{"id":70591,"date":"2023-09-19T13:16:08","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T13:16:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.agsmovers.com\/?p=70591"},"modified":"2023-09-19T13:31:35","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T13:31:35","slug":"tips-for-your-move-to-berlin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.agsmovers.com\/news\/tips-for-your-move-to-berlin\/","title":{"rendered":"Key Considerations for Your Move to Berlin As an Expat"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before you pack your bags, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the essentials of life as an expat in Berlin. We walk you through some key considerations to help make your transition smoother and ensure you make the most of your time in this incredible city.<\/p>\n

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German Residence Permit<\/h2>\n

As an expat moving to Berlin, it’s crucial for you to understand the residence permit requirements. All foreign nationals, except for people from Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein, and EU countries, need a residence permit to stay in Germany for more than 90 days. In general, there are three residence permits that allow you to stay in Germany.<\/p>\n

The Temporary Residence Permit or Limited Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis<\/em>) lets you stay in Germany for a year, but you\u2019ll need a specific reason for staying, like studying, working, or marriage. When you apply for this type of permit, you\u2019ll need to explain why you want to stay, and your permit will specify this reason. You won\u2019t be permitted to engage in an activity that your residence permit doesn\u2019t allow. Once your permit expires, you may have the option to extend it provided your situation has not changed and you still fulfil the requirements.<\/p>\n

The EU Blue Card is for foreign nationals of non-EU countries who are highly skilled in a profession and want to work in Germany. Highly qualified employees have completed a higher education degree, such as a bachelor\u2019s or a master\u2019s degree. If you have a background in IT or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), you\u2019re more likely to get the EU Blue Card.<\/p>\n

The Permanent Residence Permit or Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis<\/em>) lets you work and travel in and out of Germany indefinitely. To get this permit, you need to hold the Temporary Residence Permit or the EU Blue Card. You will need to prove that you have worked for a minimum of five years, that the Federal Employment Agency approved your job, and that you have paid the necessary taxes and contributions to the government. There\u2019s also a German language proficiency requirement, so you will need to brush up on your Deutsch.<\/p>\n

For more information about residence permits, visit Berlins\u2019 Official website<\/a> for all the answers you need.<\/p>\n

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Finding Accommodation in Berlin<\/h2>\n

\"FindingFinding a place in Berlin to call home can be both exciting and challenging. The city offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Popular areas among expats include Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain. Start your search for accommodation early, as demand for rental properties can be high.<\/p>\n

Browsing expat websites<\/a>, local classifieds<\/a>, and real estate agents<\/a> can be useful sources for finding your home. Keep your personal preferences in mind when choosing your ideal area to settle in. It\u2019s also useful to consider your budget, proximity to amenities, and transportation options. Where you choose to settle is important as it could play a big role in determining how well you blend into your new culture.<\/p>\n

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Berlin\u2019s Cost of Living<\/h2>\n

Berlin is relatively affordable compared to other European capitals. Planning your budget is super important, but don\u2019t worry, it doesn\u2019t have to be daunting! When you\u2019re thinking about your expenses in Berlin, you\u2019ll want to consider things like accommodation, groceries, utilities, getting around the city, and of course, having some funds set aside for fun leisure activities. The good news is that Berlin has plenty of affordable dining options, street food, and local markets for you to explore without breaking the bank. To give you an idea of what to expect, here\u2019s a rough breakdown of your possible expenses (July 2023<\/a>):<\/p>\n