Indians in Berlin: Your Guide to Local Info

Berlin’s administrative offices are spread across 12 districts, each with multiple Bürgerämter. The Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) handles immigration matters, and critically, Berlin is home to the Indian Embassy — the main diplomatic mission for all of Germany.

Register your address (Anmeldung) within 14 days of moving to Berlin. Without this, you can’t open a bank account, get your tax ID, or apply for a residence permit.

Details
Locations	40+ offices across Berlin’s 12 districts
Book appointment	service.berlin.de/terminvereinbarung
Online Anmeldung	service.berlin.de (available since Oct 2024)
Hotline	115 (Bürgertelefon)

Berlin has 40+ Bürgerämter. You can visit any Bürgeramt regardless of where you live:

• Passport or ID (for all persons being registered)
• Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation form) — Download template
• Completed Anmeldung form — available at office or download online
• Marriage certificate (if registering as family, apostilled and translated if not in German)

Services Offered at Bürgeramt:

📚 Anmeldung in Germany — Complete Guide

The LEA handles all immigration matters — residence permits, EU Blue Card, work permit, family reunification, and permanent residence.

Details
Main Address	Keplerstraße 2, 10589 Berlin (Charlottenburg)
Postal Address	Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24, 13353 Berlin
Website	berlin.de/einwanderung/en
Online Applications	Available for most services (employment, study, humanitarian)

1. Use Online Application (preferred): Visit berlin.de/einwanderung and select your permit type
2. Or use Contact Form: For services without online applications
3. Receive Confirmation: Print the PDF as proof of application (triggers Fiktionswirkung)
4. Wait for Appointment: LEA will email you with an appointment date
5. Attend Appointment: Bring original documents, biometric photos, pay fees

Since October 2025, the departments changed:

• M1, M2, M3, M4 — For non-privileged countries (including India)
• Handle: Blue Card, work permits, permanent residence, freelance visas

If your visa is expiring, submitting your application online triggers Fiktionswirkung (fictional effect) — legal protection to stay and work while your application is processed. The confirmation PDF serves as temporary proof for employers.

Need help navigating German bureaucracy? These organizations offer free advice to immigrants — no visa type restrictions, no fees.

MBE (Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zuwanderer) is free advisory funded by the German government. Available for adults 27+ within the first 3 years after arrival.

JMD (Jugendmigrationsdienste) is for young people up to 27 years old.

For complex cases, visa denials, or legal disputes, you may need a specialized immigration lawyer (Rechtsanwalt für Ausländerrecht).

Typical costs: €150-350/hour for initial consultation

If you want to invite your parents, relatives, or friends from India for a visit (up to 90 days), you need a Verpflichtungserklärung — a formal sponsorship declaration. In Berlin, this is handled by LEA.

Details
Where to apply	LEA — Online application required first
Address	Keplerstraße 2, 10589 Berlin (after online application)
Fee	€29 per declaration
Processing	3-6 weeks (online application → document review → in-person appointment)

Process:

1. Complete Quick-Check online to verify your income eligibility
2. Submit online application with all documents (PDF format, max 50MB)
3. Pay €29 fee online
4. LEA reviews and sends appointment for in-person signing
5. Collect Verpflichtungserklärung at appointment

Documents needed:

• Your passport + Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit)
• Last 3 months payslips or employment contract
• Guest’s passport copy
• Health insurance proof

Berlin is home to the Embassy of India — the main diplomatic mission for all of Germany. This is where you go for passport services, OCI, visa for family visiting India, attestation, and emergency assistance.

