Accommodation in Germany for Indian Students & Professionals: What to Expect in 2025

Accommodation in Germany for Indian students, professionals and families depends on your lifestyle and city of choice. Some look for quiet student dorms, others prefer shared flats or small family homes near public transport. At present, there are around 48,200 accommodation establishments across the country. These supported nearly 487.2 million overnight stays in 2023, which shows how active the housing market is. 

This blog explains the types of housing available, how renting works, and which cities are most competitive. If you’re planning to study or work in Germany, here’s what to expect in 2025.

Whether you’re moving to Germany for studies or work, finding the right place to live is crucial. If you're still deciding what to study, check out top Courses in Germany to see which programs align with your goals.

Source: https://www.destatis.de/EN/Themes/Society-Environment/Housing/Tables/dwellings-germany.html 

Australia has around 43 million homes across the country.
People spend about 27.2% of their income on rent, which shows how housing costs affect everyday budgets.
On average, each person gets 47.7 square meters of living space, giving a sense of how much room people have where they live.

Not sure what it’ll cost to live in Germany? This detailed Cost of Living in Germany guide covers everything from rent to groceries.

Need help budgeting your degree too? Use this post on the Cost of Study in Germany to plan your tuition and living together.

Student Accommodation in Germany for Indian Students

For most students moving to Germany, the first question is: where will I stay? The answer depends on your budget, university location, and how much independence you want.

Common Accommodation in Germany for Indian Students

Student accommodation in Germany for Indian students often starts with dorms, then shifts to WGs as you settle in.

Top Cities for Accommodation in Germany for Indian Students

Germany has many cities with strong universities and a welcoming student community. These cities offer good transport, part-time work options, and a mix of student-friendly housing.

Best Cities: Accommodation in Germany for Indian Students

These cities offer good education and strong student communities, which makes settling in easier.

Cost: Accommodation in Germany for Indian Students

Rent in Germany changes from city to city. Munich and Frankfurt are usually more expensive, while Leipzig or Aachen offer more budget-friendly options. Here's a rough idea of how much you might pay:

Average Rent: Accommodation in Germany for Indian Students (Monthly)

Prices depend on the city, location, and type of lease. Some rent includes electricity and internet, but always check before signing.

How to Find Accommodation in Germany for Indian Students

Getting a place to stay can be stressful at first, but there are trusted platforms and resources that make it easier.

Where Indian Students Can Find Housing in Germany

Tips:

• Start early—student housing fills up months in advance.
• Always ask for photos or video tours.
• Read lease terms carefully—look for duration, deposit, and included services.

Accommodation in Germany for Indian students becomes easier to manage once you understand the process and use the right sources.

Looking for free or low-cost education options? Read Study in Germany for Free for Indian Students to find out how.

Searching for financial aid? This blog on Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany lists fully and partially funded options.

Accommodation in Germany for Indian Professionals

Accommodation in Germany for Indian professionals often depends on work location, lease flexibility, and family needs. Most professionals avoid dorm-style housing and instead look for comfort, privacy, and long-term rental options.

Common Housing Choices for Professionals in Germany

Professionals often pick apartments near transport hubs, city centers, or their company’s location.

Best Cities and Areas for Professionals Seeking Accommodation in Germany

Work opportunities are scattered across Germany, but some cities stand out for their job density, transport access, and housing availability.

Top Cities and Suburbs for Indian Professionals in Germany

Professionals prefer areas with fast public transport, gyms, grocery stores, and quiet surroundings.

Rent Range for Professional Accommodation in Germany

Working professionals in Germany usually rent 1BHK or 2BHK apartments, depending on their city and lifestyle. Rent in large metro cities tends to be higher.

Average Monthly Rent for Indian Professionals in Germany

Other costs to expect:

• Utilities (heating, water, electricity): €150–€250/month (₹13.6K–₹22.7K)
• Internet and mobile: €30–€60/month (₹2,700–₹5,400)
• Waste disposal and building maintenance are often part of “Nebenkosten” (additional charges)

Always ask if rent is “Warmmiete” (includes utilities) or “Kaltmiete” (basic rent only).

Already planning your timeline? This Winter Intake in Germany guide helps you apply for the most popular semester.

Here’s your complete checklist for the Germany Study Visa—from documents to timelines.

How to Apply for Accommodation in Germany as a Professional

The rental process in Germany is formal. You’ll need documents, patience, and sometimes a cover letter to stand out.

Tips for a Smooth Application:

• Apply fast—good apartments receive multiple applications within hours
• Prepare a short intro email and have all your documents ready as a PDF
• Attend open house visits if you're already in Germany

Accommodation in Germany for Indian professionals becomes easier once you understand the process and act early.

