How To Rent An Apartment In Germany [2022] (2024)

Finding a rental property in Germany can be a daunting process since there are several sorts of housing to choose from and numerous websites to browse.

Whether you're searching for a low-cost apartment or prefer a more expensive living space, there are lots of resources at your disposal to assist you in locating the ideal rental. However, with effort and perseverance, you can discover the perfect flat for your budget.

First steps

The first step in finding a flat in Germany is to decide on your budget and what type of apartment you're looking for. If you're looking for a low-cost option, several websites list cheap apartments for rent in Germany.

Once you've decided on your budget, the next step is to search for apartments. Thanks to specific platforms, we'll go through some of the many types of apartment rentals available and how your search for one will be easier.

Types of apartments in Germany

There are a few main types of housing in Germany

Single flats/Studios:These are usually one-room apartments, perfect for people moving to Germany on their own. They're usually small and come furnished with a bed, desk, and chair.

Shared apartments:Also known as WGs (Wohngemeinschaften), shared apartments are popular among students and young professionals. You'll have your bedroom but share the kitchen, bathroom, and living room with other people. They're suitable for those who want to live in Germany with friends or family.

Family apartments:As the name suggests, larger apartments are suitable for families or groups of friends. They usually have two or more bedrooms and a larger living area.

Luxury apartments: If you're looking for luxury apartments, you'll find various options in the major cities. These apartments often come furnished and include all utilities. You can find websites specializing in luxury rentals, such as Wunderflats in Germany.

Where to look for apartments?

Now that you know what types of apartments are available, it's time to start your search!

Shared flat:

WG-gesucht:WG-gesucht*is a website specializing in shared apartments, making it a great resource if you're looking for a WG. You can search for apartments by city and find information on rent, size, and amenities on the website. You can also read reviews from other users to get an idea of the apartment.

Facebook groups:There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to apartment hunting in Germany. These can be a great way to find an apartment, especially if you're looking for something specific. For example, if you want to find a studio apartment in Frankfurt, you can join the group Studio Apartments in Frankfurt and begin your search.

Tip

Ask around: Asking friends, family, and acquaintances if they know of any apartments for rent is always a good idea. You might be surprised at how many people know of a perfect apartment for you that hasn't been listed online yet.

Single flats and family apartments:

ImmobilienScout 24:One of the most popular websites for finding apartments in Germany,ImmobilienScout 24* has a wide selection of listings. You can search for apartments by city, rent price, and the number of rooms. Additionally, you can also sign up for email alerts to notify you whenever a new listing that meets your criteria is posted.

Immowelt:Immowelt*is one of Germany's leading online platforms for finding apartments to rent. With over 1.5 million listings, Immowelt has the largest selection of apartments and homes available for rent. Immowelt lets you not only rent but also acquire houses, land, commercial, and foreign real estate. Whether you're looking for temporary housing in Berlin or buying a home in Frankfurt, you can find it on Immowelt.

Immonet:Another good website for finding rental properties isImmonet*. Here you can search for apartments, rooms, and houses to rent in all of the major German cities. Additionally, Immonet also provides you to search by keyword, so if you're looking for a cheap apartment in Berlin or renting an apartment in Munich, you can easily find what you need.

Furnished apartments:

Nestpick: If you're looking for a furnished apartment,Nestpick* is an excellent option. They also have a wide range of apartments, from shared flats to luxury rentals. In addition to finding available listings, Nestpick also provides information on rent prices and other helpful tips for moving to Germany.

Wunderflats:If you're looking for a furnished apartment in Germany,Wunderflats* is the website and app to check out. Wunderflats offers a wide range of furnished apartments all over Germany, with the option to filter your search by city, price range, size, and more.

When you find an apartment you're interested in, click "Request a booking" and fill out the form. Wunderflats will get in touch with the landlord to confirm your booking.