Details
Address	Tiergartenstraße 17, 10785 Berlin
Phone	+49 30 25795 0
Email	info.berlin@mea.gov.in
Website	indianembassyberlin.gov.in
Nearest U-Bahn	U2 Potsdamer Platz (10 min walk)

Submission Location:

Details
Address	Embassy of India, Tiergartenstraße 17, 10785 Berlin
Method	Online Appointment only — Book appointment here

For Passport:

1. Complete online application at passportindia.gov.in
2. Print and sign the application form
3. Gather all required documents (see checklist on Embassy website)
4. Book online appointment at Embassy website
5. Visit Embassy at Tiergartenstraße 17 on appointment date

For OCI:

1. Complete online application at ociservices.gov.in
2. Print and sign the application form
3. Book online appointment at Embassy website
4. Visit Embassy with all required documents

Situation	Contact
Lost/Stolen Passport	Embassy: +49 30 25795 0 (Emergency Certificate same-day)
Arrest/Detention	Embassy consular section
Death of Indian citizen	Embassy for repatriation assistance
Stranded/Emergency	Embassy welfare desk
After-hours Emergency	+49 30 25795 0 (press emergency option)

Free support service for international professionals and their families settling in Berlin.

Details
Address	Potsdamer Straße 131, 10783 Berlin
Website	welcomecenter.berlin
Phone	+49 30 9013-3700
Services	Free consultation, bureaucracy guidance, networking events

The Finanzamt handles tax registration, income tax returns, and Steuerklasse changes. Berlin has multiple Finanzämter — you’re assigned based on your district.

Details
Assignment	Based on your registered address (district)
Online Portal	ELSTER (federal tax portal)
General Info	berlin.de/finanzen

Which Finanzamt for Your District:

Key Services:

• Steuer-ID: Arrives automatically 2-4 weeks after Anmeldung — you don’t need to apply
• Steuerklasse change: For married couples (forms available on ELSTER)
• Tax returns (Steuererklärung): File via ELSTER or use tax software like Taxfix, Wundertax

📚 Tax in Germany — Complete Guide for Indians

Need to register a car, transfer ownership, or get German plates? This is your office.

Details
Main Office (LABO)	Jüterboger Straße 3, 10965 Berlin (Kreuzberg)
Book Appointment	service.berlin.de
Website	berlin.de/labo/kfz

Common Services:

Service	What You Need
New registration	Kaufvertrag, ID, eVB (insurance), Anmeldung, bank details for Kfz-Steuer
Used car transfer	Kaufvertrag, Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I & II, eVB, Anmeldung
Deregistration (Abmeldung)	Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I, plates

The Standesamt handles civil registrations: marriage, birth certificates, name changes, and Kirchenaustritt (church exit to stop paying church tax).

Details
Central Office	Standesamt Mitte, Karl-Marx-Allee 31, 10178 Berlin
Appointments	service.berlin.de

Key Services:

Service	Details
Marriage registration	Both partners must appear, bring birth certificates (apostilled), passports
Birth certificate	Register within 1 week of birth at the hospital’s district Standesamt
Kirchenaustritt	Exit church to stop 8-9% church tax — €30 fee in Berlin
Name change after marriage	Can be done at Standesamt

The Agentur für Arbeit handles job placement, unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld), and career counseling.

Details
Berlin Main Office	Charlottenstraße 87-90, 10969 Berlin (Kreuzberg)
Hotline	0800 4 5555 00 (free)
Online Portal	arbeitsagentur.de
Appointments	Book via hotline or online

Key Services:

Service	Who It’s For
Arbeitslosengeld I (ALG I)	If you lose your job after 12+ months of employment
Job placement	Free job matching service
Career counseling	Skills assessment, training opportunities
Recognition of foreign qualifications	Guidance on Anerkennung process

For Job Seekers:

1. Register online at arbeitsagentur.de
2. Upload your CV and qualifications
3. Book appointment for in-person consultation
4. Receive job recommendations and training options

Day	Action
Day 1-3	Find accommodation, get Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from landlord
Day 4-7	Book Bürgeramt appointment (or do online Anmeldung)
Day 7-14	Complete Anmeldung, receive Meldebescheinigung
After Anmeldung	Open bank account, get phone contract, register health insurance
Within 90 days	Apply for residence permit at LEA (if on national visa)

Need help with German paperwork?

