Guides for Berlin
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Arrival Local guide Your first 30 days in Berlin: a step-by-step planA prioritised plan for your first month in Berlin, from housing and address registration to tax ID, bank account, health insurance, residence permit, phone and transport ticket, and why the order matters. Spread over about four weeks; most single steps take one appointment or one online application Arrival Usually a few weeks of preparation for EU citizens; often several months for people who need a national visa Moving Plan several weeks to a few months, because apostilles, legalisation and new civil-status certificates are issued in your home country Moving About one hour at the customs office for the declaration, plus preparation of the inventory and documents Registration Local guide Registering your address in Berlin (Anmeldung)How to register your Berlin home within 14 days of moving in, what to bring to the Bürgeramt, who can register online, what to do if appointments are scarce, and what arrives afterwards, including your tax ID. 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 to fill in the form; a short counter visit or a letter Registration A few minutes for the person signing it; ask for it when you get the keys Residence and visas Local guide Getting or extending a residence permit at Berlin's immigration office (LEA)How residence permits work in practice at Berlin's Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) in 2026 - online applications, appointments, documents, biometrics, fees, card pickup and what protects your status while you wait. 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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. Citizenship A few hours for the online application once you have all certificates; processing in Berlin often takes many months Housing Local guide Finding a flat in BerlinHow the Berlin rental market looks in 2026, where flats are advertised, how to handle viewings and applications, what to check before you sign, and how to make sure you can register at your new address. An active search over several weeks or months is normal. Once your document folder is ready, each individual application is quick to send. Housing Local guide Getting a housing eligibility certificate (WBS) for social housing in BerlinWhat the Wohnberechtigungsschein is, who can get one in Berlin, the income limits behind WBS 100 to WBS 220 in 2026, how to apply online or by post, and how to use it with the state-owned housing companies. 1–2 hours to collect documents and fill in the forms; processing time varies by district Housing Local guide Temporary accommodation in Berlin: furnished rentals, sublets and registrationYour options for the first weeks or months in Berlin, why it matters whether you can register at the address, what to check in sublets and furnished rentals, and how to avoid common scams. Start looking one to three months before you arrive Housing Local guide Tenant rights in Berlin: rent cap, rent increases, repairs and noticeYour main rights as a tenant in Berlin in 2026, including the rent cap for new leases until the end of 2029, the Berlin rent index 2026, rent increases, defects and rent reduction, notice periods, owner-occupation notices, deposits, and where to get free advice. About 20 minutes to read. A free rent check or advice appointment usually requires booking ahead. Housing About 15 minutes to read; keep it open while you compare listings or check a contract 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 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 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. 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. 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 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 15 minutes to read. Check the rules before you sign a contract for a side job.