Do you want to find affordable accommodation in Germany?
Finding accommodation in a new country can be hard at first, but don’t worry! This blog guide will help you understand how to find a place to live in Germany, step by step.
Types of Accommodation
There are 3 types of accommodation in Germany.
- Students Dormitories
- Private Accommodation
- Temporary Accommodation
1. Students Dormitories
These are rooms for students, usually near colleges or universities. They are often cheaper than other options.
- Best for: University students
- Cost: €200 to €400 per month
- Apply through: Your local “Studierendenwerk” (student services office)
2. Private Accommodation
A private apartment that you rent alone (or with a partner/family).Multiple people can also share it, each has their own room and shares the kitchen, bathroom, and common areas.
You can search for private apartments on websites like:
3. Temporary Accommodation
You can look for short-term options like hostels, hotels, or Airbnb for the initial weeks/months upon arrival. You can search for private apartments on websites like:
This option is best only for:
- New arrivals who haven’t found permanent housing.
- Short-term internships or language courses.
Cost:
Can range from €20 to €80 per night
Find Accommodation before arrival
Finding a place to live before you arrive in Germany can be difficult, but it is possible if you plan early. Here are some steps you can follow:
1. Start Early
Begin your search at least 2–3 months before your arrival. Student dorms can fill up quickly, especially in big cities.
2. Check At Your University:
Most universities in Germany have a student housing office (called Studentenwerk). They offer rooms in student dormitories.
- Visit your university website and look for the “accommodation” section.
- Contact the international office and ask for help or advice.
3. Search on Online Platforms:
There are many websites where you can search for apartments or shared rooms (called Wohngemeinschaft). Some popular websites include:
- Immobilienscout24.de
- WG-Gesucht.de.
- Facebook groups (search for “PSA [City name]”)
4. Temporary Stay:
If you cannot find a long-term place before arriving, book a temporary stay:
- Hostel, hotel, or Airbnb (for a few weeks).
- Some universities also assist students in finding temporary housing.
5. Be Patient and Keep Trying:
It may take time to find the right place. Don’t get discouraged. Send many messages and check the websites every day.
Documents Required
1. Valid Passport or National ID
2. University Admission Letter/Enrollment Certificate
3. Proof of Financial Resources
It shows you can afford the rent. Options include:
- Blocked account confirmation.
- Scholarship Letter (e.g., DAAD).
- Sponsorship Letter.
- Part-time employment contract (if applicable)
4. Rental Application
A personal data form that landlords or dormitories may request.
Includes your contact info, study program, and a short statement about yourself.
5. Proof of Previous Rent Payments / Rent Clearance Certificate (if applicable)
Only relevant if you’ve lived in Germany before.
How can you avoid scams?
There are scammers out there who take advantage of newcomers in Germany. So, it’s important to recognize them and protect yourself. Here are some tips and tricks to do so.
1. Never Send Money Before Seeing the Place
This is the most important rule. Never send money to anyone before you have seen the apartment or room in real life. Scammers often ask you to pay booking fees, deposits, or advance rent before showing you the property.
But once you send the money, they disappear!
What you should do:
- Always ask to see the place in person (or through a live video call).
- Only pay after you’ve seen the place and signed a rental agreement (contract).
Be careful if the person says, “I’m out of the country, but send the money and I’ll send the key.” That’s usually a scam!
2. If It’s Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
If you see an apartment that is very cheap and looks perfect in photos, be careful. Scammers often post fake ads with beautiful rooms at very low prices to trick people.
They want you to act quickly and send money fast without asking too many questions.
What you should do:
- Compare prices with other similar apartments in the same area.
- Don’t trust anything that feels too easy or too perfect.
If something seems “too good to be true,” it usually is.
3. Avoid Landlords Who Refuse to Meet or Show the Apartment
A real landlord or property manager will always:
- Show you the apartment in person (or online through a live video)
- Answer your questions
- Give you a clear contract
If someone refuses to meet or keeps making excuses, that’s a red flag.
What you should do:
- Ask for a live video call if you’re not in the same city.
- Don’t pay or agree to anything until you see the property and talk to the owner directly.
4. Use Trusted Websites
Always use trusted and official rental websites. Websites like Immobilienscout24, WG-Gesucht, are reliable. Avoid random sites you find through social media or unfamiliar sources.
- Do Not Share Personal Details Too Early
- Don’t give out personal information like passport or ID until you sure about offer
- Scammers often ask for this info early to steal your identity or money.
Finding accommodation in Germany may take some time, but with good planning and patience, you’ll find the right place. Start early, use trusted websites, and contact your university for help.
Download Full detailed Ebook about Accommodation in Germany.