→ Find Immigration Consultants on Brizz

Berlin has a thriving network of Indian grocery stores spread across the city — from dedicated shops in Charlottenburg and Schöneberg to the massive Dong Xuan Center in Lichtenberg. Whether you need fresh curry leaves, specific regional spices, or bulk rice, you’ll find it here.

These aren’t exclusively Indian, but have substantial Indian aisles:

Dong Xuan Center is Germany’s largest Asian market — 6 massive halls with 400+ vendors from Vietnam, India, China, Pakistan, and Turkey. Several dedicated Indian stores inside sell spices, rice, saris, and kitchen equipment at wholesale prices.

Berlin-Based Stores (Same-Day Available):

Germany-Wide Online Stores:

Looking for Indian catering or tiffin services?

→ Find Indian Caterers & Tiffin on Brizz

Berlin has over 200 Indian restaurants — from authentic South Indian dosa joints to upscale North Indian fine dining. Here are the best ones, organized by category.

Looking for Indian catering for your event?

→ Find Indian Caterers on Brizz

Finding trusted Desi service providers in Berlin — from mehendi artists to wedding caterers to Bharatanatyam teachers — can be challenging. This section covers the main categories of services Indians typically need.

Looking for cultural classes?

→ Find Tutors & Teachers on Brizz

Planning an Indian wedding in Berlin?

→ Find Wedding Services on Brizz

Hosting an event?

→ List Your Event on Brizz — Free event listing with ticketing, QR check-in, and analytics.

Are you a service provider?

List your services on Brizz to reach the Indian community in Germany:

→ List Your Service on Brizz (Free)

Finding housing in Berlin is notoriously difficult — but not impossible. Competition is fierce, and you may need to send hundreds of applications before finding a place. Here’s how to navigate it.

Reality	Details
Competition	Dozens to hundreds of applicants per apartment
Average rent (2025)	~€700/month for rooms, ~€1,200-1,500/month for apartments
Deposit (Kaution)	Usually 3 months’ cold rent
Unfurnished norm	Most apartments come empty — no furniture, sometimes no kitchen!
Timeline	Can take weeks to months to find permanent housing

Group	Members
Berlin Housing	125,000+
WG, Zimmer und Wohnung in Berlin	125,000+
Indians in Berlin (housing posts)	Active community

Berlin has six municipal housing companies that offer apartments at below-market rents. These are legitimate, no-scam options — just with long waiting lists.

How to Apply:

1. Create online accounts on each company’s portal
2. Set up search profiles with your criteria (size, district, budget)
3. Respond immediately when you get notified about available apartments
4. Apply with complete documents (SCHUFA, income proof, ID)

What to Expect:

• Waiting time: 6-24 months depending on requirements
• Rents: 20-40% below market rate
• WBS (Wohnberechtigungsschein): Some apartments require a WBS (income-qualified certificate)

Prepare these BEFORE you start looking:

Term	Meaning
Kaltmiete (cold rent)	Base rent only
Warmmiete (warm rent)	Includes heating & Nebenkosten
Nebenkosten	Additional costs (water, trash, building maintenance)
Provision/Makler	Agent fee (now paid by landlord in most cases)
Kaution	Deposit (usually 3x Kaltmiete)

Germany has strong tenant protection laws. Know your rights — and where to get help if landlords try to take advantage.

Berliner Mieterverein (Berlin Tenants’ Association)

Details
Address	Spichernstraße 1, 10777 Berlin (Schöneberg)
Phone	030 226 260
Website	berliner-mieterverein.de
Membership	~€9/month (€108/year)

Services Included:

• Contract review before signing
• Rent increase disputes (Mietpreisbremse violations)
• Kaution return issues
• Nebenkostenabrechnung review
• Eviction protection and legal representation
• Free legal advice hotline

Your Key Tenant Rights in Berlin:

Right	What It Means
Mietpreisbremse	New rents can’t exceed 10% above local average (Mietspiegel)
Kaution limit	Maximum 3 months’ Kaltmiete, must be in separate account
Kündigungsschutz	Landlords need valid reasons to terminate (not just wanting to sell)
Nebenkostenabrechnung	Must receive within 12 months of year-end, can dispute within 12 months
Notice period	3 months for tenants, longer for landlords (based on tenancy length)

