Here are the self-discovery process and document templates you might need when searching and applying for apartments.
[ ] SHUFA Schufa is a credit rating agency in Germany.
[ ] Passport or personal ID / Residence permit Germany (if you’re not German)
[ ] Proof of income for the last 3 months (from a bank) Bring a work contract, your last 3 pay slips, or your last Steuerbescheid (Tax assessment). If you are a freelancer, bring a profit and loss statement. If you don't make enough money, you can get a *Mietbürgschaft/*Guarantor .
<aside> ☝ If you’re coming to Germany - you probably didn’t have 3 slips. In that case, your employment contract would be a HUGE benefit!
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<aside> 💡 The employer can write a letter of guarantee, where he will mention that you’re a useful employee and they’re looking forward to working together for a long time. Meaning that they will not fire you in a month or so. It doesn't cost the employer anything and doesn't bind them to anything, but it's a plus for landlords.
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[ ] Bank account statement (optional) This shows how much money you have in your bank account. If you are a freelancer, bring one.
[ ] Employment contract (optional) Some landlords want to see your employment contract. It proves that you have a stable income. It's harder to find an apartment during your probation period.
[ ] Certificate of freedom from rent debts/Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung (optional) This document proves that you don't owe money to your previous landlord. You get it from your previous landlord. It does not have a standard format, but you can use the template below.
Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung-muster (Certificate of freedom from rental debt).pdf
[ ] *Mietbürgschaft/*Guarantor (optional) A parent or friend can be your guarantor if you don't have a stable income. If you don't pay the rent on time, your guarantor must pay it. This is a good option for students, freelancers, and low-income people.
[ ] WBS (optional)