

Established in 2005 with offices on Chausseetraße in Mitte. A team of 11–50 Berlin-based consultants with international backgrounds. Comprehensive corporate-focused service menu covering visa and immigration, temporary and permanent home search, Anmeldung, tax ID, health insurance, bank accounts, school/Kita/Kindergeld, airport pick-up, pet relocation and dog tax registration, driver’s licence conversion, orientation tours, intercultural training, departure services, and spousal support. Pricing is B2B with custom quotes. Notable clients include Smartly.io and several international schools. EuRA member with a strong sustainability focus. Over 20 years of Berlin-specific networks with authorities, landlords, and schools.

 

Expats In Wonderland

Founded by Ina, a former touring performance artist, this boutique agency has a unique positioning targeting artists, creatives, and freelancers alongside corporate professionals. Services include visa and immigration (partnered with immigration lawyer Rechtsanwalt Christof Pallus), flat search coaching, company formation (UG/GmbH), KSK application coaching for artists, relocation coaching packages, and business relocation. Offers a free 20-minute initial consultation and online booking. Dominates Berlin-specific search results across multiple keywords. Particularly strong for freelance visa support.

 

Expath / Start Relocation

Founded in 2012, Expath has grown to a core team of around 35 people from 15 countries, working with hundreds of coaches, teachers, and translators. The service mix is unique: relocation coaching packages (5, 12, or 20 hours), visa and immigration via partner “Start Relocation Service,” apartment search, full settling-in, freelancer setup coaching, German language classes (under the “All on Board” brand), corporate onboarding programmes, and an online relocation platform with video tutorials and real-time HR tracking. Winner of the EMMA Award 2018 for Destination Service Provider of the Year. Notable clients include SoundCloud and N26. EuRA member. Operates on a 4-day workweek.

 

Arriva Relocation

One of Berlin’s longest-established agencies, operating since 1994. Strong network for apartment search, orientation tours, and corporate settling-in. Serves both corporate and individual clients with a traditional full-service approach.

 

von Wrede Relocation

Premium boutique agency with its own portfolio of furnished apartments — a relatively rare model in the market. Specialises in family relocations and works with employers such as Doctolib. Particularly strong for high-net-worth clients and executive transfers who want a single point of contact for both housing and settling-in.

 

Make It Berlin

Solo-practitioner boutique run by Vivian Lie, who was born in Berlin, raised in Munich, and lived 20 years in the US. Full relocation consulting including documentation, school evaluation, home search, and administrative setup. Also contracts with ICUnet and Dwellworks. Languages: English and German.

 

National and global providers

 

ANDERS CONSULTING Relocation Service

Founded in 1998 in Hamburg, with a Berlin office at Rahel-Hirsch-Str. 10 near the Hauptbahnhof. Operates up to 120 relocation consultants across 100 German cities. Notable as the only nationwide German relocation service with a publicly downloadable flat-fee price list (“one service = one price,” not hourly). Services include Blue Card and accelerated skilled worker immigration, home search (partnered with the AreaOne meta-search platform), full settling-in, family services, car import, driver’s licence conversion, look-and-see trips, and departure services. Free 15-minute initial consultation via Google Meet. Strong focus on the Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz (Skilled Labour Immigration Act).

 

ICUnet Group

Germany’s largest relocation and assignment management provider, with a Berlin office at Pariser Platz 6A (Brandenburg Gate). Approximately 200 permanent employees plus 350 freelance consultants across 40+ nations speaking 50+ languages, with 130+ relocation consultants in 30+ German cities. Manages over 7,000 assignments per year for clients including 24 DAX companies, 22 Euro Stoxx companies, and 450+ mid-sized enterprises. Services span global mobility, destination services, immigration, home-finding, school search, settling-in, intercultural training, DEI consulting, expense management, and repatriation. More than 80 industry awards. Pricing is enterprise-level B2B.

 

IRC Relocation / Packimpex

IRC was founded around 1999 and operated as Berlin’s longest-standing specialist for 25 years. In 2024, its relocation and immigration activities were acquired by Swiss group Packimpex (founded 1977, 300+ staff globally), significantly expanding their German footprint. Now offers the combined strengths of IRC’s deep Berlin knowledge and Packimpex’s European network, including home search, settling-in, immigration, international moving, temporary living, furniture rental, corporate apartment management, and school search. Over 60% of Switzerland’s top 100 companies use Packimpex. EuRA member.

 

Santa Fe Relocation

One of the world’s oldest relocation companies (heritage to 1892), with a German presence since 1959. Part of the Mobilitas Group since 2024. Approximately 1,500 employees globally across 96 offices in 47 countries. Berlin office in Großbeeren. Full end-to-end services: moving, corporate immigration, destination services, assignment management, compensation and expense management, language and cultural training, and departure services. Operates in 60+ languages. ISO 9001, 14001, 18001, and 27001 certified. FAIMplus accredited. Primarily serves large multinational corporations.