Beratungshilfeschein (Free Legal Aid)

If you have low income, get a Beratungshilfeschein from Amtsgericht for nearly-free lawyer consultation:

Details
Where	Amtsgericht Mitte, Littenstraße 12-17, 10179 Berlin
Cost	Max €15 out of pocket
Bring	ID, last 3 months’ payslips, bank statements

When you first arrive, use temporary housing while searching for permanent accommodation:

1. Set up alerts — On ImmobilienScout24 and WG-Gesucht
2. Respond FAST — Within minutes of posting
3. Write personalized messages — In German if possible
4. Prepare a “Bewerbungsmappe” — All documents in one PDF
5. Be flexible — On move-in dates, minor issues
6. Attend viewings — Dress professionally, be punctual
7. Network — Tell everyone you’re looking

Red Flag	What It Means
Asking for money before viewing	Almost always a scam
Landlord is “abroad”	Classic scam story
Price too good to be true	Probably fake
Rushed process, no contract	Dangerous
No viewing possible	Never pay without seeing

• Viewing the apartment in person
• Signing a proper contract
• Meeting the landlord or agent

Task	Timeline
Anmeldung (address registration)	Within 14 days
Set up electricity	Immediately (Vattenfall is default in Berlin)
Set up internet	Order early — can take 2-4 weeks
Register mailbox name	Put your name on the mailbox
Get liability insurance	Recommended (Haftpflichtversicherung)

Looking for housing leads?

→ Ask the Brizz Community

This section covers the practical stuff — banking, transport, internet, shopping, and more. The things you’ll need sorted in your first weeks.

Recommended for New Arrivals:

Learning German dramatically improves your career prospects and daily life. Berlin has many options from free to premium.

Free & Low-Cost Options:

Premium Options:

Online Options:

When you move in, you’re automatically on the default provider (Grundversorger). Switch to save 20-30%!

Berlin’s Main Providers:

Average Monthly Costs (2-bedroom apartment):

Utility	Cost Range
Electricity	€40-70/month
Gas/Heating	€60-120/month

How to Switch:

1. Compare prices on check24.de or verivox.de
2. Sign up with new provider — they handle cancellation of old one
3. Provide meter number (Zählernummer) and current reading

Nebenkostenabrechnung (Annual Utility Bill):

• Your landlord sends this once a year
• Reconciles estimated payments vs actual usage
• You may owe money OR get a refund
• Review carefully — often contains errors (Mieterverein can help check)

The Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcasting fee) is mandatory for every household in Germany — regardless of whether you own a TV or radio.

Details
Amount	€18.36/month (€220.32/year)
Payment	Quarterly or annual
Website	rundfunkbeitrag.de

• One fee per household (Wohnung) — not per person
• Letter arrives automatically 4-6 weeks after Anmeldung
• Register online at rundfunkbeitrag.de (can be done in English)
• WG tip: Only ONE roommate should register and pay

Exemptions (Befreiung):

You may qualify for exemption if you receive:

• BAföG (student financial aid)
• Arbeitslosengeld II (ALG II)
• Grundsicherung
• Severe disability (RF mark on disability card)

Sending money home? Bank transfers are expensive. Use these instead:

Setting Up Wise (Recommended):

1. Create account at wise.com (verify with passport)
2. Add German bank account
3. Add recipient (Indian bank account, IFSC code needed)
4. Transfer — recipient gets INR in 1-2 business days

Savings Example: Transferring €1,000 via Wise saves €30-50 compared to traditional bank SWIFT transfer.

