Moving abroad is a very exciting prospect, however, the details of relocation can also be very daunting. Navigating a new system, a new language and dealing with formalities can be a challenge, this is where private relocation support can make all the difference.
Your top priorities when relocating to a new city should be visa (immigration), finding a place to live (home search), employment or educational opportunities and integration. Your relocation consultant can advise you on your options in advance.
Visa/Immigration: the type of visa you are eligible for will largely be linked to your country of origin, employment situation or educational studies. It is very important to know your options for immigration before you plan a move. IRC Berlin has the expert knowledge to guide you through your visa & immigration options.
Home search: knowing the housing market, areas of the city, and ballpark figures for rental costs/utilities is key for a successful home search. It is helpful to have a realistic expectation when you consult with your relocation assistant about what will be most suitable for you. IRC Berlin consultants have extensive knowledge of the city and can advise you as to the perfect match for you regarding area, amenities, public transport needs.
Cultural integration: This is where IRC can help, we offer intercultural training for new arrivals and their families to make their start in the new and foreign environment as easy as possible. Giving an insight into cultural differences, those ‘quirky’ German ways, and just how to navigate the German business landscape.
IRC Berlin is branching out into private relocation offering all the same benefits as we offer to our corporate clients. Our experienced consultants can support and assist every step of the way from visa and immigration, work permits, home search to giving a comprehensive orientation tour upon arrival. We want to make you feel at home in Germany and to make your transition process pleasant and successful, so that all you need to worry about is enjoying your new home!
We would like to help you understand how to use a relocation company to assist your employees. What are the benefits for your business and your team in outsourcing this service to new recruits or employees who are taking up a position in a new location?
Whether you are hiring new recruits from abroad or moving existing employees from one office to another office in a different location, there are many administrative tasks and other things which need to be organised to get the person moved, settled in and integrated into their new role.
Time is money and if your employee can be efficiently supported then the time it takes to get their move organised can be optimised. By working with a relocation company you won’t need an in-house department and you will draw on people who bring the highest levels of experience and expertise.
Providing the option of a supported relocation is good for the company image, it shows that you value your employees, their families and their wellbeing.
Being able to offer a professionally supported relocation is a big asset when headhunting, it will give your company an advantage as it gives the employee incentive to move without feeling like a relocation would be too overwhelming.
Show your employee that you value their time by letting them avoid the ‘leg’ work when they partner with a relocation consultant they are relieved of all the big and small organisational tasks related to a move.
Supporting not just the employee but also their spouse and/or their family is also hugely beneficial to the overall well being of the employee.
The way an employee feels once they have moved to a new location can be imperative to their productivity. If they feel settled and happy then they will be motivated to start into their new role. They can be present physically and mentally knowing all the formalities of their move have been taken care of.
There are many costs, such as hotel costs, which can be avoided if an employee can relocate directly into furnished accommodation or their own apartment/house. Having a relocation partner on the ground makes organising this possible!
At IRC we can provide the support your employees need for a successful relocation. We have experienced staff, who understand the relocation from both a professional and personal point of view and who have the know-how to navigate any challenges which may arise. Let’s begin the relocation journey together!
What do you think of when you hear relocation? We often find that people don’t know what a relocation actually entails and what a relocation company actually does and all the fantastic benefits that come with being supported during a move. Let us explain ….
Companies offer their employees a job or promotion in a new location, this could be across the country or on another continent. Part of this job offer can be a relocation package, whereby the employee is offered support in all areas financial, organisational to a relocation partner at the destination who will work with the employee and their family to ensure a successful transition into their new home.
This can include:
Visa & Immigration
Home search (temporary & permanent)
Property handover
Orientation
Registration with the local authorities
Finding schools/kindergartens
Registration of utilities
A comprehensive relocation package can ensure that an employee will be able to fully concentrate on their new position and feel supported in their new circumstances.
There are many advantages to working with a relocation company. Starting with their expertise and experience in some of the most fundamental aspects such as immigration and visa requirements. A relocation consultant understands what issues arise during a local or international move and is able to provide tailormade support to each individual client, whether someone is moving with a family, they have specific needs at their new location or they are required to dive straight into work and don’t have time to spend on all the details. The professional support can deal with all the unique challenges each individual relocation brings. A relocation company provides in depth knowledge and current information of the destination, thus giving a great local insight to the assignee.
This is where IRC comes in, we are a comprehensive partner in Germany to support in all aspects of relocation.
