Information about the procedure at the Federal Employment Agency
PROGEDO: RELOCATION SERVICE HAMBURG
PROGEDO Deutschland GmbH & Co KG
Simon-von-Utrecht-Straße 1
D-20359 Hamburg
Phone: +49 (0)40 – 370 811 50
Email: hamburg@progedo.de
Management: Agata Seget
In the iconic Sankt Pauli, not far from Reeperbahn and Schanzenviertel, is the control center of PROGEDO HamburgSometimes you can see a large ship or a cruise ship passing by on the Elbe through the houses.
Since its founding in 1995, we have been providing competent and effective support to companies and individuals in all matters relating to mobility, relocation, and immigration. Some employees have been with our company for over 20 years, and we are therefore well connected with authorities and housing providers.
The area of PROGEDO Hamburg covers the whole of northern Germany, the following locations can be served besides Hamburg: Flensburg, Kiel, Lübeck, Lüneburg, Stade, Bremerhaven, Emden, Wilhelmshaven, Oldenburg, Vechta and Osnabrück, as well as Rostock and Schwerin.
We look forward to supporting you with our expertise as your first point of contact on site!
As in almost all major German cities, low unemployment and attractive incomes have led to a tight housing market, which requires a bit of familiarity for newcomers. Knowledge of the Hamburg real estate market and its unique dynamics is one of PROGEDO Hamburg's core competencies. We help you to stand out from your competitors when looking for an apartment.
Furnished or unfurnished apartment, small or large home – thanks to their know-how, our relocation specialists will find the perfect apartment for you!
In addition to professional support during Apartment search We are also happy to support you with topics such as Looking for a kindergarten, changing your driver’s license or dealing with authorities.
Simply send a short message to: hamburg@progedo.de – we will inform you immediately.
We are “the first friend abroad”.
Relocation Service in Hamburg: Services from PROGEDO
Progedo profile Hamburg
Hamburg in numbers
With over 1.8 million inhabitants, Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany. Hamburg is a so-called city-state with seven districts and 104 boroughs. Hamburg is a port city located on the Elbe, Germany's third-longest river, which flows into the North Sea. There are over 2,400 bridges in Hamburg, more than in London, Venice, and Amsterdam combined.
Further information is available at hamburg.de
PROGEDO is particularly proud of its team of immigration specialists, who assist companies and individuals with their residence permit applications. Whether it's about the Anabin verification of diplomas, an application to the Federal Employment Agency (ZAV), obtaining a visa, or applying for an eAT (electronic residence permit) at the relevant immigration office, Progedo provides prompt and competent advice. However, according to the German Legal Services Act, we are not authorized to provide legal advice. Should legal advice be necessary, we work with competent, independent attorneys and will be happy to refer you to them.
We are also happy to organize training workshops on immigration procedures for HR managers during the onboarding process. Just ask!
Team Hamburg
Agata Seget & Jörg Holsten
PROGEDO RelocationJörg Holsten, after completing a school education and a commercial apprenticeship, successfully completed a business administration degree. Before founding PROGEDO Hamburg in 1995, Jörg Holsten worked for several years in the key account department of a multinational food company. He is married and has two children. When asked why he chose a relocation agency, he said: "I've always been a helpful person, so it only made sense to become someone's first friend in a foreign country."
Agata Seget, one of the three managing directors of PROGEDO Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, heads the Hamburg office of PROGEDO. She studied Integrated European Studies at the University of Bremen and is originally from Poland. Since 2012, she has been advising skilled workers from the EU and third countries on their transfer to Germany and guiding them through the intricacies of German bureaucracy. She is a multifaceted specialist in the areas of relocation and immigration. Ms. Seget coordinates the deployment of northern German PROGEDO consultants, is the contact person for our clients' HR and specialist departments, and is responsible for all site-related matters. But she also continues to support clients with our relocation services herself—simply because she enjoys it.
Relocation provider Hamburg
Our staff and we at the Hamburg PROGEDO office know Hamburg in all its corners and its wonderful diversity.
Beyond the pure immigration & relocation business, we would like to share our knowledge with you and inspire you to visit our hometown!
Find an apartment in Hamburg
Finding an apartment in Hamburg is a major challenge, as the housing market has changed rapidly in recent years. Old information on the internet can give you false impressions, as prices from three or five years ago are no longer up to date. Especially in the sought-after districts of Ottensen, Eimsbüttel, St. Pauli, Schanzenviertel, St. Georg, Eppendorf, or Winterhude, hundreds of people often apply for one apartment. In all other centrally located districts and in western Hamburg with its international schools, there are always significantly more interested parties than available. And if you don't speak German, it's often impossible to compete with the competition.
