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Moving abroad is an adventure that requires a lot of preparation and planning, especially when it comes to finances. An obvious question that will arise is, "How much money do you need to move to Germany?"

How much money do you need to move to Germany?

Germany is known for being a prosperous country with a high standard of living, making it a desirable destination for many expats. But what are the costs of living, and how much money do you need to move to Germany?

In this post, we'll break down the cost of moving to Germany and provide some tips for making the move as affordable as possible.

Understanding the Cost of Living in Germany

Before we dive into the cost of moving to Germany, it's important to understand the cost of living in the country. While Germany is a prosperous country with a strong economy, living expenses can vary depending on the region you choose to live in. Generally speaking, living in major German cities like Berlin or Munich is more expensive than living in smaller towns or rural areas.

However, the cost of living in Germany is generally affordable when compared to other Western European countries. This is due in part to the country's robust social welfare system, which provides a safety net for its citizens and helps to keep the cost of living down.

Housing

When it comes to housing, there are a variety of options available in Germany. Renting an apartment is a popular choice, with many landlords offering fully furnished units. If you're looking to buy a home, be prepared for higher prices in major cities. However, there are also many affordable options in suburbs, smaller towns, and rural areas.

Food

Food is another expense to consider when living in Germany. While eating out at restaurants can be expensive, there are many affordable options for cooking at home. German supermarkets offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and dairy products at reasonable prices.

Transportation

Transportation costs in Germany can vary depending on where you live and how you choose to get around. Public transportation in major cities is generally reliable and affordable, with many cities offering discounted monthly passes. If you prefer to drive, be aware that gas prices in Germany are among the highest in Europe.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany, but the good news is that the country has a world-class healthcare system. Most people are covered by public health insurance, which is funded through a combination of employer and employee contributions. If you're self-employed, you'll need to purchase private health insurance.

Taxes

Finally, taxes are an important consideration when living in Germany. The country has a progressive income tax system, with higher earners paying a higher percentage of their income in taxes. However, the government also offers a wide range of tax deductions and credits, which can help to lower your overall tax bill.

While the information above doesn't answer the question, "How much money do you need to move to Germany?" directly, it's important to factor those overall costs of living into your calculations and budgets. Overall, while the cost of living in Germany can vary depending on where you choose to live and your lifestyle, the country offers many affordable options for those looking to move here. With a strong economy, excellent healthcare system, and robust social welfare programs, Germany is a great place to call home.

How much money do you need to move to Germany? - Financial requirements and implications

Are there financial requirements for a German Visa?

The financial requirements for obtaining a German visa depend on your country of origin and the purpose of your stay in Germany.

Resident Permit / Blue Card

If you're moving to Germany with a secure job in Germany, for example, you’ll typically need to show pay slips from your previous and new employer, or else bank statements from your home country proving you have financial cushion.  

Student Visa

To obtain a student visa, you'll need to provide proof of your acceptance into a German educational institution, your qualifications, and your ability to support yourself financially while studying in Germany.

Freelance / Self-Employed Visa

Freelancers and those who wish to be self-employed must show a financial plan for their business, and also show that they can be financially stable while they get themselves set up. While there is no defined financial requirement, having a cushion of savings will certainly help your application succeed.   

Costs of Applying for a German Visa

The costs associated with obtaining a residence title in Germany can vary, but generally range from €60 to €110. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. It's important to note that the application process can take several weeks or even months, so it's best to apply as early as possible.

What financial documents do you need to prepare before moving to Germany?

As mentioned above, you may need to provide proof of financial means to support yourself while living in Germany. Before you leave your home country, it’s good to prepare some financial documents, in case they’re needed or requested. These include:

• Employment contract (if available) with salary amount included
• Previous employer payslips (up to six months prior to departure) 
• Bank statements (up to six months prior to departure) 
• Additional income proof (ie: housing, investment statements, etc.) 

As you may not have access to a printer when you first arrive in Germany, it’s a good idea to have these printed and carried with you.  

What are the tax implications of moving to Germany?

When calculating your future financial situation in Germany, it's important to understand the tax costs associated with living and working in the country. If you plan on working in Germany, you'll be subject to German income tax, which is based on a progressive tax system. The amount of income tax you'll need to pay depends on your income, with rates ranging from 14% to 45%. Beyond income tax, you'll also need to pay social security contributions, which are approximately 20% of your gross income. To help you plan, we recommend using a tax calculator to forecast your income after taxes.