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy. Learn more
One of the hardest things about moving abroad is leaving behind family and friends. So it’s a great idea to find ways to keep in touch and make sure you keep the support network back home with you in your new home. Communication is key!
Inform yourself on the time difference between your new home and ‘back home’ – let family and friends know when is a good time to reach you. There are some excellent ways to keep in touch such as a family blog, skype, WhatsApp calls, facetime and emails. Especially if you are on an assignment for a certain amount of time and will be returning back after a year or two, this will help keep the special people in your life close.
Moving abroad is a hugely exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also can lead to people feeling stressed and at times very lonely, especially if you move to a place where the language and culture are not familiar. Keeping your ties to family and friends back home can help alleviate these symptoms. Make sure you let them know how you are feeling and what you are experiencing, even if at times it isn’t all good news.
Hi there! My name is Juli Buchanan. I have German roots but I grew up in New Zealand and I have been living in Germany since 2004. I love sharing my passion for Berlin and all it has to offer with new ‚Berliners‘ and through my work as a freelance Relocation Consultant with IRC I have the opportunity to do so.
Nothing says Christmas like a beautiful tree lighting up your home. Did you know this tradition stems from Germany and was popularized by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the mid-1800’s when they were depicted in a drawing standing around a Christmas tree – thus a worldwide trend was started and now we can’t imagine the festive time of year without a twinkling tree.
One of the biggest questions in 2019 is real or fake – which one is better for the environment.
According to the Huffington post ‘The short answer, which may come as a surprise to some, is a real tree. But it’s actually more complicated than that. It ultimately depends on a variety of factors, including how far you drive to get your evergreen and how you dispose of it at the end of the holidays ― and, if you choose an artificial tree, how long you end up using it. ‘ and if you would like to learn more about the arguments for and against please see the article.
However you decide, Berlin offers you options for both.
Real Trees – available at all Hardware Stores such as OBI, Toom, Bauhaus, Ikea. You can also rent trees in a pot and have them delivered and picked up again.
Fake Trees: Available at all Hardware stores such as OBI, Toom, Bauhaus, Ikea, also at all the big department stores for example Karstadt, Galleria Kaufhof or KaDeWe.
About the author
Hi there! I’m Juli, German roots but I grew up in New Zealand and have been living in Germany since 2004. I love sharing my passion for Berlin and all it has to offer with new ‘Berliners’ and through my work as a freelance Relocation Consultant with IRC I have the opportunity to do so.
There are many ways to make your way around Berlin if you choose not to own a car. For many reasons shared economy options are a great alternative for transport, good for the environment and far less expensive than the purchase and upkeep of a car. Although the public transport in Berlin is excellent, there are situations where you might want or need a car/bike or scooter. However before you sign-up and use any ride-sharing, make sure you know if you need any third-party liability insurance.
Here are some alternatives for car, bike & e-scooter:
Disclaimer – when travelling with strangers please always ensure your own personal safety, let a friend or a family member know with whom, when and where you will be travelling.
An English-speaking club can be a terrific way for newcomers to get into the social whirl – or maintain business contacts. There may be no better way for the English-speaking expatriate to get into the swing of German life than to join one of the many clubs and other organizations available to them. Making social contacts is a very important step in being able to call a new place home. It can be hard to gather the courage to go out and join a club but it is a very valuable endeavour.
Women’s clubs perform a large number of services, with sub-groups for all categories of women from “Empty Nesters” (single income, no kids) to working women.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN CLUBS
1. THE AMERICAN WOMENS CLUB OF BERLIN E.V. – the American Women’s Club of Berlin is open to women of ALL nationalities who “embrace the American spirit!”
If you want to get into contact with BAC or want further information on
the BAC, please send an email to: info@berlin-american-club.de
The Berlin-American Club e.V. was founded in 1990 by women as a
non-profit organization. The goal of the Club is to further friendship,
tolerance and understanding among women from the US, Germany and other
countries by undertaking projects that benefit people in need.
The Club brings together women of a wide range of nationalities, professions, interests and talents to contribute to the local and worldwide community. We seek to enhance the continuing special relationship between Berlin and the US, while also embracing the international community in Berlin.
The elected board of the BAC is composed of five women; in addition,
individual chairpersons are appointed for various committees. As such, the Club
is able to respond quickly to local and international needs.
The BAC takes an active approach to fundraising and hands-on projects in
support of handicapped and disadvantaged children, senior citizens,
international youth programs, schools, women’s shelters, programs for the
homeless and worldwide emergency relief, among others.
