IRC Blog

Berlin has a KlimaTram 11. January 2023 Berlin has a KlimaTram - the tram for climate protection! The joint project of Berlin4Future, Scientists4Future, BVG and Eckardt von Hirschhausen's foundation is finally on the streets of Berlin...

Influenza Vaccine 09. January 2023 Winter is here and due to the cooler weather, we are also starting into the time when people start to get the sniffles around us. It’s important to keep yourself and your family healthy...

Happy New Year From IRC! 30. December 2022 Wishing you a happy and successful 2023 from the whole team at IRC!

German Christmas 20. December 2022 The German Christmas is certainly a special affair which traditionally begins with the first Advent...

Christmas Tree Shopping Berlin 12. December 2022 Nothing says Christmas like a beautiful tree lighting up your home. Did you know this tradition stems from Germany and was...

What Is This German Tradition Called Nikolaus? 06. December 2022 Every year on December 6th we celebrate St. Nicholas Day. St. Nicholas Day owes its name to the holy bishop of Myra...

Christmas Markets Berlin 27. November 2022 „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.

The most unexpected challenge of life as an expat 08. November 2022 People moving abroad for a longer period of time are usually well prepared for culture shock as it is expected when first living in a foreign country. But when returning home, reverse culture shock often comes as an unpleasant surprise.

Halloween In Berlin - Trick-Or-Treat! 31. October 2022 Today is Halloween - a great time to explore the neighboorhood with your kids and grab some free candy from your neighbors!

Daylight Saving Reminder 26. October 2022 Summertime ends at 03:00am on Sunday, 30 October, 2022 – clocks go back by one hour.

29-Euro-Ticket For Berlin From October 25. October 2022 After much discussion and divided opinions on the 9€ ticket in summer, the VBB (Verkehrsbetrieb Berlin Brandenburg) agreed in September to a 29-Euro ticket.

Autumn In Berlin 18. October 2022 After a mixed summer, the glowing colours of Autumn can be a welcome sight and Berlin has so much to offer in this bright and cosy season.

New IRC Website! 01. August 2022 IRC has launched a new and improved website, we invite you to come and read some more in-depth information about our work and our wonderful team!

Quick Covid 19 Testing in Berlin 22. July 2022 Rapid tests in Berlin are no longer free of charge.

9-Euro-Ticket for Berlin and Germany 30. May 2022 New reduced tickets for the german public transport during the summer months!

Life in Germany & IRC - Collab! 22. February 2022 We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Jenna Davis from Life in Germany. Meet Jenna!

Teufelsberg Berlin - Fabulous Views And Street-Art! 16. February 2022 Reminiscences of the cold war and famous street art with a beautiful view of the city.

IRC & SPRACHWEISER - Our Partner for Language Training & Translation 10. February 2022 Get to know our new partner for language training and translation.

Dental Care in Germany 27. January 2022 A guide to affordable dental care in Germany.

Meet the Team – Ina! 12. January 2022 Ina Bozhilova is the head of the Private Relocations Department and a Relocation Consultant. She is the newest member of the team.

My Experience - Why Spouse Career Counseling Should Be A Top Priority! 06. January 2022 Spouse Counseling, one of the most poignant but often neglected parts of an assignment or relocation to a partner’s new employer.

Relocation Experience - Malavasi Family 03. January 2022 In this editorial series we interview some of our clients about their personal experiences of relocating to Berlin and how our services helped them along the way. Get to know family Malavasi!

Discover Berlin - Spandau 30. November 2021 Spandau is separated from the rest of Berlin by the Havel river, resulting in a unique feeling: the Spandauers are local patriots.

Discover Berlin - Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf 29. November 2021 The former center of West Berlin also known as 'City West'.

Discover Berlin - Steglitz-Zehlendorf 28. November 2021 Steglitz-Zehlendorf is one of the more affluent areas of Berlin – the idyll and tranquillity, far from the big city’s hustle and bustle, provides a much sought-after balance.