With our expertise, it's still possible! With a little patience, flexibility, and careful planning, we always find a suitable apartment for our clients!
Hamburg consists of many districts with very different price ranges. Currently, landlords consider a third of income to be the maximum rent limit. A positive SCHUFA entry and a positive certificate of rent arrears are essential for approval.
Apply for a residence permit in Hamburg
In Hamburg there is the Central Aliens Authority at Hammer Straße 30-34 (Link: https://www.hamburg.de/auslaenderbehoerde/), the immigration offices in the district offices responsible for the place of residence and the Hamburg Welcome Center (Link: https://welcome.hamburg.de), which are particularly relevant for the application of eATs (electronic residence permits) for foreign workers.
Of course, our professional immigration specialists provide our clients with all the necessary information to ensure they can correctly prepare and submit their documents to the office. We also accompany you or your employees to appointments. However, according to Section 2, Paragraph 1 of the German Immigration Law (RDG), PROGEDO does not provide legal services.
10 facts about Hamburg:
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The largest seaport in Germany
Covering over 7,200 hectares, the Port of Hamburg is the largest seaport in Germany. Four huge container terminals, four cruise terminals with nearly one million cruise passengers annually, and over 136 million tons of cargo handled in maritime transport demonstrate the importance of the Port of Hamburg.
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One of the most popular cities in Europe
The maritime harbor atmosphere, Elbphilharmonie, musicals, the Reeperbahn, Miniatur Wunderland, and the Hamburger Dom delight millions of people every year, making Hamburg one of the most popular tourist cities in Europe.
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Hamburg has its airport in the middle of the city
Hamburg Airport Helmut Schmidt is located in the north of Hamburg, just eleven kilometers from the city center. The S-Bahn takes less than 25 minutes to reach Hamburg Central Station.
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The tallest buildings in the city
Hamburg doesn't have any skyscrapers in the traditional sense. At 279 meters, the television tower at the exhibition halls, popularly known as the "Telemichel," is Hamburg's tallest building. In second place is a church, the Michel, at 132 meters, followed by the town hall with a tower height of 112 meters, and in fourth place is the Elbphilharmonie, also known as the "Elphi," at 110 meters.
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The largest cemetery in Europe
With an area of almost 390 hectares, over 200,000 graves, and 12 chapels, the Ohlsdorf Cemetery is the largest park cemetery in Europe and also the largest green space in Hamburg. Since its founding in 1877, over 1.4 million people have been buried there.
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The largest model railway layout in the world
The Miniatur Wunderland in the Speicherstadt district is home to the world's largest model railway. Well over 1,000 trains run on approximately 1,500 square meters. Recently voted Germany's most popular tourist attraction, it's a fantastic experience for more than just the little ones.
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Europe's most bridge-rich city
With around 2,500 bridges, Hamburg is the city with the most bridges in Europe and has more bridges than Venice, Amsterdam and Rome combined.
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Where the maidens walked
The Jungfernstieg on the Alster was Germany's first paved street (1838). Well-to-do Hamburg residents would stroll up and down this street with their daughters, hoping to meet the right groom. Incidentally, one of Germany's largest Apple stores is also located on the Jungfernstieg.
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Largest tower clock
The Michel tower clock is the largest in Germany. The clock face has a diameter of eight meters, a large hand is 4.91 meters long, and a small hand is 3.60 meters long. Each hand weighs 130 kilograms.
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In Hamburg, people don’t say “Goodbye” when they say goodbye, but “Bye!”
Real estate market and Hamburg housing
Anyone wanting to move to Hamburg from abroad needs to do a lot of planning in advance and have all their personal documents with them. It's best to start looking for suitable accommodation as soon as your arrival date is confirmed. Once your visa (if necessary) has been issued, you can book a flight and temporary accommodation remotely. It's advisable to store your personal belongings until you're certain you've found an unfurnished apartment. This can take several months at most. We're also happy to connect you with professional moving companies that can assist you with transporting your belongings and, if necessary, even store them until you move in.
The rental market in Hamburg, like many other major German cities, is characterized by rising rents and high demand for housing. The Hanseatic City of Hamburg attracts people not only from within the country but also from abroad, which further exacerbates the situation on the rental market.
Rents for different apartment sizes and locations:
Rent prices in Hamburg vary greatly depending on apartment size and location. Rents are generally highest in central districts such as the city center, Eimsbüttel, and Altona. A one-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods can easily cost more than €800 per month in basic rent. Tenants can expect to pay at least €1,200 for a two-bedroom apartment. Larger apartments, especially three- or four-bedroom apartments, can easily cost €2,000 or more. Additional costs amounting to €30-40% of the basic rent are also added.