The American German BusinessClub Berlin e.V. (AGBC) is a not-for-profit organization, presently with nine chapters. Its aim is to support German and American commercial relations and act as a forum for social and business networking. Activities include informal leisure time get-togethers, networking evenings, dinners, charity fundraising, sponsorships and events with keynote speakers.
American German Business Club Berlin e.V.
P.O.Box 08 04 27
10004 Berlin
Germany
Amerian Chamber of Commerce in
Germany / Berlin Brandenburg Chapter
The Amerian Chamber of Commerce in Germany (AmCham Germany) was founded in 1903, making it one of the oldest bilateral economic organizations in Europe. It has some 3,000 German and American members. It’s mission is to promote unrestricted competition, trade and investment between Germany and the United States. Luncheons with speakers are held regularly in a number of German cities, and there is also a program of seminars, business conferences, New Year’s receptions and tours of member companies and other institutions of interest. For complete information on Chamber activities, visit its website at
TheJohn-F.-Kennedy Friendship Center is a non-profit organization established by parents and teachers of the John F. Kennedy School in Berlin, though membership is open to the general public. It is dedicated to fostering the German-American community, sponsoring several bilingual daycare centres and offering various activities for the community, including language classes, playgroups, art, dance and drama courses, as well as holiday celebrations at Fasching, Halloween and Thanksgiving. The John F. Kennedy School, part of the Berlin public school system, provides a German-American bicultural, bilingual education.
“Chartered in November 2009, we are the only Rotary Club dedicated to
Berlin’s international community. Our 46 members represent 14 nations. All our
meetings are held in English, which makes us the ideal Rotary Club for
expatriates living in Berlin as well as visiting Rotarians from around the
world.”
Contact over the website: http://www.aspeninstitute.de/kontakt/?lang=en
www.aspeninstitute.de
The Aspen Institute Germany was founded in 1974 as the first
international Aspen affiliate. In keeping with the Aspen mission, Aspen Germany
seeks to promote an international dialog on the values, ideals and ideas that
are necessary to master the challenges of a globalized world. To this purpose,
Aspen Germany invites leading personalities from politics, business and society
to participate in conference programs and discussion groups. Aspen Germany is a
nonprofit organization financed by the Shepard Stone Foundation, public funding
and private donations. It is headquartered in Berlin; an increasing proportion
of its events, however, are carried out in key industrial states such as
Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
The
American Academy in Berlin
The American Academy in Berlin GmbH
Am Sandwerder 17-19
14109 Berlin
Germany
Phone: +49 (30) 804 83 118
Fax: +49 (30) 804 83 111
Email: mailbox@americanacademy.de
To register for an evening lecture:
program(at)americanacademy.de
The American Academy in Berlin was established
in 1994. Its primary goal is to foster greater understanding and dialogue
between the people of the United States and the people of Germany through its
presence in Berlin, a city with which the United States should maintain its
unique cultural, social, political, and historical links.
“Our
network enables you to connect with as many of them as possible, both online
and face to face. Starting from online forums and all the way to real-life
events going on in Berlin on a weekly basis, the opportunities for connecting
with global minds are more numerous than ever. You can also use InterNations to
join trips to famous German landmarks around Berlin, or simply organize them
yourself.”
Stand 10.2018
Author: Ariane Almerood – including edits by Juli Buchanan
“Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.” – December is finally upon us, let the spirit fill your heart and enjoy what Berlin has to offer in the most wonderful and cheerful of seasons. (Quote from the motion Picture ‘Miracle on 34th Street’)
It is one of the most stunning times of the year in Germany, thus also in Berlin and surrounding areas. The 4 weeks before Christmas Eve (Heiligabend) are truly a magical time. Germany is famous for it’s Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte), Mulled wine (Glühwein), roasted Chestnuts (Heiße Maronen) and the many other treats available during the festive season. Take a break from the gloomy weather and indulge in some delicious treats with friends and family under twinkling lights.
Berlin has many Christmas markets to choose from, some of the most beautiful include the ones at the Gendarmenmarkt and at the Schloß Charlottenburg. However, there are many more Christmas markets to discover over the month of December including many internationally-themed markets such as the Swedish Christmas Bazaar or the very British Christmas Market at St Georges Church in Westend. It is even worth venturing out to Potsdam and visiting the Christmas market ‘Blauer Lichterglanz’ on Brandenburger Straße and/or the romantic Christmas village at the Krongut Bornstedt in all it’s glory.
