
Over the past 50 years, Berlin has undergone considerable turmoil and change. The city has been destroyed, divided, united and now is in an adolescent growth spurt of exploration and soul-searching.
Berlin has quickly become a city to watch. Creative individuals from around the globe have flocked to Berlin turning it into a dynamic, multi-cultural melting pot. However, despite its often hectic pace, Berlin functions to German precision - impeccably. Service is attentive, public transport is brilliant, the streets are safe and the health care system is world class and accessible to all.
Berlin is a top choice for many expatriates. Why? Because for expats, opportunities are endless and living in Berlin is easy. The city provides a very large expatriate community, top schooling and educational institutions, plentiful shopping and leisure amenities, cutting edge cultural experiences but, most of all, it is affordable without having to compromise your lifestyle.
When undertaking a massive task such as an overseas relocation, at times is can be daunting, particularly if you are moving to a foreign country and don't speak the language. Within this Berlin expatriate guide, you will discover all the practical information you need to consider before and after your relocation.
1) Living legally in Berlin
The German immigration system is somewhat renowned for being a labyrinth of paperwork, bureaucracy and hidden pitfalls. The EID guide to Berlin contains practical, straightforward advice on how to identify the visa you need to suit your purposes and the process by which you should apply and secure the visa. Let us help you to cut through the red tape and transition to Berlin as stress free as possible.
2) Setting up home in Berlin
Berlin is a big city with a cosmopolitan mix of people from all over the world. Choosing the right location to base your family can be very difficult. Our guide contains a list of popular expatriate living destinations together with detailed information about living costs, infrastructure, local amenities and environment. Our practical and straightforward advice will allow you to identify areas to live in that suit both your lifestyle and budget.
3) Navigating the infrastructure
When you first move to a new location you can easily feel overwhelmed by the un-ending list of administration tasks you have to complete. How do you organize mobile phones and telephone services? Which utilities providers should you use? What’s the best way to pay for public transport? Our guide contains everything you need to know to complete all of these tasks. We offer advice on which suppliers to use as well as full details of how you can find them.
4) Having fun in Berlin
One of the reasons you may choose to leave the safety of your home country to live abroad may be because you want to experience life in another country. Our comprehensive guide to living in Berlin contains everything you need to know about enjoying life here. We provide details of the popular restaurant, bars, theatres, clubs and museums as well as revealing some of the hidden gems that only people who live in Berlin usually discover.
5) Staying safe and healthy in Berlin
Berlin is a relatively safe city but, as with most cities around the world, there are some areas to avoid. Our guide points out such areas and provides insider information about how you can keep yourself and your family safe. In addition we also present comprehensive listings for all hospitals, doctors, clinics and emergency services.
6) Blending in
It is very common for expatriates to experience culture shock when they first move to a new country. Our guide contains numerous insights into the German people and their culture; from superstitions and traditions through to work philosophy and approach. By familiarizing yourself with the Germanic approach to life in advance of relocating, you will have realistic expectations of what you can expect and can therefore minimize the risk of culture shock severely impacting your life in Berlin.
7) Reality bites
The Expat Info Desk guide to Berlin is written by residents, for residents. It contains factual information written by people who really are in the know. We don’t skirt around difficult issues or try and sell a place to you; we simply tell you how it really is.
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Since the demolition of the Berlin wall, more than 2.4 million people have migrated from the Eastern Part of Germany to the Western part.