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Berlin

Germany, Berlin

Europe's creative capital. Famous freelancer visa pathway, but housing market is tightest it's been in a generation.

OceanicEURGerman3,800,000 people
The numbers

Cost, tax, and quality of life

Cost of living
Verified
80 idx
Numbeo Cost of Living Index · Jun 2026 ↗
Rent · 1BR center
Verified
$1,500 /mo
Numbeo Rent Prices · Jun 2026 ↗
Effective tax (remote)
Verified
35%
PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries · Jun 2026 ↗
Healthcare
Verified
85 idx
Numbeo Health Care Index · Jun 2026 ↗
Safety
Verified
72 idx
Numbeo Crime Index (inverted) · Jun 2026 ↗
Internet
Verified
90 Mbps
Ookla Speedtest Global Index · Jun 2026 ↗
Climate score
Verified
65 idx
Climate-Data.org · Jun 2026 ↗
Freedom
Verified
82 idx
Cato Human Freedom Index (2024) · Jun 2026 ↗
Visa pathways

How to legally live in Germany

FBV · Self-Employment Residency
Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler)
Min income $27,600
Processing 60-120 days

Germany's famous freelancer pathway, especially used by artists, designers, and IT consultants in Berlin.

  • Freelance/self-employed plan
  • Client letters of intent
  • Berlin Künstler/IT pathway
  • Health insurance
  • +1 more

Visa info is research, not legal advice. Always verify with a licensed immigration professional before applying.

If price is the problem

Cheaper cities with a similar vibe

See all alternatives →
CZ
Prague
30% cheaper rent · 35% lower cost of living · same climate
Rent: $1,050/mo
Compare with Berlin →
TH
Chiang Mai
73% cheaper rent · 63% lower cost of living
Rent: $400/mo
Compare with Berlin →
MY
George Town (Penang)
60% cheaper rent · 44% lower cost of living
Rent: $600/mo
Compare with Berlin →
What's next

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