HousingAnywhere:This website is specifically designed for students who are looking for housing in a foreign country.Whether you're a student studying abroad, or just visiting for a few months, rent an apartment in Germany through HousingAnywhere and enjoy all the comforts of home without breaking the bank.

If you're looking for a great deal on rent, Expatrio has partnered with HousingAnywhere to offer you some amazing discounts on rent all across Germany. Clickherefor more information.

Tip

If you're having difficulty finding an apartment within your budget, consider contacting a real estate agent for assistance. These companies can help streamline your search process and ensure that you find a great rental property in Germany quickly and easily.

4 tips for renting an apartment in Germany

1. Start your search early

The sooner you start looking for a rental apartment, the better. The demand for apartments in Germany is high, especially in major cities such as Berlin, and Munich and properties are often snapped up quickly. It's advisable to start searching for your dream home at least three months before you plan to move.

2. Use a reliable website

Many websites list apartments for rent in Germany. Once you've found a good website, create an account and start browsing through the listings. Be aware of scammers as there are many apartments listed on the internet that are not actually available for rent. Make sure to only rent from reputable websites and to always contact the landlord directly to confirm that the property is available.

3. Set up viewings

Once you've found an apartment that meets your needs, it's time to arrange a viewing. This will allow you to check the property in person and better understand whether it's the right fit for you. When viewing apartments, keep in mind the size of the unit and any other amenities or features that are important to you, such as parking spaces or on-site laundry facilities. In addition, be sure to ask about rent costs and any additional fees or taxes that may apply.

4. Consider your budget

One of the most important factors to consider when renting an apartment in Germany is your budget. Make sure that you have enough money set aside each month to cover rent and other associated costs, such as utilities or furniture rental.

Finding a great home in Germany is all about being patient and doing your research. With a little bit of effort, you're sure to find the perfect place to call home. Just remember to stay organized, set realistic expectations, and don't be afraid to ask for help if needed.

Good luck!

Want to find out about the Rental Laws in Germany?

Click on our latest article to learn more about the next stages to take after finding your ideal apartment.

Rental Laws in Germany

FAQs

How To Rent An Apartment In Germany [2022]? ›

You'll need the following required documents for renting in Germany as a foreigner: Your ID or passport. A Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung—a document to prove you don't owe previous landlords money. Your potential landlord might not ask for this but it's best to have it if possible.

Can I rent an apartment in Germany as a foreigner? ›

Is it hard to get an apartment in Germany? ›

There can be a lot of competition for long-term apartments, especially in popular areas of major cities. For example, you may need to apply for 10+ listings a day in Berlin and even then it can take some time to land a suitable property. Persistence is key.

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How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Germany? ›

For instance, the average rent in Germany is €942 per month. However, when you search homes for rent in Berlin and Munich, expect an average rent of €1,745, whereas, in Frankfurt and Stuttgart, you'll find a lower average rent of €920 per month.

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Do you need a residence permit to rent in Germany? ›

There are no restrictions preventing foreigners from renting property in Germany. As long as you have your documentation in order and the appropriate resident permit or visa (if applicable), you should be good to go.

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Can I stay in Germany without a job? ›

You have the right to stay in Germany, even if you are unemployed. If you currently get ALG I, it can affect your permanent residence or citizenship application. Your application could be delayed until you find a job. If you have a good chance of finding another job, your application might be approved anyway.

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Germany? ›

Finding accommodation in Germany doesn't sound like a particularly difficult task. However, if your budget as a student is limited and you don't yet know your way around Germany well, looking for a flat may not be that easy.

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Which city has the cheapest rent in Germany? ›

With rental prices well below 10 euros per square meter of living space, these cities, including East German and West German metropolises, not only offer affordable living but also a high quality of life. According to Wohnung-jetzt.de, living is cheapest in Chemnitz, Gera and Gelsenkirchen.

