FAQ’s

Q: Do I get a say in which apartments I want to view in Berlin?

A: You will fill out a housing profile, and we will send you proposals of properties that fit your preferences.  You will pre-approve the ones you are interested in and we will arrange the viewings to suit your schedule.

 

Q: How many apartments can we see?

A: Up to eight apartments are included in your package. If you haven’t found your new home in Berlin after the initial eight viewings you can book further viewings which you will be billed for per viewing. We find that most of our clients decided on an apartment after 5-6 viewings.

 

Q: Will you accompany me to the viewing?

A: Included in a basic relocation package are interpreting services at up to eight viewings, as well as at the handover of the apartment and the signing of the contract. If you wish to see more than eight apartments you can opt for a viewing with or without an interpreter, according to your needs.

 

Q: Can you look at the apartments for me if I can’t make it to Berlin?

A: We can view apartments for you, take photos and videos which we will share online with you. However, I do recommend you view the apartments yourself.

 

Q: Can you arrange to have the apartment cleaned before we move in?

A: Yes, upon your request we can send professional cleaning services to your new home before you move in.

 

Q: Where do you register my utilities?  Do I get a choice?

A: We will provide you with three choices for your electric, gas or phone provider.  We will advise you on your best options, depending on your personal needs and preferences.

 

Q: If I can’t be present on the day of the move, can you supervise this for me?

A: Yes, we can supervise the move on the day.  Please ask us for pricing details.

 

Q: Do I have to go to the Anmeldung (registering of your address) myself?

A: For you very first registration in Germany, yes, you will need to be present at the appointment.  However, when you move within Berlin or Germany, then, no, you don’t need to be present for the Anmeldung.   With your power of attorney we can take care of this on your behalf.

 

Q: Do I have to go to the foreign office for my residency permit application myself?

A: Yes at this appointment all applying family members must be present.

 

Q: What if I don’t get a resident permit the first time? Will I be charged for every visit to the foreign office with you?

A: No, you pay the immigration service fee just once. We will assist you with your application and, if the authorities are not satisfied, we will advise you on the improvements and accompany you to the next appointment(s) also.

 

Q: Can you find a school for my child?

A: Yes, we research where a placement for your child will be possible. Private or public schools, international,  German or bilingual schools. We will also assist you with the paperwork and application for the school.

 

Q: Will you be able to find a place for my child in a bilingual Kindergarten in Berlin?

A: We will research the bilingual Kindergarten market of Berlin or your preferred neighbourhood/s of Berlin and find out where a placement will be possible for your desired entry date.  We can also take care of your applications for the kindergarten and the subsidised kindergarten voucher.

 

Q: Which bureaucratic services do you provide? A:

  • registering your address with the authorities
  • opening a bank account
  • applying for health insurance
  • transferring your driver’s licence
  • applications for school and Hort (day care)
  • kindergarten voucher
  • child allowance
  • Elterngeld (maternity/paternity allowance)
  • registering a vehicle
  • registering a pet

 

Q: Can you help my family get settled in Berlin?

A: We research, provide recommendations and set up appointments for personal and family services.  For example, finding a local doctor and/or paediatrician that speaks English, finding a tutor, household help, etc.

 

Q: Can you arrange for us to be picked up from the airport?

A: We can arrange for you to be picked up from the airport, or if you wish to have a car and driver for your apartment viewings.

 

 

Archer Relocation