Germany
Your start in Berlin
Germany's capital is a city and a state at once, with about 3.9 million registered residents in 12 districts. The Senate runs citywide offices such as the immigration office, while district offices handle registration, childcare vouchers and housing certificates. Most services start at service.berlin.de or the 115 service number.
At a glance
Berlin is both a city and one of Germany's 16 states (a city-state), with about 3.92 million registered residents according to the population register on 30 June 2026. Because it is a state and a municipality at the same time, its administration has two tiers. Knowing which tier handles what saves you wasted trips and wrong appointments.
The Senate and the 12 districts
- The Senate (Senat) is the state government: the Governing Mayor and up to ten senators, each heading a Senate department (Senatsverwaltung). It sets citywide policy and oversees the citywide state offices (Landesämter).
- The 12 districts (Bezirke) each have a district office (Bezirksamt) and an elected district assembly (Bezirksverordnetenversammlung). The district offices provide most of the everyday services residents use.
The districts are Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Lichtenberg, Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Mitte, Neukölln, Pankow, Reinickendorf, Spandau, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Tempelhof-Schöneberg and Treptow-Köpenick. Each is made up of several localities (Ortsteile), such as Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg or Wedding, and flat listings often name the locality rather than the district.
Who handles what
Your district office (Bezirksamt):
- Citizens' offices (Bürgerämter) for registering your address, ID documents and many certificates. For address registration you can go to any Bürgeramt in Berlin, not only one in your own district.
- Registry office (Standesamt) for births, marriages and deaths.
- Youth office (Jugendamt), which issues the childcare voucher (Kita-Gutschein). Without the voucher a Kita cannot sign a contract with you.
- Housing office (Wohnungsamt), which issues the housing entitlement certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein, WBS) for subsidised flats. You apply in the district where you live; if you do not live in Berlin yet, you can choose any district.
- The social services office, health office (Gesundheitsamt), public order office (Ordnungsamt, for example for parking and trading licences), the school and sports office, and the adult education centres (Volkshochschulen) and public libraries.
Citywide state offices:
- State Office for Immigration (Landesamt für Einwanderung, LEA): residence permits, EU Blue Cards, settlement permits and visa matters. Since 1 January 2024 it is also the only authority for naturalisation in Berlin; the districts no longer handle it.
- State Office for Citizens' and Regulatory Affairs (LABO): driving licences, vehicle registration and passenger transport licences.
- Tax offices (Finanzämter): these are state authorities. Which office handles your file depends on your street and house number; the Senate Department for Finance has a search tool.
- Berlin police (Polizei Berlin), including the online police station (Internetwache) for non-urgent reports.
Federal bodies such as the employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit), the family benefits office (Familienkasse) and the German Pension Insurance also have Berlin offices; the Germany overview explains their roles.
service.berlin.de, appointments and 115
- The Service-Portal Berlin (service.berlin.de) describes more than 1,100 administrative services, over 440 of them available online (October 2026). Each service page lists the documents, fees and responsible offices and links to booking. Read it before any appointment; it is in German, so a browser translation helps.
- Appointments are booked from the service page or the appointment section. For services offered at many locations you can search all of Berlin at once (berlinweite Terminbuchung). Booking is always free of charge; you get a confirmation email and a reminder two days before. Cancel through the link if you cannot attend so someone else can use the slot.
- Online registration is possible for adults with German or EU citizenship who have a BundID account and an ID card with an activated online ID function. Everyone else registers in person.
- 115 is Berlin's public service number. From a phone in Berlin dial 115 without an area code; from elsewhere in Germany also 115; from abroad +49 30 115. It is staffed Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:00, answers questions about responsibilities, fees and required documents for state and federal services, and can book appointments at Berlin offices.
Help in your language
The Willkommenszentrum Berlin (Welcome Center) is the counselling centre of the Senate Commissioner for Participation, Integration and Migration, at Potsdamer Straße 61, 10785 Berlin. Counselling is free for people without German citizenship and their family members, on residence and naturalisation, social benefits, job search, recognition of qualifications and starting a business. Drop-in sessions run on several weekdays, with counselling always available in a range of languages including English; for an appointment, the centre stated in October 2026 that the earliest slot is about three weeks after your request. Its website has topic guides in English, German, Russian, Turkish and Arabic.
The sections below follow the order in which most newcomers need them. The guides are general information, not legal advice; check the official pages they link before you act.
An overview of moving to Germany and your first month in Berlin, the documents to bring, what life here costs, and the emergency numbers to save on day one.
Arrival Usually a few weeks of preparation for EU citizens; often several months for people who need a national visa Arrival Spread over about four weeks; most single steps take one appointment or one online application Moving Plan several weeks to a few months, because apostilles, legalisation and new civil-status certificates are issued in your home country Money About 30 minutes to build a first budget with the figures below Moving About one hour at the customs office for the declaration, plus preparation of the inventory and documents Emergencies About 10 minutes to save the numbers in your phone
Somewhere to stay while you search, an appointment to register your address, a German phone number, a bank account and a transport ticket.
