Moving to Berlin: where to start?

[rooslev]

Hello!

I'm planning to move to Berlin so now I started looking for jobs and an apartment. In order to get an apartment it looks like you need to do some kind of a creditcheck. And in order to get this, you need to open a bankaccount. But to open a bankaccount, you need to be registrered in the city. But if I don't have an apartment yet, I can't do that. And at the same time, to get a job, you need a proof address. So my question is: where to start? What do I do first?

Thanks so much!
Roos

[Mick_Halsband]

A good workaround is using short-term vacation rentals. There are many agencies for these, some are City Wohnen, Crocodilian etc.
While these constitute a relative premium (10%-20%) they are relatively easy solutions short term.
With a short term rent contract for 3 months you can register (Anmeldung), get a bank account, a credit score (schufa) and find a proper long term lease.
Good luck.

[Denis_Borovikov]

To get a job you usually don't need an address. Very often companies even provide relocation.
Next goal is to find a temporal apartment - for that you don't need a german bank account, but you still can register.

[St_Ty]

Seriously, don’t come here yet. Berlin is currently falling apart. It used to be a good place to live but gets worse every day as the city loses control and turns into a failed state. I recommend waiting another one or two years just to see whether it gets better or worse.

[mhgbrown]

Hi Roos,

I'd say start with the registration. When I first moved to Berlin, I was subleasing a place for a couple months and just registered that address. When I moved to a more permanent address, I updated my registration. My friends have also successfully registered at their friends' apartments and then updated it when they found a more permanent place.

[Vacon_Sartirani]

Hello,
The registration to the city's office ("Anmeldung") should be the first thing to do. It's not necessary to have a rent contract to do so, the communication of your current domicile and a valid proof of it ("proof" can in some cases even be your Hotel's receipt, or a letter signed by somebody who is already registered in the city stating you are their guest).
The next step would be the bank account. Most banks, including Berliner Sparkasse, only need the registration document to open an account.
With the registration + bank account document you can request a Schufa, which is the credit documentation that will allow you to apply to apartment rentals. I strongly reccomend though, until you find a job, to try to find temporary accomodation (many offer 2, 3 months-rental of furnished rooms) because at least three months of payslips is a common requirement while applying for an apartment.

[rooslev]

Thanks so much for your reply!

[achim1]

If you are looking for general information about moving to Berlin I would recommend you to read through this article about banks in Germany.
With e.g. DKB you have the option to open a bank account before you move to Berlin already. This will help you a lot to then look for an apartment or to get your salary paid out later.
Good luck.

[Kai2]

I'm planning to move to Berlin so now I started looking for jobs and an apartment. In order to get an apartment it looks like you need to do some kind of a creditcheck. And in order to get this, you need to open a bankaccount. But to open a bankaccount, you need to be registrered in the city. But if I don't have an apartment yet, I can't do that. And at the same time, to get a job, you need a proof address. So my question is: where to start? What do I do first?

Just found the topic and think it's still interesting for everyone with the same problem. I solved it by renting a furnished Apartment through https://www.farawayhome.com, then registered at the Apartment (you will need a so called Wohnungsgeberbestätigung", opening the bank account with e.g. N26 and then searched for a regular flat. Hope that helps