Discover Berlin - Treptow-Köpenick 27. November 2021 It is Berlin’s district with the largest area and lowest population density, consisting of seventy percent water and parkland.

Discover Berlin – Tempelhof-Schöneberg 24. November 2021 The multicultural district of Tempelhof-Schöneberg is known for its parks, great restaurants and cafés.

Discover Berlin - Reinickendorf 20. November 2021 Reinickendorf was formed in 1920 from Reinickendorf, Wittenau, Tegel, Heiligensee, Hermsdorf, Lübars, and three estate districts.

Pets in Germany 26. October 2021 When you move abroad, it might not only be your family members of the two-legged kind you want to bring – your pet is coming too! Or you want to get a pet while living in Germany, here is what you need to know.

Berlin's Stolpersteine 30. September 2021 Strolling around Berlin’s streets, you have probably noticed little gold-coloured cubes (10x10cm) which are embedded into the pavement- these cubes are known as Stolpersteine and they hold huge significance.

History Behind Berlin's Iconic Sights 13. September 2021 Come with us and discover the icons of the Berlin landscape and the history behind them.

Berlin Markets 03. September 2021 Berlin offers a huge variety of street markets. Let's have a look at our favorites!

Visa and Immigration Service 03. September 2021 The most important ingredient for a successful international transfer of your employees is the timely approval of all necessary applications.

Contemporary Art in Berlin 25. August 2021 Berlin, one of Europe’s largest and most diverse culture hubs, offers a variety of unique and interesting art experiences.

Private Relocation Assistance 28. May 2021 Moving abroad is a very exciting prospect but relocation can also be very daunting. This is where private relocation support can make all the difference.

Berlin Rent Cap Toppled 27. April 2021 Berlin’s rent cap, the so-called ‘Mietendeckel’ has been toppled with far-reaching consequences for many tenants.

Relocation Story - Goel Family 18. November 2020 Nagesh, his wife Aditi and their 3-year-old son Aadish moved from Nürnberg to Berlin in the Spring of 2020. Hear their story!

Housing Market Report Berlin 09. November 2020 Dynamic economy, declining migration. Berlin’s positive economic development is unbroken and will probably receive a further boost in the near future.

How can a relocation company help your business? 07. October 2020 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?

Tag Der Deutschen Einheit - 3rd October - Public Holiday 02. October 2020 The 3rd of October, 2020 is the ‚Tag der Deutschen Einheit‘ a public holiday where the reunification of Germany is celebrated.

What Is Relocation? 23. September 2020 We often find that people don’t know what a relocation actually entails and what a relocation company actually does. Let us explain…

IRC Goes Climate Positive 09. September 2020 IRC has moved our website to a climate positive host on WordPress. For every WordPress page, a tree is planted and the data processing centres and offices are guaranteed to be run completely generated by hydro-power.

Child-Care Alternatives - No Kita, No Problem! 01. September 2020 The Child-care system in Berlin is fantastic however one of the biggest issues we see in our ’new Berliners‘ arriving with young families is finding Kita placement. Here are two alternatives!

LGBTI* Berlin 21. August 2020 At IRC we are a proud ally of all LGBTQI* and the LGBTQI* community. Our ethic and work environment is one of openness, inclusion and anti-discrimination.

Staycation - Explore Germany! 07. August 2020 We would like to inspire your travel plans and show you a few ideas of what the States around Berlin have to offer!

The School System In Germany 07. July 2020 We would like to help you understand the basic structure of the German school system and what you and your child will encounter.

Kindergeld - Child Allowance, What You Need To Know! 09. June 2020 Kindergeld (Child allowance) is something every new resident of Germany with children needs to know about. Read on to get information on how to apply!

IRC Berlin In A Nutshell! 28. April 2020 Let us introduce ourselves! This is our company in a nutshell.

Face Masks For Protection - Covid 19 24. April 2020 Face masks become mandatory from the 27.04. on public transport in Berlin and they are highly recommended for use while shopping. We want to help you to find a mask for you!

