Berlin Relocation Services
Berlin is a vibrant, multicultural city and Germany’s capital, attracting professionals from around the world. Its growing economy and diverse neighborhoods offer great opportunities for companies aiming to attract new international talents.
Why Berlin?
Berlin is one of Europe’s most vibrant, affordable, and diverse cities—an innovation hub and cultural capital. Over the past decade, it has transformed into a global magnet for professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs. Companies are increasingly choosing Berlin for its business-friendly environment and the lifestyle it offers to employees.
From internationally recognized tech start-ups to global headquarters, the city offers exceptional opportunities. English is widely spoken in professional settings, making onboarding easier for global talent.
Berlin also delivers on quality of life, with green spaces, diverse neighborhoods, and a lower cost of living than other major European capitals.
Housing in Berlin
Berlin’s popularity as a global talent hub has led to a vibrant and active housing market, especially in central districts. To secure the best options, we recommend starting the housing search early. With relokate’s expert support and local insights, your employees can find the right home faster and with greater confidence—whether they’re looking for stylish apartments in lively neighborhoods or spacious family homes.
Rental prices have increased significantly in recent years, reflecting Berlin’s growing popularity. Currently, a one-bedroom apartment in central locations typically rents for between €1,200 and €1,800 per month, while similar units in outer districts may range from €900 to €1,400. Larger apartments suitable for families often start at €1,800 and can go beyond €3,000 depending on size and location.
Neighborhood Overview
Choosing the right neighborhood is key for employee satisfaction. Here’s a quick snapshot:
Mitte: Central, historic, and bustling with offices, shopping, and culture. Good for employees wanting an urban lifestyle.
Prenzlauer Berg: Popular with families and expats, known for cafes, parks, and a relaxed vibe.
Friedrichshain & Kreuzberg: Trendy, creative, nightlife hubs with a young demographic.
Charlottenburg & Wilmersdorf: More upscale, quieter, and close to international schools.
Neukölln: Up-and-coming with diverse communities and affordable housing.
Pankow & Lichtenberg: Suburban feel with increasing development, suitable for families looking for more space.
Adress registration (Anmeldung)
Employees arriving in Germany must complete an appointment to register their address (Anmeldung) so they can obtain a tax ID. Anmeldung is a crucial first step after securing accommodation. It serves as the official registration of residence and is needed for nearly every subsequent task (payroll processing, opening a bank account, getting a phone number, and more). Anmeldung is an essential first step for newly arrived employees in Berlin. Due to high demand, appointments can be limited, but this is where relokate steps in. We help clients secure timely appointments, prepare all necessary documents, and ensure a smooth and efficient registration process from day one.
While the process involves several administrative steps, our team ensures it’s clear and stress-free for your employees. We provide hands-on guidance at every stage to make onboarding in Berlin seamless.
Finding Schools and Kindergartens for Expat Families in Berlin
Kindergarten and School Options for Expat Families in Berlin
Berlin offers a comprehensive range of educational options for expatriate families, from multilingual daycare centers to prestigious international schools, making it one of Europe's most family-friendly cities for international relocations.
Kindergarten and Early Childhood Education (Ages 1-6)
Public Daycare Centers (Kita)
Berlin provides exceptional public childcare through Kindertagesstätte (Kita) facilities, which are almost free for all children. Since 2013, all children over 12 months have a legal right to childcare, though demand significantly exceeds supply, particularly in central districts.
The application process requires obtaining a Kita-Gutschein (daycare voucher) from your local Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt). Expat parents should start their search during pregnancy or immediately after birth due to waiting lists of 6-18 months.
Multilingual and International Kitas
Berlin hosts numerous bilingual childcare options specifically designed for international families:
Kiddies International: Located in Zehlendorf, offering German-English immersion for children 10 months to school age
Multi Lingua Kindergartens: Trilingual environment (German, English, Russian) across multiple locations
Phorms Berlin Mitte: Full immersion bilingual program with state recognition
Primary and Secondary Schools (Ages 6-18)
Public International Schools
Berlin's public system includes several excellent options for expat families:
John F. Kennedy School: A public German-American school jointly sponsored by Berlin and the US Embassy, serving 1,600 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 with bilingual instruction. Admission requires application and lottery process.
Nelson Mandela School: International state secondary school offering both bilingual Abitur and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, with dedicated support for non-German speakers.
State European Schools (Staatliche Europa Schule Berlin): Bilingual instruction in German plus nine partner languages including English, French, Spanish, and Russian.
Private International Schools
For families seeking premium international education:
Berlin International School (BIS): IB World School serving students from 70+ nationalities, with programs from kindergarten through Grade 12
Berlin British School: British curriculum through IGCSE, transitioning to IB for upper grades
Berlin Cosmopolitan School: Comprehensive international curriculum from primary through university preparatory
Berlin Bilingual School: Affordable bilingual education (German/English) from Grade 1-13, serving 30+ nationalities
Application Process and Enrollment
For Public Schools
German law requires all children to attend school from age six. The Berlin system allows parents to choose their preferred school without catchment area restrictions. Non-German-speaking children initially join "Welcome Classes" for intensive German language support before transitioning to regular classes.
