Finding housing in Germany can be a challenging task, especially for Ukrainians who have arrived in the country seeking temporary or permanent asylum. Germany offers various accommodation options depending on status, financial capabilities and length of stay. In this article, we will look at the main types of housing, popular resources for searching, and useful tips for avoiding problems.
There are several main housing options for Ukrainians in Germany. They differ in the level of comfort, financial costs and living conditions.
Refugees can rely on temporary housing provided by the government or voluntary organizations. These may be arrival centers (Tegel in Berlin, Bochum, Messe Halle in Hannover and others), hostels or private apartments provided by German families. Such housing is usually free or requires minimal investment.
Temporary housing is usually located in specially prepared premises or gyms, converted to accommodate large numbers of people. Some municipalities offer private room options in hotels or motels.
Government assistance may also include the provision of food, medical care and other necessary services. However, living conditions in temporary accommodation centers can be quite simple, so it is worth considering the possibilities of social or rental housing in parallel.
Ukrainians who have received temporary protection status can apply for social housing. These are government or subsidized apartments provided to people with low incomes. To obtain such housing, you must submit an application to the local social security office and provide the relevant documents.
The waiting list for social housing can be long, especially in large cities such as Berlin, Munich or Hamburg. Some regions of Germany additionally offer special housing support programs for families with children.
In some cases, social housing has restrictions on the length of stay. At the end of the period of state support, tenants need to either renew the contract or look for other options. The process of obtaining social housing can take several months, so it is important to consider other options at the same time. Social housing is often located in remote areas, which can create difficulties with transport and access to work or education.
For those who plan to stay in Germany for a long time, the best option is to rent an apartment or house. The demand for rentals in large cities is quite high, so it is worth preparing documents in advance and being prepared for competition.
Rental prices vary significantly depending on the region. For example, in Berlin the average cost of renting a one-room apartment is about 800 euros per month, while in smaller cities such as Dresden or Leipzig you can find housing for 500–600 euros.
It’s also helpful to know that some landlords require references from previous landlords or employers, which can be an additional barrier for new arrivals.
To find housing, you can use various online resources, social networks and the help of volunteer organizations. Here are the main platforms:
There are also special volunteer initiatives that help find temporary housing. For example, about“Gastfreundschaft hilft” promotes the settlement of Ukrainians in the private homes of Germans.
In addition, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the possibilities integration of Ukrainian refugees, which can simplify the process of finding housing and adaptation in the country.
Renting housing in Germany requires a certain package of documents. The main ones:
Some apartments are rented through real estate agencies, which may require payment of an additional commission. You should also pay attention to the terms of the contract, as not all landlords allow subletting or pets.
Due to the high demand for housing in Germany, there is a risk of fraud. To avoid trouble, follow these rules:
There are many ways to find housing for refugees in Germany, but for a successful search you need to act in an organized and careful manner. Use available resources, follow advice and carefully check all documents to ensure a comfortable and safe stay in the country.