NRE/NRO Account Tips:

Berlin has excellent public transport:

Mode	Coverage
U-Bahn	Metro/subway — fast, frequent
S-Bahn	Suburban trains — connects wider city
Tram	East Berlin mainly
Bus	Everywhere, including night buses

Tickets & Apps:

Apps:

• BVG app — Buy tickets, plan routes
• DB Navigator — For trains beyond Berlin
• Jelbi — Combines all mobility options

Day	Typical Hours
Weekdays	7am-10pm (varies)
Saturday	7am-10pm (some close earlier)
Sunday	CLOSED (almost all stores!)

Germany takes recycling seriously! Berlin uses the BSR (Berliner Stadtreinigung) for waste collection.

The 4-Bin System:

Special Disposal:

Item	Where
Glass	Public glass containers (sorted by color)
Batteries	Supermarket collection points
Electronics	BSR recycling centers (BSR-Recyclinghöfe)
Furniture/Large items	BSR Sperrmüll service (book online)
Pfand bottles	Return to supermarket for deposit (€0.08-0.25)

BSR Services:

Service	Website
Collection schedules	bsr.de/abfuhrkalender
Sperrmüll (bulk waste)	bsr.de/sperrmuell
Recyclinghöfe (locations)	bsr.de/recyclinghoefe

Indian driving licenses can be used in Germany for 6 months only. After that, you need to convert.

For Indian License Holders:

Step	What to Do
1. Theory test	Required — study in English or German
2. Practical test	Required — driving school lessons mandatory
3. First aid course	1-day course (~€30-50)
4. Eye test	From optician (~€10)
5. Application	Submit at LABO

LABO (Driving License Office):

Details
Address	Puttkamerstraße 16-18, 10969 Berlin
Appointments	service.berlin.de

Estimated Costs:

Item	Cost
Driving school (10-15 lessons)	€800-1,500
Theory test	€50-100
Practical test	€150-200
Application fee	€40-50
Total	€1,000-1,800

Finding puja essentials in Berlin:

Dedicated Stores:

What to Buy Where:

Item	Where to Find
Agarbatti (incense)	Any Indian grocery store
Camphor (Karpoor)	Look for “Kampfer” at pharmacies or Indian stores
Brass diyas/lamps	Indian stores or Amazon.de
Murti/idols	Little India, Amazon.de, or order from India
Fresh flowers (loose)	Wochenmarkt (weekly market), Edeka/REWE florist sections
Fresh coconut	Indian stores, Asian supermarkets
Kumkum, haldi, chandan	All Indian grocery stores

Bollywood Movies:

Check cinemaxx.de and yorck.de for Bollywood/Hindi films — look for “OmU” (original with subtitles).

Cricket in Berlin:

Resource	Details
Berlin Cricket Club	berlincricket.com
Cricket Deutschland	cricket.de
Watching IPL/World Cup	Willow TV, Hotstar (VPN needed), Sky Sport

Community Screenings: Some Indian restaurants organize IPL/World Cup screenings — ask Little India Neukölln, Chutnify, or check community WhatsApp groups.

Indian Events & Concerts:

• Tempodrom — Major concerts, occasional Indian artists
• Columbiahalle — Mid-size venue
• Indian Embassy — Cultural events, Republic Day, Independence Day

Service	Number
Police	110
Fire / Ambulance	112
Doctor appointment line	116117
Poison control	+49 30 19240
Indian Embassy emergency	+49 30 25795-0

Need help settling in?

→ Ask the Brizz Community

Berlin has the most active Indian community network in Germany, with 25+ associations catering to regional, cultural, professional, and student needs. This is your gateway to festivals, networking, and feeling at home.

The Tagore Centre at the Indian Embassy is the official cultural wing, hosting:

• Classical music & dance performances
• Art exhibitions
• Author talks & literary events
• Film screenings

Berlin has dozens of WhatsApp groups for different needs:

New to Berlin? Here’s how to plug into the community fast:

Introduction Template for WhatsApp Groups:

“Hi everyone! 👋 I’m [Name] from [City, India], just moved to Berlin [time frame ago]. Working in [field/studying at]. Looking forward to connecting with the community! Living in [neighborhood]. Happy to meet for chai/coffee. 🙏”

Quick Tips:

• Don’t be shy — Berlin’s Indian community is welcoming but you need to take the first step
• Attend at least ONE community event in your first month
• Offer to help at events — fastest way to make friends
• Regional language groups are often closer-knit than pan-Indian groups

Looking for community connections?

