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Find an apartment before arriving in Germany

Selected criteria

  1. I’m already preparing to move
  2. Find housing
  3. Find an apartment before arrival

It is best to treat finding housing before arrival as a clear project: first determine the format and budget, then open several channels, prepare a short profile and respond quickly to suitable listings. Do not limit yourself to a separate apartment: temporary accommodation, a room in a WG and student housing can help you start your move calmly and continue searching locally. Before paying or signing, carefully check the terms, address, contact and registration option if you need it after arrival. This page helps you organise your search without unnecessary haste: from the first filters and applications to choosing a safe option, checking the contract and documenting the condition of the accommodation when you receive the keys.

Plan overview

Search in parallel for a suitable housing format, prepare an application package, check tenancy conditions and keep a backup option for the first months.

What to do step by step

  1. 1

    Define the format and limits of your search

    Set your city, districts, maximum monthly budget, move-in date and acceptable options: apartment, WG, temporary accommodation or dormitory.

    Articles for this step

    Finding Housing in Germany in 2026: Websites, WBS, Student Dormitories, and WG How to Find Housing in Germany: Websites, Documents, and WBS Renting in Germany: How Much Does an Apartment Cost and How to Look for One in 2026 Renting in Germany: How to Find an Apartment and Sign the Lease
  2. 2
  3. 3

    Prepare a short application and documents

    Gather a clear document package and write a short text that you can tailor to the specific listing and housing format.

    Articles for this step

    How to Find Housing in Germany: Documents, Shared Apartments (WG), and the Mietvertrag How to rent an apartment in Germany: documents, search, and lease agreement Motivationsschreiben for renting an apartment in Germany: how to write a Mietbewerbung
  4. 4
  5. 5

    Check whether a WG suits you

    When meeting potential flatmates, clarify the shared-living arrangement, how expenses are divided and the contract terms.

    Articles for this step

    WG in Germany: Pros, Cons, and How to Choose a Shared Flat WG in Germany: How to Choose a Shared Apartment and Avoid Disappointment
  6. 6

    Check the offer before paying or signing

    Check contract terms, payments, house rules and the handover procedure; do not rush to send money or sensitive documents.

    Articles for this step

    What to Check in a German Rental Agreement: Kaution, Nebenkosten, Kündigung and Tenant Rights Moving into an Apartment in Germany: Checklist for the Mietvertrag and Übergabeprotokoll House Rules in Germany: House Rules for Tenants
  7. 7

    Clarify your monthly costs

    Understand what the stated rent amount means and which utility costs may need separate checking.

    Articles for this step

    Utility Bills in Germany: Kaltmiete, Warmmiete, and Nebenkosten in 2026

Important notes

  • A WBS expands your housing options but does not replace actively applying to suitable listings.
  • Do not rely only on a dormitory: searching for other accommodation in parallel reduces the risk of having no option upon arrival.
  • Do not transfer money until you have checked the accommodation, contract and landlord's contact details.

Common mistakes

  • Searching on only one platform
  • Sending identical applications
  • Paying before checking