Finding a flat in Germany can be one of the hardest parts of moving here. The rental market is tight, the paperwork can feel endless, and most listings are in German. But don’t worry — if you understand how the process works, prepare the right documents, and approach it strategically, you can absolutely find a good apartment.

This guide breaks down everything step by step — from understanding how German rentals work to preparing your documents, searching smartly, and dealing with landlords and agents.

Understanding the German rental market

Demand for apartments in Germany is high, especially in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. It’s common for a single listing to receive dozens of applications within just a few hours. That’s why being fast, organized, and ready with your documents is essential.

In Germany, renting is the norm rather than the exception. Most people rent their homes for many years, sometimes even for life. Buying property is expensive and often seen as unnecessary because tenant protection laws are strong and the rental market is well-regulated. This makes renting in Germany stable and long-term — but also highly competitive.

Unlike in some countries where apartments come fully equipped, German flats are often unfurnished — meaning they might not include a kitchen, light fixtures, or wardrobes. It’s perfectly normal to bring or install your own. Apartments are usually offered as long-term rentals (in German: Wohnung zur Miete). Short-term or furnished rentals exist but are much rarer and typically more expensive.

Before you can move in, landlords usually ask for several documents: proof of income, a German credit report (SCHUFA), a copy of your ID, and sometimes a letter confirming you’ve paid rent reliably in the past (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung). You’ll also need to pay a security deposit (Kaution), usually up to three months of the basic rent.

To find available flats, most people use online platforms such as Immobilienscout24, Immonet, WG-Gesucht (for shared apartments), or Kleinanzeigen. When reading listings, you’ll often see two key terms: Kaltmiete and Warmmiete.

• Kaltmiete is the base rent without utilities.
• Warmmiete includes additional costs like heating, water, and sometimes waste collection.

Always check which one is listed so you understand your real monthly expenses.

Once you’ve moved in, you’ll also need to register your new address (Anmeldung) at the local Bürgeramt within 14 days — this is a legal requirement in Germany and needed for most official paperwork later.

Understanding these basics will help you navigate the process confidently and avoid surprises when searching for your first home in Germany.

What kind of flat do you need?

Before you start searching for an apartment in Germany, it’s important to clarify what you’re looking for and what you can afford. Begin by choosing the city and neighborhood that best fit your lifestyle and daily routine. Consider factors like your commute to work, the quality of public transport connections, the overall safety of the area, and the availability of local amenities such as supermarkets, parks, and schools. Larger cities like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg tend to have significant price differences even between neighborhoods, so location can heavily influence both cost and comfort.

Next, set a realistic budget. Besides the monthly rent, remember to include the Nebenkosten (additional costs such as heating, water, and building maintenance), as well as the deposit (Kaution), which is typically up to three months of cold rent. Some apartments may also involve agent fees, although many listings today are provisionsfrei (commission-free). Add these upfront expenses to your calculations so you’re not surprised when signing the contract.

Decide on the size and type of apartment that suits your needs. A one-room flat (Einzimmerwohnung) combines living, sleeping, and cooking areas into a compact space—ideal for singles or students. Two-room apartments offer more privacy and flexibility, while shared flats (WGs – Wohngemeinschaften) are a popular and cost-effective option for young professionals and students who don’t mind sharing common spaces.

Lastly, think about whether you want the apartment furnished or unfurnished. In Germany, unfurnished often means completely empty—you might find no kitchen appliances, no wardrobes, and sometimes not even light fixtures. While this can seem inconvenient, it also allows you to design and furnish the space to your taste. Furnished flats, on the other hand, are more convenient for short stays or newcomers but generally come with higher rent.

Prepare all required documents early

Landlords and agencies in Germany love paperwork. Having your documents ready will make you stand out. Keep these documents ready before deciding to apply for new flats, as you’ll often need to send them immediately after viewing or even with your initial inquiry.

• Copy of your passport or residence permit
• Proof of income – usually the last three payslips or a work contract
• SCHUFA credit report – shows your credit score and any debts in Germany
• Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung – confirmation you have no rent debts
• Proof of funds if you are new and don’t yet have payslips
• Application form (Selbstauskunft) – short personal questionnaire

Keep everything in one PDF folder and printed for viewings. Many foreigners lose time by not having these ready.

💡 Tip: Have in mind that by the law you are not obliged to provide data-sensitive information, like your salary, your work contract or personal IDs. Most of the landlords and agencies will ask for them anyway, so make sure to highlight that you give the permission to use them only for the purpose of the application and that right after, you ask for them to be deleted.

Use the right websites and alerts

You have to know where to look. Not all platforms are equal, and some are more popular with landlords and others with tenants. It doesn't mean that if a platform is popular it suits you. Choose the ones that fit your needs and budget.

These are some of the platforms you should start with:

• Immobilienscout24.de – professional listings, most landlords use it
• Immonet.de – similar to Immobilienscout24
• WG-Gesucht.de – shared flats and short-term rooms
• Domily – provides these features as part of the free scope of the platform.