→ Find Events on Brizz

Berlin has a growing network of Hindu temples, ISKCON centers, and Gurudwaras serving the Indian community. While not as numerous as in cities like Frankfurt, you’ll find options for regular worship and festival celebrations.

Regular Programs:

• Sunday Feast — Kirtan, lecture, prasadam (free vegetarian meal)
• Daily Aarti — Morning and evening
• Bhagavad Gita classes — Weekly
• Kirtan evenings — Mantras and meditation

Major Festivals Celebrated:

• Janmashtami (Krishna’s birthday)
• Ratha Yatra (chariot festival)
• Holi
• Diwali
• Gaura Purnima

Services:

• Weekly Sangat and Langar
• Gurpurab celebrations
• Akhand Path on special occasions

Berlin lacks large traditional Hindu temples, but spectacular ones are within day-trip distance:

Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple (Hamm)

For Hindu ceremonies at home (Griha Pravesh, Satyanarayan Puja, baby naming, etc.), you’ll need to find a pandit. Options:

Looking for religious services or event spaces?

→ Find Services on Brizz

Germany has excellent healthcare, but navigating it can be confusing for newcomers. This section covers health insurance, finding doctors, emergencies, and desi-specific health needs.

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. You cannot get a residence permit without it.

In Germany, you should register with a Hausarzt (house doctor/GP):

• They’re your first point of contact for all health issues
• They provide Überweisungen (referrals) to specialists
• They issue Krankschreibung (sick notes) for work

How to find one:

1. Use Doctolib or Jameda to search near your home
2. Filter by language (English, Hindi)
3. Call or book online
4. Visit for a registration appointment

Emergency Hospitals in Berlin:

Pharmacies in Germany require prescriptions for most medications (unlike India).

Dental care in Germany is partially covered by public insurance, but many treatments have out-of-pocket costs.

Finding a Dentist:

What Public Insurance Covers:

Bonusheft (Bonus Booklet):

Get a stamp at every checkup to increase insurance coverage for crowns/bridges:

English-Speaking Dentists:

1. ☐ Decide: Public or Private insurance?
2. ☐ Apply with TK/Barmer online (use Feather for English support)
3. ☐ Receive confirmation letter (within days)
4. ☐ Receive insurance card (Versichertenkarte) in 1-2 weeks
5. ☐ Register with a Hausarzt near your home
6. ☐ Download Doctolib app for appointments

Looking for healthcare advice?

→ Ask the Brizz Community

Finding a Kita (daycare) spot in Berlin is even harder than finding an apartment — start early! Here’s everything Indian families need to know.

The Kita-Gutschein is a voucher from the Jugendamt that covers your childcare costs.

How to apply:

1. Apply at your local Jugendamt (youth office)
2. Submit 2-9 months before desired start date
3. Processing takes 6-8 weeks
4. Bring: ID, child’s birth certificate, proof of employment/studies

Timeline: Start looking as soon as you’re pregnant — yes, really!

Popular for expat families — English-German or multilingual:

German Kitas use a structured settling-in process:

1. Start early — Waitlists can be 12-18 months
2. Apply to many Kitas — 10-20+ applications is normal
3. Consider bilingual options — Help kids maintain English
4. Ask the community — WhatsApp groups often have leads
5. Be flexible — Consider nearby neighborhoods or part-time first
6. Visit in person — A friendly face helps your application
7. Communicate dietary needs — Most Kitas accommodate vegetarian diets

When looking for Kitas as an Indian family, here’s what to ask about:

Questions to Ask:

Areas with Diverse Kitas:

Vegetarian Accommodation Tips:

• Most Berlin Kitas offer daily vegetarian options
• For strict vegetarian (no eggs, onion, garlic): Discuss with Kita-Leitung
• Some Kitas allow bringing own food (tiffin) — ask about “eigenes Essen mitbringen”
• Religious dietary requirements: Request a meeting before enrollment

While waiting for Kita or for additional childcare support:

Au Pairs:

Babysitters:

Typical Rates:

• Babysitters: €12-18/hour in Berlin
• Au pairs: €280-320/month + room & board

Looking for childcare recommendations?