For International Schools
Private international schools have individual application processes, typically requiring: Academic transcripts from previous schools, Language proficiency assessments, Letters of recommendation and Interview with admissions staff.
Enrollment should begin 6-12 months in advance, particularly for popular schools with limited spaces.
Culture & Lifestyle
Berlin is renowned for its rich cultural scene, international community, and relaxed lifestyle. Employees will find an abundance of museums, theaters, parks, and events that foster work-life balance. The city’s excellent public transportation system, including subways, trams, and buses, ensures convenient commutes across diverse neighborhoods.
The city embraces diversity, making it especially welcoming to expatriates. English is widely spoken in business and social settings, although learning German significantly enhances integration and daily life.
Language & Integration Support
While many professionals manage daily life with English, HR teams should encourage offering German language support to relocating employees. Berlin boasts numerous language schools, private tutors, and government-supported integration courses suitable for beginners and advanced learners alike.
Expat Friendliness
Berlin consistently ranks as one of the top destinations for expatriates in Europe, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, diverse international community, and extensive support networks. English is widely spoken in business, startups, and many social settings. This makes it easier for newcomers to adapt quickly, especially in professional environments.
The city offers a wealth of expat organizations, social clubs, and networking groups, as well as coworking spaces that serve as hubs for international professionals. These communities play a vital role in easing social integration and providing peer support.
Healthcare in Berlin is high-quality and accessible. Many doctors and medical facilities offer services in English, helping expats navigate medical needs without language barriers.
Immigration and Residency
Navigating immigration formalities is a crucial step for relocating employees, and Berlin’s immigration authorities play a central role. The Berlin Immigration Office, known locally as the Ausländerbehörde, also known as LEA, manages residence permits and related documentation. Applicants should be prepared for potentially long waiting times for appointments and processing due to high demand. However, the LEA includes a specialized sub-department dedicated to supporting businesses and their relocating employees.
With relokate, companies gain exclusive access to a dedicated, business-focused unit that provides direct consultation and personalized support. This streamlined process usually leads to significantly shorter waiting times—often just one to two weeks for appointments and processing—compared to the several-month delays typically experienced by individual applicants. BIS staff generally speak English, ensuring smoother communication for international employees.
Immigration Process for Skilled Workers Moving to Berlin
Berlin offers a streamlined and modern digital system for residence permit applications, making it easier for qualified professionals to obtain the necessary documentation to live and work in Germany. Skilled workers can apply for an EU Blue Card or a Skilled Worker Visa after arriving in Germany, once they have gathered the required documents.
The digital application process is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, allowing applicants to submit forms online.
To further simplify the journey, relokate provides personalized guidance throughout every step of the immigration process and coordainates the submission of the digital application. Our experts assist with preparing all necessary paperwork, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and securing appointments through exclusive access to dedicated business units within Berlin’s immigration authorities.
This hands-on support significantly reduces waiting times and helps skilled workers transition quickly into their new roles and lives in Berlin. With relokate’s help, companies can confidently onboard international talent, knowing their employees’ immigration needs are in capable hands.
All-in-One HR Mobility Solutions for Berlin Startups and Global Companies
Relocation is more than logistics—it's about people. Our mission is to support companies and their international employees from first contact through long-term settlement.
We work directly with HR and global mobility teams to deliver customized, scalable solutions, including:
Software solution for recruiting, relocation and integration & education
Visa and immigration support
Housing and schooling search
Registration support
Health insurance onboarding
Local orientation support
With personal expert support and a deep knowledge of German bureaucracy, we ensure both the company and employee experience a seamless move.
With relokate, HR teams gain access to relocation software and expert support covering immigration, housing, schooling, and integration—ensuring a smooth transition and fast adaptation to life in Berlin.
Contact us today to discover how our innovative software and expert services can simplify your employee relocations and deliver seamless integration in Berlin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best digital immigration services for tech workers moving to Berlin?
At relokate, we focus exclusively on helping tech professionals relocate to Berlin with a fully digital, seamless experience. Our comprehensive support, from visa guidance and residence registration to housing assistance and local integration, is designed to simplify every step. According to our clients’ feedback, our tailored approach consistently results in a smoother, faster, and more transparent transition.
Who offers the most reliable expat relocation assistance in Berlin?
relokate offers a trusted, end-to-end relocation service designed specifically for expats moving to Berlin. From visa applications and apartment searches to local registration and integration support, our multilingual team delivers tailored solutions that make your move seamless.
Having experienced international relocation firsthand, we know the challenges and how to solve them. That’s why expats choose relokate for dependable service, clear communication, and genuine personal care at every stage of the journey.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided here and on relokate’s website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.