When you move into a flat or house in Germany, you must register your address. This is also called residence registration (Anmeldung). You register at the citizens' office (Bürgeramt). The Bürgeramt is the office of your city or municipality that handles registration matters. In some places it is also called the residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) or citizens' bureau (Bürgerbüro). Registration is required for everyone who moves into a home in Germany. This also applies to people from EU countries. You must register within two weeks of moving in. Registration is very important, because many other steps depend on it. For example, you need it for a current account (Girokonto), for your tax ID (Steuer-ID) and often for your appointment at the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).
What you need
- A home where you actually live. This can also be a room in a shared flat (Wohngemeinschaft) or a sublet (Untermiete).
- Passport or ID card (Reisepass or Personalausweis): a valid identity document for each person you register.
- Landlord's confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung): This is a form from your landlord. In it, they confirm that you have moved into the home. The housing provider (Wohnungsgeber) is the person who provides you with the home. Usually this is the landlord. In a sublet, it can also be the main tenant.
- Registration form (Anmeldeformular): This is the official form for registration. You can usually find it on your city's website or at the Bürgeramt. In some cities, the staff fill out the form for you at the appointment.
- Certificates for your family: If you are also registering your spouse or children, the Bürgeramt may ask for a marriage certificate (Heiratsurkunde) or birth certificates (Geburtsurkunden). Certificates from abroad may need a translation. Ask beforehand.
- If you have them: your visa or your residence permit. A residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) is the permission to live in Germany.
- An appointment, if your Bürgeramt only works by appointment.
Step by step
- Ask your landlord for the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. It is best to ask right away when you get the keys.
- Search your city's website for „Anmeldung Wohnsitz“. There you will find which Bürgeramt is responsible for you and how to get an appointment.
- Book an appointment. Do this as early as possible. In big cities there are often waiting times.
- Fill out the registration form at home if your city requires it. Write your name exactly as it appears in your passport.
- Have all your documents ready as originals. Also bring the appointment confirmation.
- Arrive at your appointment on time. The staff member checks your documents and enters your details.
- You receive a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung). This is a document that shows you are registered at this address. Check immediately that your name, your date of birth and your address are correct.
- Keep the Meldebescheinigung in a safe place. Take a photo or make a copy. You will need it often, for example at the bank or for contracts.
- Wait for a letter from the Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern). After your first registration in Germany, you will automatically receive your tax identification number (Steuer-Identifikationsnummer) by post. You can read more about this under Getting your tax ID.
Costs and deadlines
- Deadline: You must register within two weeks of moving in.
- Costs: Registration itself is usually free of charge. If you need another Meldebescheinigung later, this may cost something. Ask your Bürgeramt about this.
- Late registration: If you register too late, the office may charge a fine (Bußgeld). A Bußgeld is a payment of money as a penalty.
- Landlord's obligation: Your landlord must give you the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung in time so that you can meet the deadline.
Common problems for newcomers
No appointment within two weeks
In many cities, appointments are hard to get. Book the earliest available appointment anyway and keep the confirmation. This way you can show that you took care of it in time. Check the website regularly, because appointments sometimes become available. In some cities you can go to any Bürgeramt in the city, not just the nearest one.
No permanent home yet
You can only register if you live in a home. If you are staying with friends at first or in a sublet, the main tenant or owner can issue the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. If you are only staying in a hotel or accommodation for a short time, ask the Bürgeramt what applies to you. Without a registered address, it is often harder to get a bank account. Read more under Opening a bank account.
The landlord does not give you the confirmation
Your landlord is required by law to give you the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Ask them again in writing. If they still refuse, tell the Bürgeramt.
Little German
The language at the office is German. Not all staff speak English or other languages. If possible, bring someone who can translate. Fill out the form at home beforehand. Some cities have help or explanations in other languages on their website.
No Schufa
You do not need a Schufa report (Schufa-Auskunft) to register. Schufa collects data on whether people pay their bills. However, registration will later help you build up a Schufa record. Read more under Understanding and building your Schufa.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone else register me?
In many cases, yes. They will then need a written power of attorney (Vollmacht) from you. A Vollmacht is a document in which you allow someone to act on your behalf. Ask the Bürgeramt beforehand which documents the person needs to bring.
Can I register online?
This is possible in some cities. Usually you need a German ID card or a card with an online function for this. Your city's website will tell you whether this is possible for you.
What do I do if I move within Germany?
Then you register at your new address. You also have two weeks for this. Deregistration (Abmeldung) from your old address happens automatically. If you leave Germany completely, you must deregister at the Bürgeramt.
Do I need the registration for the immigration office?
Usually, yes. The Ausländerbehörde is the office for residence and visas. It often asks for your Meldebescheinigung. So register first. You can read more about this under Sorting out your residence permit.
What comes after registration?
With the Meldebescheinigung, you can take care of many other things. These include, for example, a current account, health insurance (Krankenversicherung) and the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag). If you have children, you can also apply for child benefit (Kindergeld).