→ Ask the Brizz Community

Berlin is one of Europe’s top student cities, with world-class universities, most offering tuition-free education for international students. The city hosts over 200,000 students and has one of the largest concentrations of Indian students in Germany.

Advantage	Details
No tuition fees	Most public universities charge only ~€300-400/semester contribution
English programs	Many Master’s programs taught entirely in English
Research excellence	Berlin University Alliance (TU, FU, HU) is an Excellence Cluster
Startup ecosystem	3,000+ startups, excellent career opportunities
Affordable living	Lower cost than Munich or Frankfurt
Diverse & international	15-25% international students at major universities

Details
Founded	1879
Students	~34,000 (10,000+ international)
Location	Charlottenburg (City West)
Website	tu.berlin
Application	Via uni-assist

Popular Programs for Indians:

• MSc Computer Science
• MSc Data Engineering
• MSc Civil Systems Engineering
• MBA in Energy Management (€19,800 total)
• MSc Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship

Fees: No tuition (except MBA programs). ~€360/semester contribution includes Berlin public transport!

Details
Founded	1948
Students	~33,000
Location	Dahlem (Southwest Berlin)
Website	fu-berlin.de
Application	Via uni-assist + FU Portal

Popular Programs for Indians:

• MSc Data Science
• MSc Pharmaceutical Research
• MA International Relations
• MA Global History
• MSc Cognitive Neuroscience

Fees: No tuition. ~€300/semester contribution.

Details
Founded	1810 (one of Berlin’s oldest)
Students	~37,000 (5,000+ international)
Location	Mitte (Central Berlin)
Website	hu-berlin.de
Application	Via uni-assist

Popular Programs for Indians:

• MSc Computer Science
• MSc Business Administration
• MA Social Sciences

Fees: No tuition. ~€300/semester contribution.

More practical, career-oriented education:

Details
Ranking	#73 (Times Higher Education)
Founded	1710
Focus	Medicine, Medical Research
Website	charite.de

One of Europe’s largest university hospitals — competitive for medical programs.

Documents Needed:

• APS Certificate (mandatory for Indian students!)
• Bachelor’s degree & transcripts
• Language proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or TestDaF for German programs)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• CV/Resume
• Passport copy

After Arrival:

• Anmeldung (Address Registration) — Required within 14 days
• Health Insurance Setup — TK or Barmer popular for students
• University enrollment & semester ticket

Scholarships:

• DAAD — German Academic Exchange Service (daad.de)
• Deutschlandstipendium — €300/month
• University-specific scholarships
• STIBET — For students facing financial hardship

Resource	What It Offers
Studierendenwerk Berlin	Mensa (cheap meals), housing, counseling
Semester Ticket	Included in fee — free Berlin public transport!
Indian Student Associations	ISA at TU, FU, HU Berlin
ISG Portal	Embassy initiative for Indian students — indianstudentsgermany.org

Rule	Details
Work hours allowed	120 full days OR 240 half days per year
Student jobs (HiWi)	Work at university as research/teaching assistant
Internships	Often required, count toward work limit
After graduation	18-month job-seeker visa to find work

1. Apply for APS early — Start immediately after 7th semester results
2. Check English programs — Many Master’s don’t require German
3. Register on ISG Portal — Embassy support network (indianstudentsgermany.org)
4. Join student associations — Great for networking and support
5. Get health insurance — TK or Barmer are popular — → Guide
6. Find student housing early — Studierendenwerk waitlists are long — → Housing Guide
7. Complete Anmeldung within 14 days — → Complete Guide

For children of Indian families — keeping heritage languages and culture alive:

Weekend Language & Culture Classes:

Classical Arts:

Art Form	Where to Learn
Bharatanatyam	Check Tagore Centre, community recommendations
Kathak	Private teachers — ask in WhatsApp groups
Carnatic/Hindustani music	Check regional associations, private tutors
Tabla/Harmonium	Private teachers — community connections

Online Options:

Platform	What It Offers
Multibhashi	Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam
iTalki	Private tutors for all Indian languages
YouTube channels	Free Hindi/regional language content for kids

International Schools (K-12):

Looking for student community connections?

