Relocation guides
Registration, rental contracts, SCHUFA, flatshare life and more: guides for everyone moving to Germany or another EU city.
- Anmeldung: registering your address in GermanyAnyone who moves into a flat in Germany must register with the registration office (usually the Bürgeramt or Bürgerbüro). Registration is a prerequisite for many other steps, such as the tax ID, a bank account or a…Updated on 7 Nov 2026
- Recognising and avoiding rental scamsFraudulent rental ads are unfortunately common – especially in cities with a housing shortage. A few rules protect you effectively.Updated on 7 Nov 2026
- Documents for your flat search and SCHUFALandlords want to know whether the rent will be paid reliably. At the same time, data protection law protects you from disclosing more than necessary.Updated on 7 Nov 2026
- Relocating as a professionalGot a job offer in Germany? With good preparation you will find a suitable flat quickly.Updated on 7 Nov 2026
- Moving to Germany: checklistMoving to Germany is easy to plan if you take the steps in the right order. This checklist helps you not to miss anything important.Updated on 7 Nov 2026
- Rental contracts in Germany: the basicsGerman rental contracts follow clear statutory rules, mainly in the Civil Code (BGB). Here are the key terms and rights at a glance.Updated on 7 Nov 2026
- Renting in Austria: overviewAustria has its own tenancy law, which differs from German law in many respects – for example in Vienna and Graz.Updated on 7 Nov 2026
- Renting in the Netherlands: overviewThe Dutch housing market is very tight, especially in Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and Rotterdam. The rules differ significantly from Germany.Updated on 7 Nov 2026
- Renting in Spain: overviewSpain has its own rental rules; German tenancy law does not apply there. This overview covers the key points for Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and other cities.Updated on 7 Nov 2026
- Student housingHalls of residence, a flatshare or a small flat of your own – students have several options. Demand in university towns peaks at the start of each semester, so start searching early.Updated on 7 Nov 2026
- Housing entitlement certificate (WBS): subsidised flatsThe Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS, housing entitlement certificate) is a certificate from the authorities that allows you to rent a publicly subsidised flat ("social housing"). Landlords of subsidised flats may only let…Updated on 7 Nov 2026
- Life in a flatshare (WG)The flatshare (Wohngemeinschaft, WG) is a popular way of living in Germany – not only for students. Living together well takes clear agreements.Updated on 7 Nov 2026
General information without guarantee – not legal advice. Please check official sources or get individual advice.