 

Dwellworks

US-based global mobility company with over 1,200 destination consultants worldwide, including Berlin-based consultants. Serves 80% of Fortune 1000 companies. Offers both corporate-managed and self-service programmes. Self-service pricing is publicly listed via “Dwellworks Direct”: Digital Destination at ~€160 (content access only), Digital Plus at ~€250 (content + 1-hour consultation), Digital & Services at ~€525 (content + 4 hours of local consultant support), and Digital & Extended at ~€800 (content + 8 hours in-person support). Corporate pricing is separate and quote-based. 98.4% positive customer feedback.

 

Crown World Mobility

Part of Crown Worldwide Group (founded 1965). Between 1,000 and 5,000 employees across 101 offices in approximately 60 countries. Revenue around €310 million. Full-service global mobility: moving, programme and assignment management, immigration, expense management, and technology platforms. Serves 2,190 corporate customers. Covers Berlin through their broader European network. Part of a diversified group that also includes logistics, fine art, and records management divisions.

 

Comparison table — Berlin relocation agencies at a glance

 

Agency	Type	Best for	Pricing model	Languages
Archer Relocation	Berlin boutique	Individuals, families	Published flat fees	EN, DE
Wilde Relocation	Berlin boutique	Corporate, families	Custom B2B quotes	EN, DE
Expats In Wonderland	Berlin boutique	Freelancers, creatives, artists	Packages + online booking	EN, DE
Expath / Start Relocation	Berlin specialist	Startups, individuals + language	Hour-based packages	EN, DE, 15+ via team
Arriva Relocation	Berlin specialist	Corporate, individuals	Custom quotes	EN, DE
von Wrede Relocation	Premium boutique	HNWI, executives, families	Custom quotes	EN, DE
ANDERS CONSULTING	Nationwide	Corporate HR, employers	Published flat-fee price list	EN, DE
ICUnet Group	Global enterprise	DAX/large corporates	Enterprise B2B	50+ languages
IRC / Packimpex	European network	Corporate, moving + relocation	Corporate B2B	EN, DE, FR, +
Santa Fe Relocation	Global enterprise	Multinationals, 60+ languages	Enterprise quote-based	60+ languages
Dwellworks	Global + self-service	Fortune 1000 + individuals	Published self-service tiers	EN, DE, +
Crown World Mobility	Global enterprise	Multinationals, full managed	Enterprise quote-based	Multiple

 

The Berlin Relocation Timeline

Every Berlin relocation follows roughly the same sequence, whether you handle it yourself or work with an agency. Here is a realistic timeline of what to expect.

 

Phase	Timeframe	Details
Visa application	1–6+ months before arrival	Embassy wait times: 2–4 weeks (Europe) to 6+ months (India, Pakistan). Processing: 6–12 weeks.
Temporary housing	Day 1 onward	Furnished apartment for first 1–3 months. Must provide Wohnungsgeber­bestätigung for Anmeldung.
Anmeldung	Within 14 days of move-in	Average Bürgeramt wait: ~27 days. 81% get an appointment within 14 days.
Bank account	1–3 days	N26/Wise: same day, possible pre-arrival. Traditional banks: after Anmeldung.
Health insurance	Before starting work	Public (GKV) for employees below ~€69,300/yr. Private (PKV) for self-employed and high earners.
Tax ID	2–4 weeks after Anmeldung	Mailed automatically. Ensure your name is on the mailbox.
Residence permit	3–6+ months	Blue Card: ~3 months. Freelance visa: ~3 months. Complex cases: 6+ months.
Permanent apartment	1–3+ months	Vacancy below 2%. Having Schufa score and full documentation improves odds significantly.

 

Berlin’s Bureaucratic Challenges — What to Expect

Understanding Berlin’s administrative reality helps you decide which services to invest in and which to tackle independently.

 

The Anmeldung catch-22

Berlin’s single most frustrating challenge for newcomers. You need a registered address to open a bank account, get a tax ID, sign utility contracts, enrol in health insurance, and build a Schufa credit score. But getting a permanent apartment often requires a Schufa score, bank statements, and proof of income — things that are impossible without registration. This is precisely why starting with a furnished apartment that provides a Wohnungsgeber­bestätigung is the most practical solution. It breaks the loop and allows you to complete all remaining steps in sequence.

 

The Ausländerbeörde backlog

Berlin’s immigration office has faced years of operational strain. The department handling students and skilled workers accumulated a backlog of over 10,000 unanswered emails. Citizenship processing inherited approximately 40,000 unprocessed applications when operations were centralised in 2025, with the oldest dating to 2005. Since October 2025, new online application forms have launched for employment, education, and freelance permits — a step in the right direction. If your case receives no response after six months, German law allows an Untätigkeitsklage (lawsuit for failure to act), which often resolves cases within 2–4 months. Relocation agencies with established contacts in the office can frequently expedite the process.

 

Schufa: the invisible barrier

Germany’s credit scoring system (Schufa) creates a secondary barrier for newcomers. Without any financial history in Germany, you are “credit invisible” — and many landlords, telecoms, and traditional banks may reject applications outright. Building a usable Schufa score requires at least 1–2 months of financial activity in Germany. Practical workarounds include neobanks that do not check Schufa (N26, Trade Republic, Revolut), prepaid SIM cards, and furnished apartment providers that do not require a Schufa report.