→ Find Events on Brizz

Over 41,000 Indians live in Berlin (rbb official data, 2024), making it the largest Indian community in Germany. This includes students, IT professionals, researchers, families, and long-term residents.

Yes! Berlin offers a thriving Indian community, excellent job opportunities (especially in tech), affordable living compared to other major European cities, good public transport, and a multicultural atmosphere. The only downsides are the cold winters and German bureaucracy.

For daily life and tech jobs — no, you can manage with English. However, German helps significantly for bureaucratic tasks (Ausländerbehörde, housing applications), healthcare, and social integration. Learning at least A2-B1 level is recommended.

Book an appointment at your local Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in. Bring your passport, rental contract, and the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation). See the Government section for details.

Currently 3-6 months due to high demand. Apply via the online form at Berlin.de and be patient. See the Government section for current procedures.

If you entered on an employment visa and have a valid Fiktionsbescheinigung (temporary permit), yes — usually yes. Check the conditions on your Fiktionsbescheinigung.

Schöneberg has the highest concentration of Indian stores (Sona Food Traders, Punjab Food Traders). See the Grocery Stores section for a complete list of 10+ stores across Berlin.

Yes! From authentic South Indian dosas at Chutnify to Mumbai street food at Bollywood Tadka. See the Restaurants section for our curated list of 10+ restaurants.

Start looking as soon as you’re pregnant! Use Kita-Navigator Berlin, apply to 10-20 Kitas, and follow up regularly. See the Kita section for the complete process.

Very competitive. Plan for temporary housing first, prepare all documents in advance, and apply to many apartments. It can take weeks to months. See the Housing section for tips.

SCHUFA report, proof of income (3 months’ pay slips), ID/passport, previous landlord reference, and rental application form. See the Housing section for details.

Most employees get public insurance (TK or Barmer are popular with expats). Students under 30 get student rates. Self-employed/high earners may choose private insurance. See the Healthcare section for details.

Use Doctolib’s language filter, or check our list in the Healthcare section. avi medical is also expat-friendly with English service.

Join regional associations (Gujarati Samaj, Tamil Sangam, etc.), attend festival celebrations, join WhatsApp groups, and check Brizz.me for community events. See the Community section.

Multiple community organizations host celebrations. Gujarati Samaj Berlin’s Navratri is the biggest (3500+ attendees!). Check Brizz Events and the Temples & Community sections for details.

About This Guide

This guide is written and maintained by the Brizz Community Team in collaboration with Indians who have lived in Berlin for 10-15+ years. We’ve curated this based on real problems faced by Indians living in Germany — from navigating bureaucracy to finding authentic home-style food.

How we built this guide:

• Collaborated with long-term Indian residents who know Berlin inside out
• Gathered feedback from frequent restaurant visitors, grocery shoppers, and community members
• Cross-referenced recommendations across multiple community groups and forums
• Verified government information directly with official sources

How we stay current:

• Quarterly reviews of all sections
• Real-time updates when major changes occur
• Community feedback from Indians across Germany

Have an update or correction? We want to hear from you! Email us at contact@ananthya.com.

Created: January 29, 2026 | Last Updated: January 29, 2026 | Next Review: April 2026 Verified by: Brizz Community Team & Berlin Indian Community

Official Sources Referenced in This Guide:

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Regulations change frequently — always verify current requirements with official sources before making decisions. Venue details (addresses, hours, prices) may change without notice. Last verified: February 2026.