Looking for British Expats in Berlin?

Thinking about moving to Berlin as a Briton? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what British expats in Berlin wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• The culture and nightlife are unmatched. Berlin scores 92% for culture and nightlife — one of the highest scores anywhere — and 84% for culinary variety.

• It's reliable, green, and well-run. Britons praise a city where things work, with little corruption and punctual, reliable people, plus 73% rating environmental policy positively.

• Transport and cycling are excellent. 83% rate the availability of public transportation positively and 81% getting around on foot or by bike, with careers and salaries a plus.

• Balance and green space stand out. 67% are happy with their work-life balance (above the global average of 62%) and 81% rate the natural environment positively.

• Bureaucracy is the biggest gripe. Just 15% of expats in Berlin find it easy to deal with local authorities, and Britons describe endless contracts and direct debits.

• Locals can seem cold at first. Only 28% say making local friends is easy — Berliners are notoriously reserved — though many warm up once you know them.

• Housing and safety take adjusting. Only 16% rate housing affordability positively and 71% personal safety (vs. 81% globally).

• Tech and grey winters frustrate. Slow admin and technology come up often, and just 24% rate the climate positively.

For Britons, Berlin offers unbeatable culture, a reliable, green city, and real balance at a lower cost than Munich. The trade-offs are heavy bureaucracy, a reserved welcome, and grey winters. Overall happiness (58%) sits below the global average — it rewards those who come for the culture and creativity.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our British members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

With InterNations, British expats in Berlin are able to find both the help they need as well as lots of valuable information. The German Capital offers so much for expats to explore - our community helps you enjoy your stay to the fullest.

• Look through our Members Network to connect with Berlin’s British expats.
• Become active in our Expat Forums in order to find insider tips and suggestions from fellow British expats in Berlin.
• Make full use of the Expat Guide for Berlin to obtain important information on your temporary home abroad.

Our Berlin community is also lively and welcoming offline. The InterNations Ambassadors host regular get-togethers and a range of expat activities, e.g. a chic dining experience in Berlin’s trendiest restaurant or a get-away with fellow British expats to discover beautiful Bavaria. These activities make it easy for you to get to know other expats from United Kingdom in your local community and meet Brits in Germany in a comfortable setting. If this sounds interesting to you, simply sign up for membership – we are looking forward to welcoming you among our Brits living in Berlin!