Popular districts:
Hamburg is divided into 103 districts, and their popularity varies depending on the needs and budget of potential tenants. The most popular inner-city districts include Eppendorf, Eimsbüttel, Altona, Ottensen, Winterhude, and Sternschanze. These districts are characterized by good connections to the city center, a high quality of life, and a variety of restaurants, bars, and cultural institutions. Hafencity, Rotherbaum, and Harvestehude are also very popular, but are particularly expensive and offer a quieter atmosphere. In western Hamburg, the so-called Elbe suburbs, living is almost rural, but rents are also very high there. Those looking for something more affordable tend to move to Barmbek, Wandsbek, Lokstedt, Bahrenfeld, or Stellingen. But rents are also still comparatively low in the districts south of the Elbe.
The search for a rental apartment:
Finding a rental apartment in Hamburg can be extremely challenging. The high demand for housing far exceeds supply. Apartment listings are often deleted within hours of being published because dozens or even hundreds of applicants have already applied. This means that many prospective tenants have to attend mass viewings, where it's difficult to stand out from other applicants. With PROGEDO as support, successfully searching for an apartment is considerably easier than on their own, especially for foreign professionals and managers who speak no or poor German.
Development of the rental market in Hamburg:
The rental market in Hamburg has developed rapidly in recent years. Rents have risen continuously, primarily due to high demand and limited housing in the city center. The rent control (Mietpreisbremse), introduced in Germany in 2015, had only a limited impact on rent trends in Hamburg, as many apartments were exempt from this regulation. This led to calls for stricter rent regulations in the city. An overview of the real estate market in Hamburg can be found here: https://www.capital.de/immobilien-kompass/hamburg
Alternatives in the surrounding area:
Since rents in Hamburg are often perceived as prohibitive, many people look for alternatives in the surrounding area. Cities such as Norderstedt, Ahrensburg, and Pinneberg in the north, or Buchholz and Buxthude in the south, offer good connections to Hamburg's city center and comparatively lower rents. While the commute into the city may be longer, for many, this is an acceptable option to escape Hamburg's high rents.
Another option is to live in the surrounding districts of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony, where rents tend to be lower. However, this option can result in longer commute times and requires good public transport connections.
What should you pay attention to when looking for an apartment:
When looking for an apartment in Hamburg, it's important to be well prepared. Here are some tips:
- Search early: Start your apartment search early, as the market is very competitive.
- Set a budget: Set a realistic budget for your monthly rent. Also consider additional costs like electricity, water, and heating.
- Preliminary application documents: Prepare all necessary documents such as proof of income, Schufa information and references to demonstrate your creditworthiness.
- Have patience: Be patient and don't let rejections discourage you. It may take some time to find the right apartment.
- Beware of scammers!: There are a growing number of fraudulent advertisements that appear very professional. Be suspicious if the rent appears to be very cheap or if you are asked to pay upfront for a deposit or for furnishings.
- If you entrust PROGEDO, a relocation agency with over 30 years of experience, with your apartment search assistance, your chances will increase significantly!
Advantages of using the PROGEDO Relocation Service when looking for an apartment:
- Local expertise: PROGED knows the regional housing market very well and can search specifically for suitable properties.
- Time savings: Our relocation service takes care of the tedious research and organization of viewing appointments, saving you a lot of time and effort.
- Negotiation skills: PROGEDO can help with lease negotiations and possibly convince the landlord that you are the ideal tenant.
- Language skills: All PROGEDO employees are fluent in German and English and can therefore help overcome language barriers.
- Comprehensive support: PROGEDO also offers support with other aspects of the move, such as registering in the city, finding schools, and much more.
Rent index and index rents:
The Hamburg rent index serves as a guide to rental prices in the city. It is updated every two years and takes into account various factors such as the year of construction, location, and amenities of the apartment. The rent index is intended to provide greater transparency in the rental market and prevent excessive rents.
Another important aspect of the Hamburg rental market is the so-called "index rents." These rents are linked to the development of the consumer price index and adjusted annually. This can lead to continuously rising rents, which can represent a financial burden for tenants. Especially given the current high inflation rate, this can lead to incalculable risks. Unfortunately, more and more new leases are only being offered with index rents.
Overall, the rental market in Hamburg remains challenging, but with patience, preparation, and realistic expectations, it is possible to find a suitable rental apartment. However, rising rents and high demand remain key issues in Hamburg's housing market, and the city is expected to continue taking measures to regulate rents.
