Top 7 Things You Should Do Before Moving to Berlin From UK

An exciting city with a complex history and tonnes of attractions, Berlin is a popular German city for British expats. Whether you’re moving for work or just fancy a fresh start, here are the top 7 things you should do before moving to Berlin from the UK. 

1. Scout for somewhere to live

Berlin is a rent-friendly city and you should be able to get more for your money than in larger UK cities like London. If you can, we recommend that you visit Berlin before choosing a place to live. It can help to visualise a place and decide whether you really see yourself living there. If it’s not possible to visit, then you should carefully research the different areas, perhaps searching for places that are favoured by British expats or that match your specific criteria. 

2. Look for work

You may already have some work lined up in Berlin, especially if that’s why you’re moving in the first place. However, if you haven’t got a job yet and know that you need one, it can be a good idea to do a little research before you go. Not only will sourcing a job help you feel more secure and confident about your move, it could also be a great ice breaker for meeting new people. If you’re a freelancer who works from home, then you probably won’t need to find work that’s specifically in Berlin. You will just want to make sure you get a room with a good internet connection.

3. Get a Visa

Before you move to Germany you will need to have the official paperwork in order. If your move to Berlin is only a temporary stop and you’re planning to return to live in the UK in under 90 days, you can apply for the Schengen Visa. However, if you are planning to live in Berlin or Europe for more than 90 days, you will need a Residence Permit Visa. You can apply for either of these through the German Embassy.

4. Learn German

It’s always helpful to learn the official language of somewhere you’re planning to live and work. Learning German will not only help you settle in, it will improve your ability to make new friends, open up work opportunities and avoid communication barriers as not everyone in Berlin will speak English. 

5. Join an expat group

It could be helpful to join a British expat group online to get advice. This could be especially useful if you’re planning to move to Berlin on your own and you don’t have a fluent grasp of the language. You’ll be able to ask questions, find clubs to join or navigate essential things like setting up a bank account or getting access to healthcare. 

6. Read the tourist books

Moving to a new city in a new country is a fantastic way to revamp your life and you should take advantage of all the amazing attractions Berlin has to offer. Time to buy a tourist book or two!

7. Book your removals

You will want to book your removals company well in advance to help you move all your belongings to your new home or temporary accommodation in Berlin.

With over 90 years’ experience moving people to the continent, we can help make your removals to Berlin from the UK that little bit easier! Contact us today to book your removal with us for a competitive price.

We hope these top 7 tips for moving to Berlin from the UK will help prepare you for this exciting change in your life.