What is proof of income for apartment in Germany? ›

Renting through a property agency

Copies of your photo ID and residence permit, if you require one. Proof of income (Einkommensnachweis) – usually your wage slips from the last three months. A certificate from your previous landlord confirming you have no outstanding rent due (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung)

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How much is the deposit for an apartment in Germany? ›

How much deposit is allowed and how much is adaequate in Germany. Usually the tenant has to place a deposit (security) which is three months rent, in advance. In some cases the landlord takes only two months deposit, whereas one month or no months deposit is very rare and not advisable.

How do you pay rent in Germany? ›

The monthly rent is payable in advance and no later than the 1st working day of each rental month, and should be paid directly to the landlord. Unless otherwise agreed with your landlord, the rent should be paid directly into their bank account, you can also make these payments from a non-German bank account.

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What are the different types of rent in Germany? ›

Your rent will either be “cold” (Kaltmiete - rent only) or “warm” (Warmmiete - including service costs for the building and sometimes utilities (Nebenkosten) such as gas, electricity, service costs, internet and phone bills). Make sure you understand what is and is not included, to avoid any unexpected costs in future.

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What is cold rent in Germany? ›

Cold rent means that you pay basic rent for the residence and there are no extra costs included in your monthly payment. Warm rent means that your monthly payment includes the basic rent for the residence and additional costs – called Umlagen or Nebenkosten.

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Is it cheaper to live in Germany or the USA? ›

Taking into account such major categories as housing, food, and utilities, life in Germany is 13.5% cheaper than in the United States. The data used for this was compiled based on user feedback and price indices in October 2024. To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance.

What salary is needed to live comfortably in Germany? ›

The cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable compared to other European countries. As a single person, you will need a minimum of €934 per month (around $1,018 US dollars) or €11,208 per year (around $12,217 US dollars) to cover your living expenses in Germany as of 2024.

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Is healthcare free in Germany? ›

In Germany, healthcare is partially free due to the social contributions to the public healthcare system. This means that individuals can receive medical services free of charge for the most part.

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Is it hard to get a residence in Germany? ›

To be eligible for this permit, you must have lived in Germany for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a German citizen). You must also be able to provide proof of your employment, financial resources, and German language skills.

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How long can you stay in Germany without a visa? ›

Overview of visa requirements/exemptions for entry into the Federal Republic of Germany. 1) Persons who do not require a visa to enter Germany (holders of passports from the countries marked “no” on the list) may, as a general rule, not remain on German territory for more than 90 days in any 180-days period.

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Do Americans need a visa to live in Germany? ›

A residence visa is required if you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study or if you intend to move to Germany permanently.

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Can I move to Germany without a job? ›

It's pretty unusual to be able to move to Germany without a job as most people come through with a work-sponsored visa, or move internally within their international company to an office in Germany. However, there are a few visas and allowances that will allow you to move to Germany without a job.

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Is it hard to rent in Germany? ›

Finding a house to rent in Germany is difficult for foreigners. It can take up to 6 months to find a decent place to rent in Germany. Check multiple property rental platforms daily to find an apartment to rent. Be the first to message the landlord.

How much does it cost to live in Germany for a single person without rent? ›

Summary of cost of living in Germany: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,575.2$ (3,325.5€) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,052.8$ (979.2€) without rent. Cost of living in Germany is, on average, 11.5% lower than in United States.

Can an American buy an apartment in Germany? ›

Unlike in other countries, such as Denmark and Switzerland, there are no restrictions to foreigners to purchase real estate in Germany. Currently, many foreign purchasers acquire properties in large German cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich.

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What is the minimum rental period in Germany? ›

There is no statutory minimum rental contract in Germany, which means that landlords are not required to offer a minimum lease term. However, it's essential to remember that most landlords will need a minimum lease term of 6 or 12 months.

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Can I buy a house in Germany as a non resident? ›

Foreign ownership is permitted in Germany, and an important advantage of purchasing a property in Germany is that a foreigner is not required to have to have a residence permit, as may be the case in other countries.

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