One more tip, the Botanic Gardens in Dahlem have a Christmas Garden, a walk through a winter wonderland of lights.
Hi there! I’m Juli, German roots but I grew up in New Zealand and have been living in Germany since 2004. I love sharing my passion for Berlin and all it has to offer with new ‘Berliners’ and through my work as a freelance Relocation Consultant with IRC I have the opportunity to do so.
The BVG (Berlin Transport) has introduced a new ticket for school children. School children now ride all forms of public transport in AB Zones for free. This also includes all children from 6 years, who do not attend school yet – you will need proof: admission notice from the school, the school assignment or the notice of default. This ticket also includes free transport of a bicycle, a dog or a child under 6 years.
The ‘Schülerticket’ needs to be applied for, this can only be done online. You will need to get a Schülerausweis from your school office, this is proof that the child attends the school.
Order chipcard online – to order the chip card (fahrCard) simply upload the photo and current student ID I *, enter data and order directly online.
Note processing time – Until your fahrCard arrives in the post, you can use your student ID I * to ride the public transport from 1 August until 30 Nov, 2019.
Hi there! I’m Juli, German roots but I grew up in New Zealand and have been living in Germany since 2004. I love sharing my passion for Berlin and all it has to offer with new ‘Berliners’ and through my work as a freelance Relocation Consultant with IRC I have the opportunity to do so.
It is no secret that moving is stressful, then if you add moving to another country and bringing a family then the idea can seem exciting but at the same time very daunting. Not only will the person being relocated be starting a new job, which in itself is a big change but there will be a lot of other adjustments on a personal level.
A new country may mean new language, new culture and a completely new place to navigate. It is very important to do your research and have some idea of what will be expecting you when you arrive. This will help you to feel a little more secure and confident in this awesome adventure ahead!
Your first port of call, if you have a chance is to connect with colleagues or perhaps even friends or acquaintances who might be able to give you an insight into your new home city. Talk through some of their experiences and ask lots of questions. There are also many blogs & ex-pat groups on Social Media, make use of these, ask other ‘new Berliners’ your specific questions and get advice on topics which will be important to you in your new home. Lastly, your relocation consultant, make use of this fantastic resource, explain where you are coming from and what your needs will be, especially regarding your spouse and children.
Language – Berlin is very international and most germans speak reasonable English, however, it is very important for your integration to learn some german. It will help with integration in all areas but especially for meeting new people and community – which in turn is crucial to feeling at home longterm in a new place. Spouses and children should also do a german course if possible. Let people you meet know you don’t speak the language but you are willing to learn, this always help break the ice.
Culture – there is no doubt you will experience all kinds of cultural differences. Be open, be willing to learn and you can read about some of those quirky german ways here…. Germans are generally open and interested in people from other places. Berlin is very multi-cultural and there is a good chance you will also have plenty of opportunity to connect with people from your home country if you would like, this often helps to alleviate homesickness.
Weather – this seems like it wouldn’t be important but it is. If you are coming from a much warmer or sunnier climate then you will find that you should make yourself familiar with what to expect in Berlin. Spring is the awakening after what can be a very long, cold and dark Winter. Summer is usually good and it can be very hot at times, up to 35-39 degrees Celcius. Fall is usually mild with a good mix of rain and shine, golden and a very beautiful time of year and then from mid to late October Winter can appear again and last through to March or even April. Winters can be extremely cold, temperatures plummeting to -10 degrees Celcius at times – a good winter wardrobe is required for all the family, especially children, as in Kindergarten and school the children will spend time playing outside no matter what the weather.
Children: Schools/Kindergarten – It is vital that you do your research regarding how your children will be integrated in your new home town. If you have kindergarten or school-age children, it is important to have an idea what is on offer and particularly if your children have any special needs – how/if these can/will be catered to. International schools may offer a familiar environment but if you are thinking of entering the german school system then it is advisable to understand the basics of how the system is set up and what will be required especially if your children are not yet speaking the language.
A move with children is a big upheaval, but the great news is, children especially those attending school and kindergarten tend to integrate the fastest due to their open nature and quick ability to pick up on language.
The success of a relocation with a family is ensuring every family member is well taken care of and happy. Moving to a new place is such a fantastic experience which will teach life long lessons and make precious memories for life.
Hi there! I’m Juli, German roots but I grew up in New Zealand and have been living in Germany since 2004. I love sharing my passion for Berlin and all it has to offer with new ‚Berliners‘ and through my work as a freelance Relocation Consultant with IRC I have the opportunity to do so.
