Moving to Germany for work, Ausbildung, or study is an exciting step — but one of the biggest challenges for Filipinos is finding an apartment and understanding the German rental system. Unlike in the Philippines, renting in Germany follows strict rules, official registration, and contract procedures.

Many new arrivals get confused by terms like Warmmiete, Kaltmiete, Nebenkosten, and Kaution. These words directly affect how much you pay every month. If you do not understand them, you may end up paying more than expected.

In this guide by Learn German PH, we explain the renting process in Germany step by step, the most important rental terms, required documents, and practical tips to help Filipinos prepare before moving abroad.

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How Renting Works in Germany (Simple Explanation)

Renting in Germany is a formal process. You do not simply pay rent and move in. You must:

• Apply for the apartment
  
• Submit documents
  
• Sign a rental contract
  
• Pay a deposit
  
• Register your address with the government
  

This system protects both tenants and landlords, but it requires preparation.

Step-by-Step Rental Process in Germany

1. Search for an Apartment (Wohnung suchen)

Most apartments are found online. Popular websites include:

• ImmobilienScout24
  
• WG-Gesucht (for shared apartments)
  
• Immonet
  
• eBay Kleinanzeigen
  

When searching, always check:

• Kaltmiete – base rent only
  
• Warmmiete – rent including utilities
  
• Nebenkosten – monthly additional costs
  
• Kaution – security deposit
  

👉 Tip: Always focus on the Warmmiete to know your real monthly expense.

2. Contact the Landlord (Vermieter kontaktieren)

After finding a listing, send a short, polite message.

Example (Beginner German):

Guten Tag,
ich interessiere mich für die Wohnung.
Ist sie noch verfügbar?
Mit freundlichen Grüßen

3. Attend the Viewing (Wohnungsbesichtigung)

If the landlord selects you, you will be invited to see the apartment.

Bring these documents if available:

• Passport
  
• Residence permit
  
• Salary proof (Gehaltsnachweis) or Ausbildung contract
  
• SCHUFA credit check (sometimes requested later)
  

4. Submit Rental Documents (Unterlagen einreichen)

Landlords usually require:

• Passport or ID (Ausweis)
  
• Salary slips (last 3 months)
  
• SCHUFA-Auskunft (credit record)
  
• Mieterselbstauskunft (tenant form)
  
• Work or training contract
  

5. Receive Acceptance (Zusage)

If approved:

• You receive a Zusage (acceptance)
  
• Then you get the Mietvertrag (rental contract)
  

6. Sign the Rental Contract (Mietvertrag unterschreiben)

Before signing, carefully check:

• Warmmiete amount
  
• What is included in Nebenkosten
  
• Contract length (fixed or unlimited)
  
• Notice period
  
• House rules
  

Remember: Never sign without reading.

7. Pay Deposit and First Rent

Before moving in, you usually pay:

• Kaution (Deposit) — 2 to 3 months of Kaltmiete
  
• First month's rent
  

The deposit is returned when you move out if the apartment is undamaged.

8. Move In (Einzug)

On move-in day, you receive:

• Apartment keys
  
• Übergabeprotokoll (condition report)
  

 Important: Take photos of any damage before moving in.

9. Register Your Address (Anmeldung in Germany)

Within 14 days, you must register your address at the Bürgeramt.

Bring:

• Passport
  
• Rental contract
  
• Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation)
  

You will receive:

• Anmeldebescheinigung (registration certificate)
  

This is required for:

• Opening a bank account
  
• Health insurance
  
• Getting your tax ID
  

10. Register Utilities

Most tenants register these themselves:

• Electricity (Strom anmelden)
  
• Internet
  
• TV tax (Rundfunkbeitrag) — mandatory
  
  

Important German Rental Terms You Must Know

German Term | Meaning

Kaltmiete | Base rent only

Warmmiete | Rent with utilities

Nebenkosten | Monthly additional costs

Kaution | Deposit

Vermieter | Landlord

Mieter | Tenant

Mietvertrag | Rental contract

Anmeldung | Address registration

Übergabeprotokoll | Move-in report

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Common Mistakes Filipinos Should Avoid

Many newcomers experience rental scams or problems. Avoid these mistakes:

• Sending passport photos before viewing
  
• Paying a deposit before signing the contract
  
• Not checking Warmmiete details
  
• Not registering the address on time
  
• Ignoring handover reports
  
  

Final Tips

Renting in Germany can be competitive and stressful, especially in big cities. Prepare your documents early, learn basic German rental vocabulary, and always double-check contract details.

At Learn German PH, we help students prepare not only for language exams but also for real life in Germany — including housing, work culture, and daily communication.

Ready to Learn German for Your Move to Germany?

If you are planning to work, study, or do an Ausbildung in Germany, strong German skills will make apartment hunting much easier. Enroll now at Learn German PH and prepare for your life abroad.