Accommodation

Finding shortterm and longterm accommodation in Potsdam and Berlin can be a real challenge. Commuting times, prices in the different residential districts and the most opportune times of year to search are all important factors to consider when searching for long-term accommodation. We will help illuminate your path towards finding a new home.

*The Welcome Service is free of charge for our contract partners´employees.

Due to some intertwined procedures we split the process into two steps.

Finding temporary accommodation
We strongly suggest to MPI employees and guests to book a room at the MPI Guesthouse to make your start as easy as possible. Do not hesitate to book it much in advance as places are limited.

Finding permanent accommodation
We need to document every employee of our contractual partners, who uses our services. Please fill in the form. We will get back to you shortly after we have received your information. Furthermore please check this website for a realistic view about costs of living in the Berlin/Brandenburg region.

Personal Data

Salutation *

First Name *

Surname *

Gender *

Street *

Number *

Postal Code *

City *

Country *

Email *

Phone *

Birth Date *

Nationality *

Family Status *

Children *

Work-related Data

Employer *

Job Status *

Estimated Arrival *

Starting Date of Working Contract *

Ending Date of Working Contract *

Estimated Contract Extension *

Partner

Salutation *

First Name *

Surname *

Gender *

Street *

Number *

Postal Code *

City *

Country *

Email *

Phone *

Birth Date *

Nationality *

Children

Children *

1	Gender * First Name * Called Name * Surname * Birth Date *
1	Gender * First Name * Called Name * Surname * Birth Date *

Add Child

Temporary Accommodation

Temporary Accommodation (multiple options) *

City *

Maximum Rent / Month (excl. energy / internet) *

Permanent Housing

City *

Rooms *

Maximum Rent / Month (excl. energy / internet) *

Size *

Requirements (optional)

Other

How did you find us? (multiple options) *

Do you need additional support? (multiple options) *

Data Privacy Information *

By sending this form I agree that I have read and understand the Data Privacy Information.

Can I refer to the Welcome Service as a witness in negotiations/meetings with third parties, e.g. landlords or real estate agents?

No. We do not act as witnesses. The responsibility for communicating with landlords etc. is always yours. However, we will be happy to advise you on the market conditions in our region.

Is it usual for a fitted kitchen to be provided in an apartment in Potsdam?

Around 60% of all apartments on the open housing market have a fitted kitchen. In special apartment buildings (e.g. TheTwenty), all apartments are usually equipped with a kitchenette.

Is it easy to find a fully furnished apartment in Potsdam?

No. Furnished apartments are generally not common in Germany, including in Potsdam. Exceptions are tourist apartments, which are generally too expensive for a long-term stay.

Do I have to pay a fee to the Welcome Service?

No. Our service is free of charge for the employees of our contractual partners (e.g. Max Planck Institutes).

Will the rental agreement be in German?

Yes, all rental contracts are usually in German. We will be happy to help you with a translation and clarify any questions. Please make an appointment.

Does the rent also include the costs for electricity, internet and telephone?

No. Separate contracts must be concluded for electricity, internet and telephone – except in special apartment buildings such as TheTwenty or BaseCamp. Please arrange a consultation with us.

When and where do I have to register?

You must register within 14 days of arriving in Germany at the Bürgeramt in Potsdam or the relevant Bürgeramt for your district in Berlin. As the waiting times for an appointment – especially in Berlin – are very long, we recommend that you try to get an appointment as soon as possible.

If you change accommodation several times, you are legally obliged to reregister after each move. This information is also automatically forwarded to the Foreigners’ Registration Office. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Where can I borrow tools?

For a deposit of 100€, we will lend you a case with screwdrivers/pliers, a cordless screwdriver and a drill. You will find us in the GO:IN building (3rd floor, room 307) on campus. Please ask in advance whether the tools are available.

Do I have to install lighting in my new home?

In German apartments, it is common that lamps and lights are not installed and you have to install them as a new tenant. In some cases, the lamps belong to the landlord or can be bought from the previous tenant. Clarify with the landlord during the first viewing of the apartment whether lighting is available.

Can the Welcome Service recommend a tradesman, e.g. to install lamps or connect a washing machine?

We will be happy to support you with appropriate contacts to craftsmen. Please get in touch with us.

Can I use my electronic devices here? What voltage is used?

Adapter required: yes
Sockets: Type F
Voltage: 230 V
Frequency: 50 Hz

Tina Stavemann

Welcome Service

tina.stavemann@potsdam-sciencepark.de + 49 331 237 351 145

Accommodation

Your Request

FAQ

Can I refer to the Welcome Service as a witness in negotiations/meetings with third parties, e.g. landlords or real estate agents?

Is it usual for a fitted kitchen to be provided in an apartment in Potsdam?

Is it easy to find a fully furnished apartment in Potsdam?

Do I have to pay a fee to the Welcome Service?

Will the rental agreement be in German?

Does the rent also include the costs for electricity, internet and telephone?

When and where do I have to register?

Where can I borrow tools?

Do I have to install lighting in my new home?

Can the Welcome Service recommend a tradesman, e.g. to install lamps or connect a washing machine?

Can I use my electronic devices here? What voltage is used?

Contact

Tina Stavemann