Awarded each year on 1 October, the anniversary of the Berlin Constitution, the order is limited to no more than 400 living recipients.

[2] The Order of Merit of Berlin is awarded in a single class.

The badge of the order is a white enamel Maltese cross edged in red.

In the center of the cross is a depiction of the golden crowned Coat of arms of Berlin surrounded by a gold wreath.

It is worn around the neck on a white ribbon with red edges.