Be advised, depending on your home country and income in Germany, that you may need to pay taxes at home as well. Failure to do so could result in financial penalties back home, so stay on top of it! 

How to find affordable accommodations in Germany

One of the most significant expenses associated with moving to Germany is housing. Fortunately, there are several ways you can find affordable accommodations in the country. One option is to use websites like Immobilienscout24 or WG-Gesucht.de to search for apartments or shared housing. Additionally, many communities in Germany offer social housing*, which is affordable housing that is subsidized by the government. To qualify for social housing, you'll need to meet certain criteria, such as having a low income or being a student. 

When renting, keep in mind that most landlords will expect a deposit of 1-3 months rent when you move in. Depending on the cost of your rent, this can total 2000€+. As you’re planning your financials before you move, make sure to factor this into your cash budget, as you’ll likely need to pay this before you start working in Germany. 

*If you’re applying for a visa, keep in mind that subsidized housing might not be an option for you. 

Are there financing options for moving to Germany?

If you're worried about the upfront costs associated with moving to Germany, there are several financing options available to you. One option is to take out a personal loan from a bank or financial institution. Some employers may also offer relocation benefits, such as a stipend for moving expenses.

Moving to Germany can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to understand the costs associated with the move. By answering the question, "How much money do you need to move to Germany?", you can gain a better understanding of the financial requirements before making the move. With careful planning and research, moving to Germany and living here long-term can be an affordable and enjoyable experience.  🔵

You're probably excited about your upcoming international move, but still wondering what it will cost to move to Germany. You will need money for things like housing, food and transportation before you arrive. We highly recommend that you also consider setting aside some funds for unexpected expenses that could arise during your stay. Let’s dive into what you can plan for financially as you move to Germany.

What does it cost to move to Germany?

The cost of moving to Germany can vary greatly, depending on several factors. Things like mode of transportation, the distance between the current location and Germany, the amount and type of belongings being moved, and your individual specific needs and preferences all play a role into the overall expenses.

If you are moving from a neighboring country, the cost may be relatively low, with options such as bus or train travel being affordable. However, if you are moving from a faraway location such as the United States or Australia, air travel can be expensive, ranging from around 500€ to 1500€ or more, depending on the airline, travel dates, and time of year.

In addition to transportation costs, there are several other expenses to consider when moving to Germany, such as visa fees, rent, utilities, and transportation within the country, as well as the cost of living in your chosen city. We'll go into some detail now to help you plan:

Visa Fees

Your visa costs will depend on your nationality and the type of visa you apply for. The typical costs associated with obtaining a residence title in Germany can vary, but generally range from €60 to €110. 

Housing Costs in Germany

Housing costs are one of the most important expenses to consider when factoring the cost to move to Germany. You can expect to pay around 30% of your income on housing in Germany, which is less than in most other countries. However, if you're looking for something more upscale or want better amenities than a standard apartment offers, expect to spend closer to 40%.

Housing costs include rent or mortgage payments, utilities (including electricity and water), property taxes and insurance. 

The first step in estimating your housing costs is to determine whether you'll be renting or buying a home.

If you're planning on purchasing a property in Germany, it's important that you understand how much this will cost as well as what kind of mortgage options are available for expats looking for financing options outside their home country.

However, contrary to practices in other countries, it’s not typical to buy property in Germany. Most Germans rent their housing long-term, and that will probably be the easiest option for you as a new arrival. If you are renting, there are several factors that will affect how much money goes out each month. 

Rental Costs

Depending on the region you choose to live in, the cost of rent can vary dramatically.

In major cities like Berlin or Munich, you can expect to pay upwards of €800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment (Germans refer to this set-up as a “2-room apartment”). In smaller towns or rural areas, you may be able to find more affordable housing options, with rent ranging from €300 to €700 per month.

When it comes to finding a place to live in Germany, it's important to consider factors beyond just the cost of rent. For example, you'll want to think about the neighborhood you'll be living in and the amenities that are available nearby. Some neighborhoods may be more expensive, but offer better access to public transportation or have more restaurants and shops within walking distance.

