Guides for Berlin

Practical guides checked against official sources. Filter by topic to find what you need next.

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MoneyLocal guide Cost of living in Berlin: rent, transport, fees and insurance in 2026What living in Berlin costs in 2026, based on official and semi-official figures for rents, operating costs, public transport, the broadcasting fee, health and liability insurance, plus what to budget for moving in.About 30 minutes to build a first budget with the figures below
MoneySCHUFA and credit checks in GermanyWhat SCHUFA is, which data it stores, how the new 2026 SCHUFA score works, how to get your free data copy, why landlords and phone companies ask for credit information, how newcomers build a record, and which common beliefs about SCHUFA are wrong.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.
MoneySocial security and pension in GermanyThe five branches of German social insurance, the 2026 contribution rates and ceilings, your social security number, how your German pension builds up, and what happens to your contributions if you leave Germany, including refunds for non-EU citizens and social security agreements.About 20 minutes to read; nothing to apply for as an employee, because your employer registers you
MoneyThe broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag)What the German broadcasting fee is, how much it costs in 2026, why it is charged once per dwelling regardless of devices, how to register or link to a flatmate's account when you move in, who can be exempted or pay less, and what to do when you move out or leave Germany.About 10 minutes online to register or to tell the contribution service who already pays