How to find short term accommodation in Germany #

Before you can register your address (Anmeldung) or open a bank account in Germany, you’ll need a valid rental address.
If you haven’t secured long-term housing yet, don’t worry there are plenty of short-term options to help you get settled smoothly.

Start with Temporary Accommodation #

Finding a furnished place to stay for your first few weeks or months is often the easiest way to start your new life in Germany. These short-term rentals usually include utilities, internet, and furniture, and many allow Anmeldung, which is essential for all your bureaucratic steps.

Best Websites for short term or flexible stays #

Platform	Type	Anmeldung Possible	Highlights
HousingAnywhere	Furnished Apartments	Often	Trusted platform, 48h tenant protection
Homelike	Serviced & Furnished Flats	Often	Bills included, English support
LifeX	Co-living Apartments	Often	Community living, great for newcomers
Airbnb	Short-Term Stays	Sometimes	Good for first nights, but not guaranteed Anmeldung
Wunderflats	Furnished Apartments	Often	Utilities included, 1-month minimum
Spotahome	Rooms & Flats	Sometimes	Verified listings, 48h move-in guarantee
WG-Gesucht	Shared Flats (WGs)	Sometimes	Best for students & young professionals

Pro tip:Always check for listings that say “Anmeldung möglich” (registration possible). Without it, you won’t be able to register your address or get your tax ID.

Other location short term platforms #

In addition to these four furnished short-term rental platforms that operate throughout Germany, there are also more localized providers available in major cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf. Some examples I’m familiar with include:

1. Smartments (Berlin, Hamburg & Munich)
2. White Apartments (Berlin & Frankfurt)
3. Urban Grounds (Berlin & Frankfurt)
4. Havens Living (Hamburg & Frankfurt)
5. B-Boardinghouse (Düsseldorf)
6. D-partments (Münster & Essen)
7. Pures Leben (Berlin, Düsseldorf, Langenfeld (Cologne), Münster, Osnabrück)
8. Poha House (Münster & Aachen)

What to check before you book or move in. #

Before signing or paying for any furnished apartment, make sure these key points are covered:

Certificate of Residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) #

This document is absolutely essential, your landlord must be willing to issue it. Without it, you can’t complete your Anmeldung, which means:

• You won’t get your tax ID,
• Your employer may not be able to pay you correctly, and
• You can’t apply for your residence permit.

Airbnb is typically not recommended for newcomers who need Anmeldung, since most listings are for travelers and don’t provide this document. Some hosts might make exceptions, but it’s never guaranteed.

Internet Connection #

Choose a place that already includes WiFi. Setting up a separate internet contract for a temporary home is time-consuming and often not worth the effort or cost.

Utilities #

Always confirm what’s included in the rent water, electricity, heating, and internet are usually part of furnished rentals, but not always. If they’re not included, you’ll need to budget extra each month.

Mailbox and Doorbell Name #

After your registration, you’ll start receiving important letters (e.g., your tax ID). Ensure that your name appears on the mailbox and doorbell or that you can use a “c/o” (care of) address so your mail reaches you without delays.

Why start with a short term accommodation or rental? #

Most newcomers begin their life in Germany with a furnished short-term apartment and for good reason:

• Saves time and effort: No need to buy furniture or sign utility contracts right away.
• Focus on settling in: Handle essentials like Anmeldung, health insurance, banking, and work registration.
• Explore before committing: Get to know your city and find the right neighborhood for long-term living.

After three to six months, you’ll have all the documents (like your tax ID and residence permit) that landlords often require for long-term rentals. At that stage, you’ll also have a better understanding of German rental culture what documents to prepare, how to communicate with landlords, and what makes a strong rental application.

After you move in #

Once you’ve found a temporary place and moved in, your real journey in Germany begins. Your next steps usually include:

1. Registering your address (Anmeldung)
2. Getting health insurance
3. Opening a bank account
4. Receiving your tax ID and residence permit

Don’t stress, we’ll guide you through every step so you can settle in with confidence.

How overall the short term rental process looks like? #

Renting a short-term apartment in Germany is much simpler than signing a traditional long-term lease. Most of the process is handled digitally, which makes it convenient though a bit less personal.

Here’s how it typically works:

1. Search for listings that meet your needs on one of the recommended platforms.
2. Create a profile and verify your identity (passport or ID).
3. Send a booking request viewings are rarely required.
4. The landlord reviews and approves your request.
5. Once approved, confirm your booking on the platform.
6. Sign the rental agreement online.
7. Pay the first month’s rent and deposit (either to the platform or landlord, depending on the site).
8. Receive move-in details and the landlord’s contact information.

Everything can usually be done online, making it possible to arrange your new home even before arriving in Germany.

Where else to find accommodation? #

• Facebook Groups:
  • Berlin Apartments for Rent
  • WG-Zimmer in Berlin
  • New in Germany – Accommodation Help
  • Bazme-Berlin
  • Pakistanis in Deutschland
  • PSA Berlin (Look for local Pakistani Group in your local City), Find some PSA group links here.

Tip: Search for local expat or Pakistani housing groups in your own city Look for listings that say “Anmeldung möglich” it’s critical for registration.

Final Thoughts #

Starting out in a short-term furnished apartment is one of the smartest ways to begin your journey in Germany.
It gives you time to adjust, sort out your paperwork, and explore your surroundings all while living comfortably in a ready-to-move-in home.

Just remember:

1. Make sure Anmeldung is possible
2. Confirm utilities and WiFi are included
3. Check that you can receive official mail

Once you’ve got those covered, you’re ready to begin your new adventure in Germany one smooth step at a time.

What’s next? #

After reaching your accommodation, your journey in Germany truly begins. To officially settle in, there are a few key first-week tasks every newcomer must complete, don’t worry, we’ll walk you through each one.

How to get health insurance?