Set search alerts to get notified immediately when new flats appear. Use a service that sends you emails or app notifications. The faster you apply, the better your chances. Some services offer these as premium features and some are free.

💡 Tip: Always message as soon as you see a suitable flat. Waiting even a few hours can mean missing your chance.

Write a short, polite message

Best practice would be for you to write a short, polite message in German or English when you contact landlords or agents. Introduce yourself briefly, mention the flat you’re interested in, and highlight your key qualifications. Make this message generic and save it so that you can reuse it later. But also try to add a personal touch at the time you apply for the apartment. It makes you as a tenant more memorable and invites for the landlords attention to your application.

🇬🇧 Example message in English

Dear Sir or Madam (or Hello [Name] if you know it, no need to be super official)

I am very interested in your apartment at Musterstraße. I am employed at [company name] and looking for a flat starting from [date]. This apartment would work great because [a short reason why you like it] 👈 the personal touch.

I have attached my documents (SCHUFA, payslips, etc.) for your review.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

🇩🇪 Example message in German

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

ich bin sehr an Ihrer Wohnung in der Musterstraße interessiert. Ich bin bei [Firmenname] angestellt und suche eine Wohnung ab dem [Datum]. Diese Wohnung würde sehr gut passen, weil [kurzer persönlicher Grund, warum Sie sie mögen].

Meine Unterlagen (SCHUFA, Gehaltsabrechnungen usw.) habe ich zur Durchsicht beigefügt.

Ich freue mich auf Ihre Rückmeldung.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen [Ihr Name]

Be prepared for viewings

When you’re invited to a viewing (“Besichtigung”), treat it seriously. You’ll often be one of many applicants. Bring your documents printed and organized. Be polite and friendly to the landlord or agent and most importantly, be on time. Punctuality is really respected in Germany. Show genuine interest in the flat, but don’t overdo it. Play around this in any way you want, just keep the communication timely and in case you cannot make it do not ghost the appointment. Inform the person that awaits for your visit on time, as this is timely consuming process that if you simply don't appear might lower your chances of getting another appointment.

Do:

• Show up!
• Arrive on time
• Bring your document folder or printed documents
• Ask all the important questions, prices, conditions, costs.

Don’t:

• Try to negotiate the rent on the spot
• Complain about yoru previous landlord
• Stay too long
• Promise things you can’t keep

After the visit, send a polite thank-you message and confirm your interest.

Watch out for scams

Rental scams exist in Germany just like anywhere else, so it's important to stay alert. Scammers often ask for a deposit or the first month’s rent before you’ve seen the flat or signed a contract. They might also claim that someone else, like a “friend” or “agent,” will hand you the keys, which is a common trick to appear legitimate.

Foreigners are often targeted, so pay attention to the following red flags:

• “Landlord” claims to live abroad and requests payment upfront
• Rent price is unusually low
• They refuse to show the flat in person
• The message feels rushed or suspicious

Never transfer money before seeing the apartment and signing a proper rental agreement.

Understand your rental contract

Once you get approved, you’ll need to sign a rental contract (“Mietvertrag”). Can you read and decide about the contract on your own? If not, get help from a German-speaking friend or a legal advisor.

German rental contracts are detailed. Make sure you understand carefully before signing — or get help translating.

Look for:

• Mietbeginn: start date
• Kündigungsfrist: notice period (usually 3 months)
• Kaution: deposit, up to 3 months’ rent
• Nebenkosten: included utilities
• Renovation clauses: some are outdated or illegal

💡 Tip: Always get a written, signed contract — never rely on verbal promises.

What if you don’t have a SCHUFA yet?

If you’re new in Germany and don’t have SCHUFA, explain and provide alternatives:

• Work contract or job offer
• Bank statements showing savings
• Guarantor (“Bürge”)
• Paying several months upfront

Most landlords understand and appreciate honesty.

Registration (Anmeldung)

After moving in, register your address at the local Bürgeramt within 14 days. Just Google for your city or district + "Bürgeramt" to find the location and try to book an appointment online. Remember that sometimes the next available apointment might be months after your move-in date.

Once you have an appointment, bring these documents:

• Passport or ID
• Landlord confirmation (“Wohnungsgeberbestätigung”)
• Registration form (downloadable online)

You’ll get a Meldebescheinigung, your official proof of address.

Key rental terms in German

Learn these key rental terms:

German	Meaning
Kaltmiete	Rent excluding utilities
Warmmiete	Rent including utilities
Nebenkosten	Utilities / extra costs
Kaution	Deposit
Besichtigung	Viewing
Einbauküche (EBK)	Fitted kitchen
Wohnung	Apartment
Mieter	Tenant
Vermieter	Landlord

Free tools like DeepL or Google Translate can help you read listings faster.

Conclusion

Finding a flat in Germany as a foreigner is challenging but doable with preparation and patience.
Understand the process, apply fast, and have your documents ready.
Once you know what landlords expect, you’ll be ahead of most newcomers.

Take it step by step, stay organized, and don’t get discouraged — the right flat will come your way.