Food Pick-Up & Delivery Services Berlin 14. April 2020 While we are all staying home and doing our part to flatten the curve there is a great way to still support local food businesses with shopping and or having a lovely meal delivered. These are our picks of the week!

Wecreation is the Startup of the Week! 09. April 2020 Our partners at Wecreation are Startup of the week at Innoloft – check out the interview with Christian and learn more about the work do.

Meet the Team - Radha - Chief Technology Officer 24. March 2020 Radha Barna Roa is the Chief Technology Officer at IRC. He has been with IRC since the end of 2017 as a freelancer for technical support and at the beginning of 2020, he started the position as CTO.

Berlin Mietendeckel (Rent Control) 17. March 2020 In June 2019 the Mietendeckel (Rent Control) Law came into force. We would like to provide you with a basic overview of the current situation and some links to further articles by local providers.

Corona Crisis and IRC Berlin E.K. 15. March 2020 Several weeks ago, everything still felt in order. In the meantime, the WHO has officially declared Coronavirus a global pandemic and the German government has taken stringent measures, also the City State of Berlin. Temporary Precautionary Measures in effect as of Monday. March 16th 2020.

Driving in Germany (Führerschein) 10. March 2020 If you are considering staying longer than 6 months and will ever want to drive, it is important to deal with the drivers license issue as soon as possible, especially since for some license holders time can be of the essence. Learn more here!

Meet the Team - Luisa - Account Manager & Relocation Consultant 03. March 2020 Luisa Haack is an Account Manager and Relocation Consultant at IRC. She has been with IRC since 2017 looking after assignees as they start their new life in Berlin. Meet Luisa!

Rent Control/Freeze - KCRW Podcast 02. March 2020 A good overview/discussion on the ‚Mietendeckel‘ Rent Control/Rent Freeze which came into effect on the 01.03.2020 KCRW Podacst.

Heads Up - Covid 19 - Keeping Safe 26. February 2020 This is a heads up on the actions you can take to keep yourself healthy and safe when dealing with an infectious illness such as Covid 19 (Corona Virus).

Meet the Team - Anja - Account Manager & Senior Consultant 25. February 2020 Anja Kunzke is an Account Manager & Senior Consultant at IRC. She has been with IRC since 2013 and she is very experienced in the relocation business. Meet Anja!

Meet the IRC Team - Niklas - General Manager 18. February 2020 I joined IRC-Berlin in January 2019 and took over from Ariane in January 2020. Currently, I’m adjusting and setting up my vision in my new position as General Manager for IRC. Meet Niklas!

Happy Valentines Day! 14. February 2020 IRC wishes you a very happy Valentines Day!

Be My Valentine Berlin 13. February 2020 Berlin is a city you can LOVE and a city to be in LOVE in. Let us guide you to some stunning places which will make you feel those butterflies in your stomach.

The IRC Team - Ariane - Founder & Board Of Advisory 10. February 2020 Ariane Almerood has worked in the relocation sector for 21 years, she founded IRC 15 years ago and built the company to what it is today. 2020 she passed on the leadership of IRC to her son Niklas Almerood, but she is still supporting IRC and the consultants with her extensive knowledge in her role on the Board of Advisors. Meet Ariane!

IRC Relocation meets Intercultural Training 30. January 2020 Starting in 2020 IRC is excited to announce, that we will be partnering with Friederike von Denffer and Elisabeth Villalta (IRC Independant Consultants) for Intercultural Training to support our assignees and their spouses and children on their relocation journey.

Post Move - Communication With Family And Friends 28. January 2020 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!

Event - Street Food Thursday - Markthalle Neun 23. January 2020 A weekly event at Markthalle Neun, Street Food Thursday, is a fabulous way to have a great afternoon out – delicious food and a fun atmosphere is waiting for you.

Waste & Recycling - How To in Germany 21. January 2020 The German system for waste and recycling might be a little more extensive than elsewhere, however, it’s great news for the environment because most people take it seriously and do what they can. Read on to learn how to correctly dispose of your waste.

