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Researching in Germany

Good Afternoon Everyone,
I am an American Ph.D. student heading to Berlin this year to research in their national archives for my dissertation.
I am having a difficult time finding answers so perhaps you guys can help.
1. Can I rent student accommodations if I am an American student but not enrolled in a German university?
2. If I plan to travel outside of Germany about once a month, do I still need to get a residency visa?
3. I see a lot of "fully furnished with all utilities included" apartments, studios, and rooms. That's good, but is there anything I need to look out for when looking into those apartments?
4. What's the best way to go when renting an apartment in Berlin online before arriving in country?

Thank you so much for your help.

Posted by
6177 posts

2 No, leaving Germany will not "reset the counter". But how much time do you need? In any case, this is an important question and you should not trust a random stranger on the internet. If you are unsure, contact the German embassy or consulate.

Posted by
1056 posts

I doubt very much that you will be able to use student accommodations in Berlin, as most German students do not stay in university-provided accommodations but rent their own apartments. This makes student housing scarce. And, unless you’re doing your research in an affiliated capacity with some university in Berlin, I doubt that you would be eligible anyhow.

Fully furnished with utilities included probably does not include Wi-Fi.

Posted by
32523 posts

Good morning Chris

Travel without a visa using the Schengen accords limits you to 90 days in every 180, retrospectively. Unless you leave the Schengen zone (not just Germany) and stay out for enough time every 90 days (stay out for 90 too) (arrival and departure days count as IN each time) you will run foul of the immigration authorities. Just leaving for a weekend or a cup of coffee and returning doesn't do anything about the Schengen requirements.

Has your University provided you with any information of getting a Visa? Given your number 2 I expect so.

Posted by
3 posts

Thank you all for the wonderful responses, they have been very helpful.

1 and 2 have been answered, does anyone have any information regarding 3 and 4?

Thank you so much!

Posted by
8094 posts

You will want to have a valid Visa for the time you will be there as a landlord may not rent any apartment without you having one. Otherwise, you'll be all right.
Google or Bing will get you to dozens of apartment rental firms in Berlin..

Posted by
3039 posts

1) We are travelers. You need to speak to the German Consulate on many of these questions
2) I know people in towns close to Berlin which are not Berlin. If interested, send me a PM. Some questions about rentals are best done with someone who knows the local situation.

Posted by
6231 posts

Chris, you might want to check out https://www.homestay.com for accommodations. You can search by city and then narrow it down by neighborhood. I take classes at the local state university and some of the students used it when they spent periods of time in Germany. Many of them are private rooms in houses but some are apartments.

Posted by
14482 posts

If you are under 35, I suggest checking with DAAD, which may be a source of needed information for you. What is the topic of your dissertation?

Posted by
32523 posts

this is a zombie post from February. Haven't seen the OP since. It was activated by a now removed spammer yesterday.