Average rental prices in Hamburg
- 1 room, 20-30 sqm living space: furnished approx. 900 – 1,300 €, unfurnished 650 – 800 €
- 2 rooms 40-60 sqm living space: furnished approx. 1,300 – 1,900 €, unfurnished 800 – 1,200 €
- 3 rooms 60-90 sqm living space: furnished approx. 1,800 – 2,600 €, unfurnished 1,30 – 2,000 €
- 4 rooms, 80-120 sqm living space: furnished from approx. €2,500, unfurnished €1,800-2,500
Source: own research & experience
* for furnished apartments including additional costs such as water, gas and internet, but usually without electricity
Climate Hamburg
Due to its proximity to the North Sea and predominantly westerly winds, Hamburg's climate is temperate in summer and mild in winter. Lows rarely drop below zero in winter. In summer, Hamburg enjoys pleasant average temperatures of just over 20 degrees Celsius. On average, the sun only shines for around four hours a day, which isn't particularly high compared to other places in Germany. Even in midsummer, there are only exceptionally few hours of sunshine per day. There are many days of precipitation in Hamburg, an average of 10-12 per month. However, Munich has considerably more rainy days. It's not all that bad. Generally, however, the amount of rain is rather average. Occasionally, there are very humid, foggy days – these are what Hamburg refers to as the infamous "dirty weather."
Important links
SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN Hamburg
School system – Hamburg's school system begins with elementary school (grades 1-4). Primary school is usually determined by the residential area. Afterward, the child attends a secondary school: either a secondary school (Hauptschulabschluss after grade 9, Mittlere Reife after grade 10) or a secondary school (Gymnasium) (graduation after grade 13). In addition to public schools, Hamburg also has several international private schools, where early application is strongly recommended, as capacity is quickly exhausted.
Kindergarten – In Hamburg, all children from one year old until they start school have a legal right to five hours of free daycare, including lunch, at a daycare center. This requires a daycare voucher, which can be obtained from the district offices. Longer-term care is subject to a fee. Fees are based on income and family size.
More information:
https://www.elbkinder-kitas.de/de/kinder_und_eltern/finanzierung/kita_gutschein/index.html
https://bildungsserver.hamburg.de/hamburger-schulen/
International schools in Hamburg:
https://www.ishamburg.org/
https://www.isceducation.de/
https://lfh.de/
http://homepage.hamburg.de/jshh/
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How can PROGEDO help me as a relocation service agency in Hamburg?
PROGEDO Relocation Service in Hamburg helps make your arrival as relaxed and smooth as possible – from a hassle-free move to successful integration into your new city, we provide every support. This includes services such as finding a suitable apartment, assisting with the handover of your apartment, as well as with administrative procedures for applying for a residence permit, assistance with finding a school place and child benefit applications, and registering with utility companies.
What does relocation actually mean?
Relocation is the process of moving or relocating individuals or companies to a new location, whether within the country or internationally. This can include both personal relocations of individuals and professional transfers of professionals or managers, and often includes support to facilitate the transition to the new environment, allowing those involved to focus on what matters most.
What does a relocation agency actually do?
A relocation agency supports its clients, usually human resources managers, in the preparation and implementation of a relocation, relieving them of time and cost. Relocation can either be incurred through the temporary assignment of an employee abroad, but due to the shortage of skilled workers, it is becoming increasingly important to offer relocation services to applicants from abroad in order to attract them to your company and facilitate the integration of new international employees.
How does a relocation order work?
After contacting the HR department or the applicant to analyze the initial situation, a needs analysis is conducted with the employee concerned after the contract has been awarded. This forms the basis for the creation of an individually tailored relocation and immigration service to ensure optimal support for the client.
How much does relocation actually cost?
Our packages can be customized to meet the needs and wishes of our clients. Fees for necessary translations and administrative fees may be added to our service costs. For more detailed information, click on “Make an inquiry”
What else does PROGEDO offer?
PROGEDO sees itself as a holistic service provider. We combine immigration and relocation into a comprehensive process. Employees wishing to immigrate to Germany will find a service provider with us who supports them in applying for the necessary residence permit, helps them find accommodation, and assists with driver's license conversion.
What does PROGEDO not offer as a professional relocation agency?
As a professional immigration agency, we do not offer legal advice within the meaning of Section 2 Paragraph 1 of the German Immigration Act (RDG). We accompany our clients through every step of the immigration process for foreign skilled workers to Germany. Naturally, we cooperate with renowned and highly specialized immigration lawyers.