Cumpolsory Vaccination 15. January 2020 We would like to share some information with you about compulsory vaccinations in Germany, there have been recent law changes which affect all kindergarten and school children as well as adults working in childcare or the medical sector and also for refugees/asylum seekers living in group accommodation.

IRC Relocation meets Change Management 10. January 2020 Starting in 2020 IRC is excited to announce, that we will be partnering with WEcreation to offer Change Management workshops to support our clients and their staff on their relocation journey.

Winter In Berlin 07. January 2020 When Christmas has passed and we have welcomed in a new year – Winter really starts to take hold in Berlin and it can be a time where people start to develop the winter blues. We want to help you to find ways to keep yourself busy and to make this time of year as enjoyable as possible.

Getting Around Berlin - Shared Economy 05. December 2019 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, better for the environment and far less expensive than the purchase and upkeep of a car.

English Speaking Clubs and Organizations Berlin 03. December 2019 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. Learn more!

BVG Berlin Transport - School Ticket (Schülerticket) 26. November 2019 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. Learn more!

Relocation with a family - A little research goes a long way! 21. November 2019 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. Let us give you some advice.

Winter Clothing For Children When Living In Germany 20. November 2019 Winter clothing for children (and adults) is taken very seriously in Germany, mainly because it can be very cold and people like to enjoy the outdoors in all weather. It’s time to get your family winter ready!

A Few Things I Wish I Would Have Known When I Moved To Germany ... 15. November 2019 That stores are closed on Sundays and on German public holidays. In case of emergencies, you can always go to the airport and use the grocery store there. It is more expensive, but it is open on Sunday! Continue to learn more.

What Do You Mean There's No Kitchen?! Those Quirky German Ways. 12. November 2019 Welcome to Germany, what do you know about life in Germany? Is it all oompah music, steins of beer, Lederhosen and large portions of Meat & Potatoes? Well yes, there is that too but there is so much more to learn about those quirky german ways...

Berlin City Districts - Overview 06. November 2019 Berlin was founded in the 15th Century by Albrecht der Bär on the banks of the river Spree, it went on to become the capital of Prussia and a central player in the formation of the German Empire. Berlin was divided by a wall for 1961 to 1989 after WWII and upon reunification, the city started to flourish again.

Health Care In Germany 31. October 2019 The German health care system is one of the best in the world. Everyone is required to be insured and this insurance covers a large range of medical care across the board from General Practitioners, Specialists, preventative measures to dental. Learn More!

TK - Safe App - Digital Medical Record 29. October 2019 We would like to inform you about a new app designed and offered by the TK Health Insurance regarding your medical records. One of the main objectives of the „TK-Safe“ digital medical record is to link health information for the benefit of patients.

Grocery Shopping 24. October 2019 Grocery shopping in Germany can be different to other countries, especially if you are used to long opening hours and convenient weekend shopping as it is offered in other places. Here are some tips!

Useful BVG Ticket Infos 06. April 2019 Here are some useful informations about tickets for the berlin public transport system.

Berlin, How You Have Grown! 05. April 2019 Moving to Berlin in 1998 was an adventure: Adjusting to the “Berliner Schnauze”, their rough, often hurting tone and choice of words, was a challenge after leaving Munich and their “Grüss Gott” culture. Here is my experience!

We Would Like To Welcome You To Your New Home Berlin 03. April 2019 This blog is a way that the IRC Team and our clients can share their experience and knowledge with you. Have a look!

Quick Guide To Kindergartens In Berlin 03. April 2019 One of the most important topics for a family with young children moving to Berlin is finding a kindergarten which suits their children and where they feel their children will be well looked after. So here we have just a small overview of the most important points regarding Kindergartens in Berlin.

Spring Time In Berlin 03. April 2019 The winter in Berlin can be long, cold, very grey and at times the city just simply cannot seem any drearier but come late March slowly but surely the sun begins to shine, the city starts to come to life, and we become hopeful for Spring!