Finding an apartment in Germany is tough. Moving to a new city and especially country can be both thrilling and daunting, especially when it comes to finding the right place to call home. In Germany, in general, individuals face the choice between temporary and permanent residences. Each option caters to specific needs and presents its own set of advantages. Let’s explore the key differences between temporary and permanent housing in Germany. Whether your companies international employees are moving to Germany and your HR team struggles with the flat search, or you’re an individual looking for help, in this article you find our top tips on navigating the German housing scene!

Temporary Apartments: A Smooth Start

Temporary apartments offer a convenient and hassle-free solution for individuals looking for short-term accommodation in Germany. These furnished apartments are designed to be a temporary home for around six months, making them ideal for newcomers who need time to settle in and explore the city before committing to a long-term lease.

One of the major benefits of temporary apartments is the ease of securing a place to live even before arriving in Germany. The process is straightforward, requiring only a passport, contract of employment, and sometimes a bank statement for booking. This eliminates the need for potential tenants to be physically present to sign the contract, facilitating a smooth start after arriving in Germany.

For those seeking to apply for a residence permit, an approximate six-month rental period of a temporary apartment works in their favor. Having an officially registered address in Germany is crucial for all subsequent bureaucratic steps, such as obtaining a TaxID, opening a bank account, and acquiring insurance. Temporary apartments offer a convenient solution to meet these requirements while allowing newcomers to focus on other aspects of settling in.

Permanent Apartments: Stability and Personal Engagement

For individuals planning to establish roots and commit to a more extended stay in Germany, permanent apartments become an attractive option. Unlike temporary housing, permanent apartments are usually unfurnished and intended for a period of at least one year, with the end of the rental period typically left open.

Applying for a permanent apartment involves a more comprehensive process, requiring essential documents such as a certificate of no rent debts from the previous landlord, the Schufa (credit score report), employment contract, and salary statements for the last three months. The process (with our assistance) takes around two months, and personal presence during viewings as a future tenant is essential, making it necessary to be already present in Germany (and even better, in the chosen city) to start the search.

Conclusion to finding an apartment in Germany

Choosing between temporary and permanent housing in Germany depends on individual needs and circumstances. Temporary apartments offer flexibility and convenience for newcomers, while permanent residences provide stability and the opportunity to establish deeper roots in the selected city. Whichever path is chosen, Germany’s diverse housing options cater to a diverse range of residents, welcoming all who wish to experience the country’s rich culture and dynamic lifestyle.

Whether your companies international employees are moving to Germany and your HR team struggles with the flat search, or you’re an individual looking for advice: In any chase, we are happy to help. Just reach out to info@startcon.berlin and we are happy to help 🙂