Housing Start looking one to three months before you arrive Registration Usually a short counter visit once you have an appointment, plus time to collect the landlord confirmation and fill in the form Internet and mobile 15–30 minutes in a shop, or 20–40 minutes online including the identity check Banking The application itself usually takes 15 to 45 minutes online or one appointment in a branch. Card, PIN and online-banking access are often sent separately by post, so plan for the account to be fully usable some days after you apply. Transport About 15 minutes to install an app and choose a ticket; longer if you order a subscription chip card by post
Registering your address within two weeks of moving in, the landlord's confirmation you need for it, getting a Bürgeramt appointment, the tax ID that follows, and deregistering when you leave.
Registration Usually a short counter visit once you have an appointment, plus time to collect the landlord confirmation and fill in the form Registration A few minutes for the person signing it; ask for it when you get the keys Local government A few minutes to book; availability ranges from the same day to about two weeks Taxes Nothing to do for the first letter; a few minutes to request it again online Registration A few minutes to fill in the form; a short counter visit or a letter
Which residence status fits your situation, the main permits for work, job search, study and family, how the Berlin immigration office (LEA) works, and the routes to permanent residence and citizenship.
Residence and visas Several weeks to several months, depending on the route, the German embassy abroad and the local immigration office. In Berlin, expect at least 2 to 3 months for a decision after an online application, plus 4 to 6 weeks for the card. Residence and visas For EU/EEA citizens, usually just the address registration appointment. For non-EU family members, one appointment at the immigration office plus about 4 weeks until the residence card is ready. Residence and visas About 30-60 minutes for the online application if your documents are ready; then several weeks or longer until the LEA replies, plus about 4-6 weeks for the card after your appointment Residence and visas Visa from abroad: several weeks to a few months, depending on the embassy (with the fast-track procedure, an appointment within three weeks and usually a decision within three more). In Berlin: at least 2 to 3 months for an online application, then 4 to 6 weeks for the eAT card. Residence and visas Recognition can take weeks to months (recognition bodies have two months once documents are complete in the fast-track procedure). Visa: varies widely by embassy. In the fast-track procedure, an appointment within three weeks of pre-approval and usually a decision within three more weeks. In Berlin: at least 2 to 3 months for the residence permit, then 4 to 6 weeks for the card. Residence and visas Gathering documents (ZAB statement, language certificate, blocked account) often takes several weeks. Visa processing varies by embassy; some missions state about 6 to 10 weeks, others around two months. Universities Plan 6-12 months from the first university application to arrival; the visa alone can take several weeks to months Residence and visas Preparing documents (legalisation, translations, an A1 course and exam) often takes several months. Visa processing varies widely by embassy. In Berlin, allow at least 4 weeks after the joint appointment for the eAT card. Residence and visas About 1-2 hours for the online application if your documents are ready; then weeks to months until the interview, plus at least 4 weeks for the card Citizenship A few hours for the online application once you have all certificates; processing in Berlin often takes many months Residence and visas
Finding a flat in Berlin's tight market, the documents landlords ask for, avoiding scams, understanding your lease and tenant rights, subsidised housing, and setting up energy and internet.
Housing An active search over several weeks or months is normal. Once your document folder is ready, each individual application is quick to send. Housing One to three hours to collect, redact and combine your documents once; then minutes per application Housing About 10 minutes to read; a few minutes of checks for each promising listing Housing About 15 minutes to read; keep it open while you compare listings or check a contract Housing About 20 minutes to read. A free rent check or advice appointment usually requires booking ahead. Housing 1–2 hours to collect documents and fill in the forms; processing time varies by district Utilities About 15 minutes on move-in day for the meters, plus 30–60 minutes to compare and sign a contract Internet and mobile 30–60 minutes to compare and order; activation from a few days to several weeks, much longer if fibre still has to be built Housing Notice at least three months ahead; the handover itself takes about an hour; the deposit can take up to six months or longer for the part held back for service charges
Finding a job and applying the German way, getting your qualifications recognised, your rights as an employee, minijobs and student jobs, freelancing, and registering with the employment agency.
Jobs Varies widely by field and language level. Plan in weeks or months rather than days: many employers run several interview rounds before making an offer. Jobs Several hours to prepare a solid German-style CV and cover letter the first time, then about one to two hours to tailor each application. Employment A few hours to research and prepare; usually 3-4 months for the procedure once your application is complete (about 2 months in the employer-led accelerated procedure) Employment About 20 minutes to read; keep it at hand when you sign a contract or if a problem arises. Employment About 15 minutes to read. Check the rules before you sign a contract for a side job. Employment Trade registration and the tax questionnaire take a few hours. The tax number arrives by post once the tax office has processed your questionnaire. For non-EU nationals, a residence permit for self-employment can take several months. Employment About 15 to 30 minutes for each online registration, plus an appointment with the Agentur für Arbeit afterwards. Allow more time to gather documents for the benefit application.
Choosing health insurance, finding a doctor in Berlin, pharmacies and prescriptions, mental health support, pregnancy and birth, and personal liability insurance.
