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In the first months after arrival, finding a long-term flat is hard: with no SCHUFA history, no payslip and sometimes no fixed address. The common solution is to first get temporary accommodation and search for a permanent home calmly. In this article we compare the common options.
Temporary and first-stage options
- Room in a shared flat (WG): the most common option for students and newcomers. Rent is usually lower than for a whole flat and the contract is flexible. Sites such as WG-Gesucht are widely used here. You usually also have a “getting-to-know-you interview” (WG-Casting).
- Student dormitory (Studentenwohnheim): the cheapest way for students, but with a waiting list; register as early as possible through the Studierendenwerk of your university city. Guide to studying in Germany
- Short-term sublet (Zwischenmiete / Untermiete): a rental of a few months from someone who is temporarily vacating their home. Always get a written contract and make sure the main landlord has given permission.
- Furnished flat (möbliert) for a short period: easier, but more expensive.
- Hotel, hostel or Airbnb: only for the first few days; address registration (Anmeldung) is usually not possible in short-term lodgings.
Address registration in temporary housing
To register at the city office you need the landlord’s confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Before accepting a temporary room, ask whether the landlord will provide this confirmation; otherwise you may be unable to progress with a bank account, insurance or residence. Anmeldung guide
Tips for choosing a WG
- Ask how costs (electricity, internet, GEZ/Rundfunkbeitrag) are shared.
- Clarify whether it is a main rental contract (Hauptmietvertrag) or a sublease (Untermietvertrag).
- Ask about the notice period and the deposit.
- Hear the house rules (cleaning, noise, guests) before you move in.
From a temporary room to your own flat
From the first month, prepare your document folder, open a bank account and, after receiving your first payslip or presenting proof of finances, start your applications for a permanent flat: flat application documents. Watch out for scams too: signs of rental fraud.
For your first thirty days: your first 30 days in Germany.
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