Family Accommodation in Germany for Indian Expats

Most Indian families moving to Germany look for homes that offer space, safety, and easy access to schools and daily needs. The good news is—there’s no shortage of family-friendly housing across cities.

Common Family Housing Types in Germany 

Family accommodation in Germany for Indian expats usually leans toward spacious units with good ventilation and green surroundings.

Family-Friendly Areas for Accommodation in Germany

Picking the right suburb is just as important as the house itself. Look for areas that offer safety, schools, playgrounds, and Indian grocery stores within reach.

Popular Family Suburbs Across Major Cities

These areas are known for being clean, well-connected, and supportive of multicultural communities.

Rental Costs for Family Accommodation in Germany

Family-sized rentals cost more than student or single apartments. The price also depends on city, size, and whether the place is furnished.

Average Monthly Rent for Family Homes in Germany

Other Costs to Expect:

• Utilities (gas, water, electricity): €200–€300/month (₹18,200–₹27,300)
• Internet and phone: €30–€60/month (₹2,700–₹5,400)
• Waste and heating bills: Often included under Nebenkosten

Always ask if the rent is “Warmmiete” (includes charges) or “Kaltmiete” (basic rent only).

Things Indian Families Should Consider While Renting

It’s not just about square footage. For Indian families, comfort also comes from being close to cultural familiarity and support services.

Checklist for Indian Families Renting in Germany

Accommodation in Germany for Indian expats feels more like home when the surroundings support your routine and values.

Wondering how German academics work? This overview of the Education System in Germany breaks down degrees, grading, and credit systems.

Still exploring cities? This guide on Student Accommodation in Berlin shares what to expect in Germany’s capital.

Renting in Germany: What Everyone Should Know

Accommodation in Germany for Indian students, professionals and families follows a formal rental process. Every tenant, whether a student, professional, or expat family, needs to understand the basic rules—from documents to deposits to local registration. Here's what you must know before moving in.

Landlords in Germany prefer tenants who come prepared. Keep these essentials ready:

Must-Have Documents for Renting in Germany

Many landlords also ask for proof of liability insurance. Keep both digital and printed versions ready.

Rental Contracts and Deposit Rules

German rental contracts are detailed and legally binding. Before signing, take time to review what's included.

What to Know About Rental Contracts in Germany

• Lease Term: Usually 12–24 months; shorter leases are rare in unfurnished homes
• Deposit (Kaution): Typically 2–3 months’ cold rent (without utilities)
• Refund: Deposits are refundable but may take up to 6 months after lease ends
• Warmmiete vs. Kaltmiete:
  • Warmmiete includes heating, water, garbage, sometimes internet
  • Kaltmiete is just the base rent—additional charges apply

Always read the contract’s fine print. Check exit notice periods, repair responsibilities, and included services.

Anmeldung: The Most Important Step Post-Move

Anmeldung is the process of registering your address with the local city office. You must do this within 14 days of moving into your new home.

Why Anmeldung Matters:

• It’s required for opening a bank account
• You won’t get a tax ID or health insurance without it
• You need it for everything—from visa renewals to SIM cards

What You’ll Need for Anmeldung:

• Passport + visa
• Signed rental contract
• Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (confirmation from your landlord)

Every person staying in Germany more than 3 months must complete Anmeldung—it’s a legal step, not optional.

If you're comparing housing options, this older but helpful post on Accommodation in Germany for Students gives additional insights.

Planning to stay after graduation? Explore long-term Career Opportunities in Germany that align with your field of study.

Short-Term Accommodation in Germany for New Arrivals

Before finding a long-term rental, most newcomers stay in short-term accommodation in Germany for Indian students, professionals and families. These places are flexible, furnished, and ideal for settling in during your first few weeks.

Here are the most reliable types of short-term stays:

Short-Term Housing Options for Newcomers

Where to Find Them:

• Airbnb, Booking.com
• Wunderflats (for professionals)
• The Homelike (furnished business rentals)
• Hostelworld (budget options)
• University websites or international student offices

Why Use Short-Term Rentals:

• You get time to explore neighborhoods
• No long lease commitments or deposits
• Ideal for waiting on documents like SCHUFA or Anmeldung

Short-term accommodation in Germany gives you a soft landing before choosing a permanent home.

How upGrad Abroad Helps You Find Accommodation in Germany

Looking for accommodation in Germany? upGrad Abroad makes it simpler. You’ll find university lists, exam prep articles, and budgeting tools to plan ahead. For students, upGrad Abroad also works with Casita to help you find safe and convenient housing near your university. Need support? You can speak to a counselor for personal guidance based on your course and destination. From planning your move to booking your stay, you get help that’s practical, clear, and made for Indian students and professionals.

Still unsure which city or course works best for your move to Germany? Book your free counseling session to speak to a study expert.

Also, check out free online courses to start learning today and build a stronger profile for German universities.