Insurance About 30 minutes to choose a statutory insurer and apply online; private insurance applications take longer because of the health questionnaire Healthcare A few hours of searching and phoning; an appointment for a new patient can take days to several weeks depending on the specialty Healthcare A few minutes at the pharmacy, longer if a medicine has to be ordered Healthcare Crisis help is available immediately. Finding a first psychotherapy appointment usually takes days to a few weeks; regular therapy may take longer to start. Family Spread over the pregnancy: regular check-ups, a few hours to find a midwife and choose a hospital, and a few hours after the birth for registration and applications Insurance About an hour to compare and buy a personal liability policy online Emergencies About 10 minutes to save the numbers in your phone
Banking, how tax works for employees, filing a tax return, social security and pensions, your credit record (SCHUFA) and the broadcasting fee every household pays.
Banking The application itself usually takes 15 to 45 minutes online or one appointment in a branch. Card, PIN and online-banking access are often sent separately by post, so plan for the account to be fully usable some days after you apply. Taxes About 20 minutes to read; checking your tax class and payslip takes a few minutes each month Taxes Two to four hours for a simple employee return once you have your documents. ELSTER registration takes extra time because the activation code is sent by post. Money About 20 minutes to read; nothing to apply for as an employee, because your employer registers you Money About 10 minutes to request a free data copy online; the copy arrives by post. Access through the SCHUFA account requires a one-time identity check. Money About 10 minutes online to register or to tell the contribution service who already pays Money About 30 minutes to build a first budget with the figures below
Berlin's buses, trams, U-Bahn and S-Bahn, the nationwide Deutschlandticket, cycling in the city, and exchanging a foreign driving licence.
Transport About 15 minutes to install an app and choose a ticket; longer if you order a subscription chip card by post Transport About 10 minutes to order online; a phone ticket can take up to 48 hours to appear, a chip card arrives by post Transport About 20 minutes to read; bike marking by the police takes a short appointment Driving One appointment to apply; processing usually takes from about two weeks to three months, plus time for a first-aid course, eye test, lessons and tests if your licence requires them
Childcare vouchers and finding a Kita, Berlin schools, child benefit and parental allowance, pregnancy and birth, and bringing your family to Germany.
Childcare About 30 minutes for the voucher application, 6 to 8 weeks for the decision, and often several weeks or months to find a place Schools Registration itself is a short appointment. Placing a newly arrived child without German usually takes several weeks. Family About 20 to 30 minutes for the online application once you have both tax IDs. Processing time varies. Family About 1 to 2 hours to complete the application with all documents, plus processing time at the Elterngeld office Family Spread over the pregnancy: regular check-ups, a few hours to find a midwife and choose a hospital, and a few hours after the birth for registration and applications Residence and visas Preparing documents (legalisation, translations, an A1 course and exam) often takes several months. Visa processing varies widely by embassy. In Berlin, allow at least 4 weeks after the joint appointment for the eAT card.
Learning German, the state-funded integration course, making friends and finding community in Berlin, and the public libraries.
Language Months to years, depending on your goal - the federally funded integration course plans 600 lessons of language teaching to get from beginner to B1 Language The general course has 700 lessons of 45 minutes - at around 20 lessons a week that is roughly 35 teaching weeks; part-time courses take longer. Allow a few weeks before the start for paperwork and placement. Making friends and building a social life in BerlinPractical ways newcomers build a social life in Berlin - sports clubs and choirs, volunteering, neighbourhood centres, community gardens, courses, library groups and language tandems - with official and non-profit starting points, and an honest word about loneliness. A few hours a week of regular activity - friendships usually grow over months of repeated contact rather than from one-off events Public libraries in Berlin - library card, digital offers and places to workHow to get a Berlin public library card (VÖBB) in 2026 - €10 a year, free or reduced for many - what it gives you (e-books, newspapers in many languages, film streaming, language courses), the borrowing rules, and how to use libraries such as the ZLB as places to work, learn and meet people. About five minutes online, or a short visit to any public library with your documents
Shop opening hours and Sundays, public holidays, quiet hours and neighbours, waste separation, consumer rights, legal help, staying safe, and keeping pets in Berlin.
Shopping A few minutes to plan your weekly shop around Sundays and public holidays Local government About 5 minutes to read; add the dates to your calendar Culture 10 minutes to read; a quick look at your house rules Local government 10 minutes to learn the bins; about an hour for a trip to a recycling yard Consumer rights 15 minutes to read; individual advice at the Verbraucherzentrale Berlin takes about 20 minutes Consumer rights An hour to find the right advice service; applying for Beratungshilfe usually takes one visit or letter to the local court. Safety About 20 minutes to read and save the key contacts Pets in Berlin: bringing your pet, dog registration, tax, insurance and leash rulesHow to bring a dog, cat or ferret to Germany under the EU rules in force since April 2026, and what Berlin requires of dog owners: registration in the dog register, dog tax (120 euros a year in 2026), compulsory liability insurance, the leash rules and the optional dog licence. For entry from a non-EU country, plan at least four months if a rabies antibody test is required. In Berlin, dog registration takes about 15 minutes online.
Neighbourhoods on the map
Select a pin to read about a neighbourhood.
Map of neighbourhoods in Berlin