Germany
Germany is the EU's largest economy, offering an excellent infrastructure, a clear path to permanent residency for skilled professionals, and strong worker protections.
For information only. This guide provides general information only and does not constitute immigration, legal, or financial advice. Visa rules, salary thresholds, and qualification requirements change frequently. Always verify critical decisions with official government sources and a qualified professional. Full disclaimer ↗
Renting in Germany — Expat Housing Guide
German rental markets are competitive in major cities, with clear tenant protections and a legal cap on deposits.
Typical rents for new arrivals (2026)
1-bed = ImmoScout24 WohnBarometer Q2 2026 asking rent per m² × its reference flat (a 2-room flat of 70 m²), existing flats, excluding service charges; 2-bed = immowelt Mietkompass Q3 2026 asking cold rent per m² × its standard flat (3 rooms, 75 m²), existing flats built in the 1990s. Figures come from two publishers and quarters, so treat them as approximations. In Germany "2-Zimmer" means living room + 1 bedroom.
| City | 1-bed (2-room flat, ~70 m²) | 2-bed (3-room flat, ~75 m²) | €/m² | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | €922.60 | €1,097.25 | €13.18 | New-build: €21.04/m² |
| Munich | €1,408.40 | €1,623.75 | €20.12 | New-build: €27.16/m² |
| Hamburg | €929.60 | €1,048.50 | €13.28 | New-build: €18.89/m² |
| Frankfurt | €1,059.10 | €1,284.00 | €15.13 | New-build: €19.09/m² |
💰 Deposit rules
Kaution (security deposit) capped at 3 months' net cold rent (excluding utilities) under §551 BGB. Held in a separate account and returned within 3–6 months of moving out minus documented damages.
🛡️ Tenant rights
Landlords routinely request a Schufa-Auskunft (credit report). Get a free annual copy at meineschufa.de. New arrivals without German credit history should supply payslips, employment contract, and a Mieterselbstauskunft. Sozialwohnungen (social housing) require a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) from the local Wohnungsamt. Waiting lists are 5–15 years in Berlin — not a realistic option for most expats.
Where to search for rentals
Typical documents landlords require
- ✓ Passport or national ID
- ✓ Anmeldung (residence registration)
- ✓ Last 3 months payslips or bank statements
- ✓ Proof of income = 3× monthly rent
- ✓ Schufa credit report
- ✓ Previous landlord reference (if available)
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