 

Tax Deductibility of Relocation Costs

Several relocation-related expenses are tax-deductible in Germany, which is relevant for both employees and self-employed professionals.

 

Umzugskostenpauschale (flat-rate relocation allowance)

For 2025/2026: €964 for the primary relocating person, plus €643 for each additional household member (spouse, children). A family of four can claim €3,214 without receipts. Tutoring costs for children changing schools due to the move: up to €1,286 per child. This flat rate can be claimed in addition to documented actual costs such as transport, double rent (up to 6 months), and broker fees.

 

Doppelte Haushaltsführung (double household)

Particularly relevant if you maintain a primary home elsewhere while working in Berlin. Deductible costs include up to €1,000/month for the Berlin second home (rent and utilities), weekly home trips (€0.30/km), and meal allowances (€14/day for the first three months). From 2026, international second homes can claim up to €2,000/month. This deduction directly aligns with FARAWAYHOME’s furnished apartment pricing, making it a powerful tax advantage for corporate tenants and consultants.

 

Employer-paid relocation

If your employer covers relocation costs and the move is work-related (new job, employer transfer, or commute reduction of one hour or more), the following are tax-free: full moving and transport costs, travel costs (flights, €0.30/km mileage), house-hunting trip, double rent for up to 6 months, broker fees, and packing materials.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How much does a relocation agency in Berlin cost?

Individual packages typically range from €800 to €2,000, covering visa, apartment search, and settling-in. Hourly consulting rates are €80–€150. Corporate packages for a full international relocation start from €2,000 and can exceed €15,000 per employee depending on scope.

 

Is it worth hiring a relocation agent in Berlin?

For visa and residence permit applications, the answer is almost always yes — the complexity of the Ausländerbeörde and the cost of errors (months of delay from a single missing document) far outweigh the agency fee. For apartment search, it depends on your budget, language skills, and timeline. For basic tasks like bank accounts and SIM cards, you can generally manage independently.

 

What is the difference between a relocation agency and an immigration lawyer?

A relocation agency handles the practical side of moving: housing, registration, bank accounts, school search, settling-in, and orientation. An immigration lawyer provides legal representation for visa applications, appeals, and complex immigration cases. Many Berlin relocation agencies partner with immigration lawyers and include legal support in their packages.

 

How do I register my address (Anmeldung) in Berlin?

Book an appointment at any Bürgeramt (citizens’ office), bring your passport, rental contract, and Wohnungsgeber­bestätigung, and complete the Anmeldeformular. The process takes about 10 minutes. The challenge is securing the appointment — check the online portal between 7–9 AM for cancellation slots across all Berlin locations.

 

Can I move to Berlin without speaking German?

Yes, especially in the tech, startup, and creative sectors where English is the working language. However, all official bureaucratic processes (Bürgeramt, Ausländerbeörde, Finanzamt) are conducted in German, and most landlords, utility providers, and insurance companies communicate in German only. A relocation agency or an interpreter for key appointments makes a significant difference.

 

How long does it take to get a German work visa?

EU citizens do not need a work visa. For non-EU citizens, the EU Blue Card typically takes around three months from application to receipt. Freelance visas also average roughly three months with professional support. Embassy appointment wait times vary enormously by country — from 2–4 weeks in European countries to 6+ months from India or Pakistan.

 

What documents do I need to move to Berlin?

At minimum: valid passport, visa or entry permit (non-EU), rental contract, Wohnungsgeber­bestätigung from your landlord, proof of health insurance, employment contract or proof of income, and university degree certificates (apostilled, for Blue Card). Additional documents for freelancers: business plan, client contracts or letters of intent, financial proof. Keep certified translations of all key documents ready.

 

How do I find an apartment in Berlin as a foreigner?

The main portals are ImmobilienScout24, Immonet, and WG-Gesucht. Competition is intense — vacancy sits below 2% and desirable listings lease within days. Prepare a complete application folder (Bewerbungsmappe) with Schufa report, income proof, ID copy, and Mietschuldenfreiheits­bescheinigung. For newcomers without a Schufa score, starting with a furnished apartment from FARAWAYHOME provides immediate housing while you build your documentation for the permanent market.

 

Are relocation costs tax-deductible in Germany?

Yes. The Umzugskostenpauschale provides a flat-rate deduction of €964 per person (plus €643 per additional household member) without receipts. Documented actual costs — transport, double rent, broker fees — are deductible on top of this. Employees maintaining a second home in Berlin can deduct up to €1,000/month (rising to €2,000/month for international second homes from 2026) under the doppelte Haushaltsführung rules.

 

What are the best Berlin neighbourhoods for expats?

It depends on your profile. Mitte and Charlottenburg suit corporate professionals and families seeking international schools. Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain attract startup workers and creatives. Prenzlauer Berg is popular with expat families for its café culture and calm streets. Neukölln offers the most affordable central living. For a detailed breakdown, see our complete Expat & Relocation Guide.