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How to Get a free Schufa Report in Berlin. Step-by-Step Guide for Expats.
Learn how to get your free of charge Schufa report in Berlin. A practical guide with actionable steps for expats applying for accomodation, jobs, or financial services.
About the SCHUFA
The SCHUFA is Germany’s main credit bureau, collecting and sharing information about individuals’ financial reliability. Landlords, banks, and service providers often require a SCHUFA report before approving rentals, loans, or contracts. A good SCHUFA score is above 90%, but a score of 97.5% or higher is considered excellent and ideal for major financial commitments like mortgages. While a free annual report exists, most landlords expect the paid version (€29.95) for apartment applications. For expats in Berlin, getting a SCHUFA is an essential step when renting a flat or setting up key services.
Step 1: Visit the SCHUFA website
The first step to obtain your SCHUFA report is to request a paid copy through the official SCHUFA website (←go there and click on the yellow button “jetzt bestellen” to start the procedure). This document can also be requested at the Postbank website (←go there and click on the blue button “Jetzt SCHUFA-BonitätsCheck bestellen” to place your order), at local Postbank branches, or through online platforms offering immediate access for a fee. Although, you are entitled to one free report per year according to German regulation. Click here to request your online free SCHUFA
Step 2: Order a free copy of your SCHUFA report
↑ Click the link above to land on this page ↓. There, click on “Jetzt beantragen” to start the procedure for getting a free physical SCHUFA report sent to your mailbox.
Step 3: Enter your personal details
↓ Here fill in your personal information, including your “Vorname” (first name) and “Nachname” (last name). You can also provide your “Geburtsname” (maiden name/birth name), which is your original family name before any changes, as well as any “Früherer Name” (former name) you have used. Both of these fields are optional. Finally, enter your birth date under the field “Wann sind Sie geboren?” (when were you born). Once you’re ready , click on “Weiter” (next).
Step 4: Enter your address
↓ Here, for “Wie lautet Ihre aktuelle Anschrift” (what’s your current address?), you will fill in the fields for “Straße” (street), “Hausnummer” (house number), “PLZ” (postal code), and “Wohnort” (place of residency), where you’ll enter “Berlin.” For the field “Land” (country), select “Deutschland” (Germany). Once you have filled everything out, click “Weiter” (next).
Step 5: Further details
↓ Here, you’re asked if you’ve moved home recently (“Sind Sie kürzlich umgezogen?“), specifically within the last 12 months. If you have, you’ll need to provide your previous address. You must select either “Ja, ich bin umgezogen” (Yes, I have moved) or “Nein, ich bin nicht umgezogen” (No, I have not moved).
↓ If you have moved within the last 12 months, fill in the fields here with your previous address., then click on “Weiter” (next).
Step 6: Check your data
↓ Here, you will get an overview of all the information you have entered, including whether or not you have changed your address. Under the field “Jetzt beantragen” (order now), you can enter your email (optional) to receive a confirmation.
Step 7: You're done
That was the last step. After you press “Jetzt beantragen” ↑ on the previous screen, you will get a confirmation page, but no further action is required from you. You will receive a verification email if you entered your email address. Now you just have to wait up to one week for your free paper copy to arrive in your mailbox.
Important information
This free report, while not accepted by landlords or institutions, lets you check your credit score before you buy an official report. You can take action to improve it if needed, (e.g., correcting errors, paying off debts)
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