The Inside Scoop on Relocating to Berlin

Moving to a new city (or country) can be an overwhelming and somewhat daunting task. At the same time, it can also be an extremely exciting experience! Today we talk with three different Klangers: Alice (Junior Community Manager), Vahid (Senior Game Production Engineer), and Michael (Game Engineer) about their experiences of relocating to Berlin. They discuss the challenges, the happy surprises, and even some of their personal tips.

The People Make the Place

Alice, Vahid, and Michael all agree that one of the things that makes Berlin so special is the people. People from all over the world come to call this city home, creating a multicultural environment that is truly unique. “It’s not everywhere that you get on the subway and see a raver sitting next to a man in a thousand dollar piece suit, but in Berlin, that’s just normal”, says Vahid. You’ll have the chance to engage with different perspectives, languages, and cuisines. “In Berlin, you can really be yourself”, says Alice. “You can just be you.” Just by walking out your door, you’ll be able to engage with different languages, perspectives, and cultures.

Navigating German Bureaucracy

The rumors are true, dealing with German bureaucracy can be quite a doozy. From registering your address to obtaining your residency permit, there are a lot of steps to take to settle down in the city. “The formal processes take a while and you cannot rush it”, Michael explains. Diligently researching what you will need to bring to your different appointments can be a real lifesaver. “Everything is on paper here”, says Alice. “Make sure you bring all of the necessary documents to your appointments, otherwise you will be sent home and have to make another appointment.”

Finding a Flat

Finding housing in Berlin can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. With its diverse neighborhoods and varied architectural styles, the city offers a range of options to suit different preferences. From the bustling energy of Mitte to the artistic streets of Kreuzberg, each district has its own unique character. However, due to the city’s popularity, it’s important to approach the housing search with patience and persistence. Online platforms (like ImoScout24 and WG-Gesucht), real estate agencies, and expat groups can be valuable resources in your quest to find a home. Keep in mind that competition can be fierce, so being well-prepared with the necessary documents and understanding local rental practices is essential.

Rely on your Network

One of Vahid’s biggest tips for people moving to Berlin is to reach out! “Getting the help of a friend who speaks German and knows the system can make navigating everything much easier”, he advises. Michael similarly suggests relying on the help of people in your networks. Contrary to the idea that Berlin is a place filled with people that will give you the cold shoulder, “people here are supportive”, Michael says. “I’ve found a lot of help from people at Klang, friends, and ex-pat groups.” A lot of these expat groups, like International Women Berlin, for example, can be found easily on Facebook. So reach out and ask for help when you need it, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Don’t be Afraid to Explore!

From art to music to historical areas, there is so much to see and experience in Berlin. Alice can’t emphasize enough the benefits of simply walking around the different districts. “I’ve found some of my favorite places in Berlin just by walking around with no specific end goal in mind”, she says. For Vahid, exploring is equally as important. “One of my favorite things to do is just get on the S-Bahn (the subway) and go to an area I’ve never been before and just walk around”, he shares. You might stumble into an impromptu jam session or a group of people dancing salsa by the Spree. You really never know what you may find. We may be a little biased but we think that Berlin is one of the most special cities in Europe! If you are interested in living and working in a place that values your uniqueness and opens doors to new experiences, check out our careers page to see our open positions.