💡 Worldify Tip - Initial Deposit

When renting, keep in mind that most landlords will expect a deposit of 1-3 months rent when you move in. Depending on the cost of your rent, this can total 2000€+. As you’re planning the cost to move to Germany, make sure to factor this into your cash budget, as you’ll likely need to pay this before you start working in Germany. 

Utilities in Germany

Utilities are a major expense for most people. If you're moving to Germany, it's important to know how much utilities will cost and how much they might vary from your current home.

Utility costs vary widely depending on where you live in Germany, so it's difficult to estimate exactly what they'll be without knowing where exactly you'll be living. However, there are some general guidelines that can help give an idea of what your monthly utility expenses might look like:

• Electricity: 0-30€/month (depending on if heating is included)
• Water: 0-10€/month (depending on whether or not there's a water meter)
• Gas/Oil: 10-20€/month (varies by apartment size)
• Internet: 20-50€/month (varies by provider)

Transportation

Transportation costs can be a significant part of your budget, especially if you have to travel frequently for work. The cost of transportation can vary greatly depending on where in Germany you live and how far away your job is from home. To estimate the potential costs for getting around Germany, consider these factors:

• How often will I need to travel?
• Which mode of transportation (car, bus or train) will work best for me?
• How much time do I have before my move date?

For reference, we’ve included some transportation costs in Germany (averaged): 

• One-way Ticket (Local Transport)- 2.90€
• Monthly Ticket - 70€
• Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) starts at - 3.50€
• Bicycle purchase - 70€
• Bicycle rental - 20€/mo

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a big expense, but it's important to know that you have options. The cost of insurance can vary depending on your age and where you live in Germany. If you're under 30 years old, the government will cover 70% of your health care costs; for those over 30, this drops to 40%.

If you opt out of getting insurance through the government program (which we strongly recommend against), then expect to pay anywhere from $100-$600 per month for private coverage. Depending on what type of policy and provider works best for your needs will determine how much money goes toward premiums each month. In addition, there may be additional fees associated with visiting doctors outside of normal office hours or using clinics outside of their network--so keep these things in mind when considering what kind of plan works best for your situation! 

Taxes

Germany has a progressive tax system, which means that the more money you earn, the higher your tax rate will be, with rates ranging from 14% to 45%. Beyond income tax, you'll also need to pay social security contributions, which are approximately 20% of your gross income. To help you plan, we recommend using a tax calculator to forecast your income after taxes.

Additional Cost of Living in Germany

Though the following aren't necessarily a cost to move to Germany, we find it helpful to know how expensive daily life in your new country will be.

Once you arrive in Germany, you'll also need to consider the cost of food, transportation, and entertainment, in addition to housing. We’ve summed up some examples to help give you an idea of what things cost here on average (major cities may be more expensive, rural areas cheaper):

Food - Dining Out

• Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant - 12€
• Meal, Expensive Restaurants (Multi-course) - 55€
• Domestic (German) beer, .5L - 5€
• Imported beer, .33L - 4.5€
• Cappuccino (regular) - 3€
• Water (small bottle) - 2.25€

Food - Groceries

• Dozen Eggs (non-bio) - 3.25€
• 1kg Chicken Fillets - 8.25€
• 1kg Potatoes - 1.60€
• 1kg Apples - 2.25€
• 1kg Rice (white)- 2.09€
• Loaf of bread - 1.05€
• Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - 5€
  

Entertainment

• Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult - 33 €
• Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)- 21€
• Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat - 12€
• Club / Concert Ticket - 20€
• Cocktail - 10€

Overall, it is difficult to provide an exact cost to move to Germany, as it varies greatly based on individual circumstances. However, as a rough estimate, the cost to move to Germany for an individual could range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the specific factors involved. As you plan, consider all the expenses associated with living in Germany, so that you can make sure you're prepared for the costs and enjoy your new home to the fullest.  🔵

You’re seeking a German visa, but do you know which you qualify for? There is no shortage of German visa types, which is why it’s so tricky to understand which one you are eligible for (not to mention how to get your German visa if you meet those qualifications).

To straighten out some of that famous German red tape in your mind—which, if you’re in the process of relocating, is likely in little knots by now—we’ve prepared this guide to German visas. On a high level, German visas can be categorized into two groups: Short-stay visas and long stay visas. Also commonly lumped into the general category of "visa" are residence permits. We'll talk more about the difference between visas and residence permits below!

The Guide to German Visas

Let’s break down the many types of German visas within these categories, so you understand what’s available.

How are visas different from residence titles?

What is a visa?

A visa allows you to cross the border and enter the country. This is a permit to enter a country for a specific purpose: for study, work, recreation or medical treatment. As a rule, this will appear as a sticker, stamp, or insert inside your passport. If you're coming to work in Germany, in most cases, your visa will allow you to begin working on an interim basis. But if you have a visa (for example, a National D visa), you must transfer that visa to a residence title before that visa expires.

What is a residence title?

A residence title confirms the right of a foreigner to live within the country, and is often used to prove their identity to enter the country.

The permit looks different in different countries: in Germany and most of the EU, it is a plastic biometric card.

In general, a residence title also gives more rights than a visa. During its validity period, you can:

• live in the country,
• buy real estate,
• cross the border an unlimited number of times,
• do business,
• study in public or private institutions,
• use medical services,
• get a driver's license and purchase a car,
• travel without visas to other Schengen countries

Both the Temporary Residence Permit and the Blue Card give you the permission to both work and live in Germany.

🚨 And important! All non-EU citizens require a visa or residence permit in order to begin working.

Short Stay Visas (<90 Days)

Also known as the “Schengen Visa”, a Short Stay Visa allows you to travel to Germany and within the so-called Schengen Region for 90 days within a period of 180 days. If you obtain one of these visas, you have the ability to use it in the Schengen Region, which consists of the following 26 countries: Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. 

Types of Short Stay Visas

• Airport Transit Visa – visa to pass through German (or Schengen) airport on your way to a non-Schengen country, required by citizens of certain countries.
• Business Visa – visa to do business in Germany (or Schengen) for up to 90 days, required by citizens of certain countries.
• Tourist Visa – visa to tour Germany (or Schengen) for up to 90 days, required by citizens of certain countries.
• Visitor Visa – visa to visit family or friends in Germany (or Schengen) for up to 90 days, required by citizens of certain countries. There are additional requirements for a Visitor Visa, such as a letter of invitation. 
• ETIAS – not a visa at all, but rather a visa waiver pre-screening program for people intending to visit the EU. If you are from one of 62 eligible countries, you can obtain this type of “non-visa”. 

If you're considering moving to Germany, it's a good idea to understand the differences between the German residence titles. This post focuses on the two employment-based residence titles: the Residence Permit and the EU Blue Card. So what's the difference? Let's break it down. Curious about other German residence titles? Check out our Guide to German visas.

German Residence Titles

Temporary German Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) 

The Temporary Residence Permit, or more commonly, the German Residence Permit, is the most common type of residence title given to expats who want to live and work in Germany. You may also hear it referred to as the German Employment Visa, the German Employment Work Visa, or the Aufenthaltserlaubnis.

Temporary is a bit of a weird word—but don't worry, it's just to differentiate it from the Permanent Residence Permit, or Settlement Permit, which allows you to stay in Germany indefinitely.

Requirements

To apply, you need to prepare documents to bring to the immigration authorities, including:

• Signed Work Contract or Job Offer - a signed contract is better, but a job offer with complete details on your title, contract stipulations, and salary may suffice
• City Registration (Anmeldebescheinigung) - proving you have a German address and place to live
• German Health Insurance - foreign insurance policies are not usually accepted in Germany, so you must prove you have a policy with a German insurance provider
• Proof/Certificates of Education - while not always required, we highly recommend bringing official proof of your university education 
• German Bank Account - while also not always required, proof of a German bank account and sufficient funds therein may be required, depending on the salary of your employment contract
• Other Standard Items - as with many other official documents in Germany, you’ll need to share your valid passport from your home country, and you’ll need a biometric photo for the visa (these can be taken at main train stations or often at the visa office directly).

Once your documents are prepared, you can schedule an appointment at your city’s Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde). The average processing time is between 8-12 weeks, and the standard validity is three years, after which you can request extensions. 

EU Blue Card (Blau Karte)

The EU Blue Card offers the same rights to work, along with a number of additional benefits. Some of the most attractive perks of the EU Blue Card are:

• the ability to travel freely within the EU
• the option to relocate family members and spouses
• faster and easier transfer to a permanent settlement permit
• access to the same social programs as citizens, including education, healthcare and travel

Requirements

Due to its benefits, the EU Blue Card is highly sought after, but it doesn’t come as easily as the Temporary Residence Permit. The list of required documents includes:

• Specialist or Master’s Degree - higher education is required for the EU Blue card, and you must be able to prove a Master’s Degree or equivalent
• 5 Years Work Experience - since the EU Blue Card is intended to bring skilled workers to the EU, proof of an adequate amount of experience is required in place of a qualifying educational degree. Five years is the minimum.
• Minimum Salary - (as of January 2023) you must prove a minimum annual salary of €58,400 for non-shortage occupations and €45,552 for shortage occupations
• Signed Work Contract or Job Offer - a signed contract is better, but a job offer with complete details on your title, contract stipulations, and salary may suffice
• City Registration (Anmeldebescheinigung) - proving you have a German address and place to live
• German Health Insurance - foreign insurance policies are not usually accepted in Germany, so you must prove you have a policy with a German insurance provider
• German Bank Account - while also not always required, proof of a German bank account and sufficient funds therein may be required, depending on the salary of your employment contract
• Other Standard Items - as with many other official documents in Germany, you’ll need to share your valid passport from your home country, and you’ll need a biometric photo for the visa (these can be taken at main train stations or often at the visa office directly).

Once you’ve prepared your documents, you can make an appointment at your local Immigration Office. The processing time is typically 8–12 weeks, and the standard validity is three years, after which you can request extensions. 

What are the main differences between German Residence Permit and Blue Card?

The main differences between the two lie in the rights for your spouse to work in Germany, the right to work in another EU state, and, since the Blue Card is focused on specialized knowledge, a governmental “double-check” to make sure there are no German workers qualified to do the job.

Final tips

We recommend that you come to your appointment early and fully prepared - the officials at these offices have little patience for unprepared applicants.

Something to keep in mind: 324,636 national visas were issued in 2019 but 268,856 were rejected; if you aren’t well-prepared, you may end up without a visa. If in doubt, follow the visa flow in your (free!) Worldify account.  🔵

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Why is shopping on Sundays in Munich difficult? Well, one of the first things you’ll notice when you move to Germany is that Sunday shopping isn’t a thing. Yes—you read that right. Germany shuts down on Sunday for a day of rest. But every city has a few options for those in need of food, medicine, or other basics. 

Why is there no shopping on Sundays in Munich?

In Germany, including Munich, there are laws regulating the opening hours of stores, which prohibit most retailers from operating on Sundays and public holidays. This is known as the "Sunday rest law" or "Ladenschlussgesetz" in German.

The law was put in place to protect workers' rights and ensure they have a guaranteed day off to spend with their families or pursue other interests. It is based on the principle that workers should have a right to a certain amount of rest and leisure time.

There are some exceptions to the law, including gas stations, bakeries, pharmacies, and shops located in train stations and airports. Additionally, there are a few special shopping Sundays each year, typically around Christmas and other major holidays, when stores are allowed to open.

Below, we’ve put together a list of shops that are open on Sundays in Munich. If you’ve got another favorite, let us know in the comments!

Below find a list of shops that are open on Sundays in Munich. 

Supermarkets open on Sundays in Munich

• EDEKA-Ernst Ostbahnhof
• EDEKA-Ernst Hauptbahnhof
• Mini Markt Hauptbahnhof
• Edeka Munich Airport
• Erntebox: vending machines full of local eggs, cheeses, and produce
• Metzgerei Franz: there are two local meat vending machines — Metzgerei Franz (Fürstenriederstr 55) and one at Metzgerei und Feinkost Raab (Verdistraße 113

If you need snacks or small groceries, many gas stations in Munich will have basic groceries and food like frozen pizzas, eggs, instant noodles, snacks, and sometimes even fresh meat/vegetables.

Bakeries open in Munich on Sundays

Most bakeries in Munich will be open on Sundays for limited hours in the mornings. Muenchen.de has a full list of bakeries that are open on Sundays in Munich. Check it out here. 

Apotheke, Rossmann and dm open on Sundays in Munich

Dm-Drogerie Markt Ostbahnhof

Mini Drogerie at the Kiosk an der Reichenbachbrücke

Sunday delivery services

While restaurant delivery services like Wolt and Lieferando operate on Sundays with whatever open restaurants are listed, grocery delivery services are closed on Sundays. 

Shopping Sundays in Munich 2023

On certain dates during the year, shops can open on Sundays. These are called shopping Sundays, or Verkaufsoffene Sonntage. The stores that decide to open usually announce it in advance in flyers and advertisements—and often with big signs in their storefronts.

There are currently no shopping events planned in Munich. But this can change at any time. Check back for updates!  🔵

Why is shopping on Sundays in Berlin difficult? Well, one of the first things you’ll notice when you move to Germany is that Sunday shopping isn’t a thing. Yes—you read that right. Germany shuts down on Sunday for a day of rest. But every city has a few options for those in need of food, medicine, or other basics. 

Why is there no shopping on Sundays in Berlin?

In Germany, including the capital city, Berlin, there are laws regulating the opening hours of stores, which prohibit most retailers from operating on Sundays and public holidays. This is known as the "Sunday rest law" or "Ladenschlussgesetz" in German.

The law was put in place to protect workers' rights and ensure they have a guaranteed day off to spend with their families or pursue other interests. It is based on the principle that workers should have a right to a certain amount of rest and leisure time.

There are some exceptions to the law, including gas stations, bakeries, pharmacies, and shops located in train stations and airports. Additionally, there are a few special shopping Sundays each year, typically around Christmas and other major holidays, when stores are allowed to open.

Below, we’ve put together a list of shops that are open on Sundays in Berlin. If you’ve got another favorite, let us know in the comments!

List of shops that are open on Sundays in Berlin

Supermarkets open on Sundays in Berlin

Those train station supermarkets are open on Sundays:

• Friedrichstraße: Edeka
• Gesundbrunnen: Denn's Biomarkt
• Hauptbahnhof: SPAR Express and REWE City
• Lichtenberg: Edeka
• Ostbahnhof: REWE and Penny
• Potsdamer Platz: Spar Express and go asia
• Südkreuz: Edeka
• Zoologischer Garten: Ullrich

These supermarkets are very busy on Sundays. There is often a long queue outside the Edeka at Friedrichstraße.

Apotheke, Rossmann and dm open on Sundays in Berlin

Those train station pharmacies and drug stores are open on Sundays1:

• Alexanderplatz: Rossmann
• Friedrichstraße: Rossmann
• Hauptbahnhof: Apotheke and Rossmann
• Lichtenberg: Apotheke and Rossmann
• Ostbahnhof: Apotheke and Rossmann
• Südkreuz: Apotheke and dm
• Zoolischer Garten: Apotheke

Restaurants, Spätis and flea markets open on Sundays in Berlin

Most restaurants are open on Sundays. 

Most Spätis are open on Sundays.

Many flea markets (Flohmarkt) only open on Sundays.

Museums open on Sundays in Berlin

Most museums and tourist attractions stay open on Sundays.

Sunday delivery services

While restaurant delivery services like Wolt and Lieferando operate on Sundays with whatever open restaurants are listed, grocery delivery services are closed on Sundays. 

Berlin Shopping Sundays

On certain dates during the year, shops can open on Sundays. These are called shopping Sundays, or Verkaufsoffene Sonntage. The stores that decide to open usually announce it in advance in flyers and advertisements—and often with big signs in their storefronts.

Next Sunday shopping days in Berlin

• January 29, 2023
• September 03, 2023
• December 03, 2023 (1st Sunday in Advent *)
• December 17, 2023 (3rd Sunday in Advent *)

In Berlin, there are usually 8 fixed dates for Sunday shopping, which are set by the Senate. Traditionally, shops are allowed to open on two Sundays during Advent. This will probably be different in 2023, since the 4th Advent is Christmas Eve. So let’s see how the Berlin Senate will regulate it this year. In addition, the shops can open on two more Sundays. The shops or shopping centers are allowed to determine these dates themselves.

* Please note that due to the Corona Pandemic and complaints from the trade unions, shopping Sundays can also be canceled at very short notice.

While the Sunday rest law has been the subject of debate and controversy over the years, it remains in effect in most parts of Germany, including Berlin. While it's a pain to adjust to it as a newcomer, with planning and foresight, it's easier to manage than it seems at first glance!  🔵