Niels(28)

After studying computer science in Amsterdam, I worked three years as a full-stack developer at a scale-up in the Zuidas. The salary was fine — around €55,000 gross — but after tax and €1,800 rent for a one-bedroom in Oost, I had almost nothing left. When I got a LinkedIn offer from a Berlin fintech startup, I didn't hesitate long.

The Anmeldung in Berlin was a notorious process. Everyone had warned me: getting a Termin at the Bürgeramt is nearly impossible. They were right. For three weeks I had to refresh the website every morning at 7am looking for a free slot. Eventually it worked, and within 15 minutes I was registered. Tip: without an Anmeldung you can't open a bank account, get a phone contract or build a Schufa score.

The Schufa — Germany's credit scoring system — was something I had never heard of as a Dutchman. It's comparable to the BKR registration but far more pervasive. Every landlord, every bank and even some employers ask for your Schufa score. As a newcomer you have no score, which makes everything harder. My tip: immediately open a German bank account with N26 or Deutsche Bank and pay everything through it. After a few months you'll build up a score.

The Wohnungssuche — apartment hunting — was the worst experience. Berlin has a massive housing shortage. At every Besichtigung (viewing) there were 30 to 50 people. I requested a Schufa-Bonitätsauskunft, had my employment contract translated and prepared a Mieterselbstauskunft (tenant information form). After two months and twenty viewings I found a one-bedroom in Neukölln for €850 warm rent — half of what I paid in Amsterdam.

The German tech job market is strong. My salary at the startup is €62,000, and with the lower rent I keep more net income than in Amsterdam. The Lohnsteuer (income tax) is comparable to the Netherlands, but because rent and groceries are cheaper, I feel financially free for the first time. Plus I get 30 vacation days — standard in Germany, versus 25 in the Netherlands.

Berlin isn't perfect — bureaucracy is slow, winters are cold and Berliners can be a bit gruff. But the diversity, cultural offerings and affordability make up for everything. I now speak decent German (B1 level) and feel at home. The one adjustment I didn't expect: Germany is a cash country. Card payments aren't a given — always make sure you have Bargeld on you.