Berlin, the capital of Germany, attracts people worldwide to move in. This city has a strong economy and is popular among the young professionals who seek better careers in various industries.
Therefore, it is not surprising if the idea of moving to Berlin has ever crossed your mind.
To prepare you before you’re living in Berlin, we have 6 steps for a smooth move to this city. You will find more about basic facts to know, the job opportunities, and the cost of living in Berlin.
On top of that, we will also share things to do and enjoy so you can adapt better to life in Berlin.
1. Take Note Of Things To Know Before Moving To Berlin
Before you start your life in Berlin, it will be better to know these crucial points. This way, you’ll know what to prepare before moving to this city. You will also learn how to adapt to Berlin’s weather and social life.
Weather In Berlin
Berlin has a temperate continental climate. This means this city experiences warm summers with an average temperature of 73°F (23°C) and a rainy season from June to August.
Winters in Berlin are cold, windy, and snowy. The average temperature in the winter is 29°F (-1°C). Even though it is rare, the temperature in the winter can dip to 14°F (-10°C).
Therefore, you need to prepare clothes for different seasons. If you move from a tropical country, you may need more time to adapt to the cold winter.
Prepare A Residence Permit
You will need a permit to enter and work in Berlin. Here are the types of residence permits you need to legally live and work in Berlin:
- Work Visa,
- Blue Card,
- Working Holiday Visa,
- Freelance Visa,
- Student Visa,
- Internship Visa,
- Job Seeker Visa,
- Au Pair Visa, and many more.
To proceed with your visa application, you can visit the German embassy for more information. Consult with the embassy officer about the type of visa that suits your intention.
Find A Health Insurance
If you move to Berlin after getting a job, your employer will decide on your health insurance provider. However, it may not have the coverage you need.
Therefore, it is important to apply for another insurance when you live in Germany. One of the best ways to find the right insurance is by getting recommendations from your colleagues.
Making Friends In Berlin
Expats living in Berlin may find it challenging to make friends for the first year. The best way to make friends in Berlin is by joining a hobby group, volunteering works, or courses.
Of course, you can make friends with your colleagues. Still, it may be difficult to have a circle of close friends without joining outside activities.
Most people may appear impatient and closed off. However, you shouldn’t judge too quickly.
You may find them to be friendly if you can communicate with them well. That’s why it is crucial to learn to speak German before moving to Berlin.
2. Secure A Job In Berlin
Berlin is known as the home of industries. This city has various big industries that provide job opportunities for locals and expats.
Below are some of the biggest industries in Berlin for your reference:
- automotive,
- mechanical engineering,
- chemical,
- electrical, and
- information and communication technologies.
When applying for a job, you need to know the average salaries in Berlin. For your information, most people earn around €30,000 yearly after taxes.
Therefore, make sure to do some research about the average salary according to your position and job. If you apply for a senior position, you should aim for a higher salary.
3. Find More Information About The Cost Of Living In Berlin
The cost of living in Berlin is not cheap. However, it is still manageable because of the relatively high salary standard.
The estimated cost of living for a single person in Berlin is €1,500 a month. If you move with family members, you’ll need more than €2,000 a month for the living expenses.
For housing prices, the average rent in Berlin is €795.90 per month, and the average house price is between €300,000 to €650,000.
To save more money on your living expenses in Berlin, you can follow these tips:
- Buy a yearly public transit pass for lower transportation costs.
- Live outside the city centre.
- Open an account at a bank with low fees.
- Change your electricity and gas provider every year to get a bonus as a new customer.
- Visit flea markets for shopping.
4. Make Berlin Your Home By Finding The Best Neighbourhood
You can start your home search by visiting a German real estate website or asking your local acquaintances for recommendations.
Some of the things you need to consider when searching for a home are the safety, affordability and the time it takes to commute to your workplace.
To make your search a bit easier, below are three recommendations for the best neighbourhoods in Berlin, especially for expats.
Wilmersdorf
Wilmersdorf offers a laid back and quiet neighbourhood. This area has decent amenities such as schools, restaurants, hospitals, and parks.
The rent and house prices in Wilmersdorf are relatively high as it is considered a high-end area. However, if you plan to invest in a property, this neighbourhood is a good choice.
Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg is a typical neighbourhood for young couples and singles. This area has a lively nightlife with clubs and bars.
In addition, Kreuzberg is suitable for cyclists. You will also find excellent parks such as Viktoriapark and Görlitzer Park.
Neukölln
You may get the bohemian vibe from Neukölln. This neighbourhood is perfect for students, artists, young professionals, and families.
You will find cafes, clubs, restaurants, a Turkish market, and green spaces. This area is also relatively affordable compared to other neighbourhoods in Berlin.
5. Familiarise Yourself With The Public Transportation
Berlin has a pretty good transportation system that can even accommodate people with disabilities.
The means of public transportation you can find in Berlin are trams, subways, buses and night buses, trains, taxis, ferries, and bicycle and scooter sharing.
The best way to go around the city is via U-Bahn underground trains or S-Bahn commuter rail lines. Most tourists will use these facilities when visiting Berlin.
6. Living In Berlin Means You Will Have Plenty Of Things To Do
You will never get bored when you live in Berlin. There are plenty of places you can visit during weekends or your off days.
Below are some monuments and buildings in Berlin you can visit to learn more about the city’s history and culture:
- Memorial of the Berlin Wall,
- Reichstag Building,
- The Holocaust Memorial,
- East Side Gallery,
- Gendarmenmarkt, and
- Victory Column (Siegessaule).
For you who love nature, here are some of the most beautiful gardens in Berlin:
- Café am Neuen See,
- Tiergarten, and
- Gärten der Welt.
Another thing you cannot miss in Berlin is the food. Here, we share some of the must-try dishes when you are in Berlin:
- currywurst,
- spätzle,
- schnitzel,
- Döner kebab, and
- Bratwurst.
Conclusion About Moving To Berlin
Living in Berlin can be your way to advance your career while still enjoying life. This city has job opportunities in various industries, excellent neighbourhoods, public transportation, and beautiful places to visit.
Berlin is also a perfect place to satisfy your appetite. This city has delicious local dishes and many varieties of dishes from other places around the world.
Additionally, you need to engage a professional like Sanelo to ship your belongings to Berlin if you want a smooth relocation process. You will need a professional to ensure your belongings reach Berlin, especially if you’re moving internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Berlin
Is Living In Berlin A Good Idea?
Living in Berlin can be the best idea. This city is not only nice to visit but also to live in. In addition, you will find many job opportunities here because this city has many growing industries.
Can You Move To Berlin Without A Job?
There is a job seeker visa if you go to Berlin before having a job. This visa allows you to stay in Berlin for 6 months to find a job. After getting a job, you should apply for a work visa or blue card.
Is Berlin Expat Friendly?
Overall, Berlin is famous among young expats. This is because it offers a relatively low cost of living, a good transportation system, entertainment, and recreation options.
How Do I Get My Belongings Shipped To Berlin?
You can visit the official website of Sanelo or contact us. Start a quote on our website, then our team will assist you in getting your belongings picked up and shipped to Berlin, Germany.
To get more tips and how we can help with your relocation, please visit the following pages: