Expat Unity

Anmeldung in Germany: How to Register Your Address

In brief

  • Anmeldung is the registration of your address in Germany. You must complete it within two weeks of moving into your home.
  • You need your passport, a confirmation from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) and a completed form.
  • Registration takes place at the Bürgeramt (citizens' office; in some cities it has a different name) by appointment. On the day of the appointment you receive a Meldebescheinigung, a certificate of registration.
  • Your tax identification number (Steuer-ID) arrives later by post.
  • When you move within Germany, you need to register again (Ummeldung); when you leave the country, you need to deregister (Abmeldung).

Checked against official sources: 19 October 2026.

What Anmeldung is and the deadline for it

Anmeldung is the registration of your residential address with the local registration office (Meldebehörde). The law requires you to register within two weeks of moving into your home (§ 17 Bundesmeldegesetz). The deadline runs from the day you move in, regardless of when you arrived in the country.

Many other steps also depend on registration: contracts with a bank and a mobile provider, and authorities and employers often ask for your address.

Who must register

Everyone who moves into a home in Germany must register, regardless of citizenship. This applies to rented homes, your own property and a room in a flat. Children under 16 are registered by the people they are moving in with.

Which documents you need

The exact list depends on the city, so check it on your Bürgeramt's website. Usually you are asked for:

  • a passport or other identity document;
  • a confirmation from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung);
  • a completed registration form (Anmeldeformular), available on the city's website or at the office;
  • for families: a marriage certificate and the children's birth certificates, if the office requests them.

What a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is

It is a confirmation of moving in issued by the landlord or a person authorised by them. It states the landlord's name and address, the move-in date, the address of the home and the names of the people registering (§ 19 Bundesmeldegesetz). The landlord is obliged to help with registration. If they refuse or cannot issue the confirmation in time, inform the office immediately.

How to book an appointment and what happens there

In many cities you can book a Bürgeramt appointment online on the city's website. Appointments may be booked up several weeks ahead, so book right after signing your rental agreement.

At the appointment, an officer checks your documents and enters your address in the register. You usually receive the Meldebescheinigung the same day. You will need it for your bank, employer and other authorities. Your tax identification number (Steuer-ID) will arrive later by post at your registered address.

More about the Steuer-ID

Common difficulties

No appointments available

Check the city's website several times a day: cancelled slots appear unexpectedly. Also look at the websites of neighbouring districts or other Bürgeramt branches in your city. Keep a record of the dates you tried: if you miss the deadline because no appointments were available, it is important to show this to the office.

Subletting or a room from a private person

You need a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung in this case too. It is issued by whoever provides you with the home. If you rent a room from the main tenant, check in advance whether they are willing to confirm that you moved in.

Temporary accommodation

If you are staying in a hotel, a short-term rental or with friends, the rules depend on the type of accommodation and the length of stay. Ask the Bürgeramt in your city how to register in your case.

Ummeldung and Abmeldung

If you move to another flat in Germany, you must register the new address within two weeks of moving in (Ummeldung). If you leave Germany and do not take up a new home in the country, you must deregister within two weeks of moving out (Abmeldung). You can submit the notification no earlier than one week before you move out (§ 17 Bundesmeldegesetz).

Frequently asked questions

Can I complete Anmeldung without a confirmation from my landlord?

As a rule, the office requires a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. If the landlord does not issue it in time, the law obliges you to inform the office without delay (§ 19 Bundesmeldegesetz). Your Bürgeramt will tell you what to do next.

Is there a fine for late registration?

The law allows a fine for late registration of up to €1,000 (§ 54 Bundesmeldegesetz). The amount in a specific case is set by the authority. If you realise you will not make the deadline, it is best to book an appointment as early as possible.

Can someone else register on my behalf?

In many cities an authorised person can complete the registration for you. They usually need your written power of attorney and a copy of your identity document. The conditions vary, so check them with your Bürgeramt.

How long does it take to receive the Steuer-ID?

The Steuer-ID is sent by post to your registered address after Anmeldung. Usually 4–8 weeks after Anmeldung. If no letter arrives within 3 months, request the number again from the BZSt. Make sure your name is on the mailbox.

Do I need to register again after moving?

Yes. When you move to another flat, you need to register again (Ummeldung) within two weeks of moving in.

Do I need to deregister when I leave Germany?

Yes, if you do not take up a new home in Germany. You must complete the Abmeldung within two weeks of moving out; you can submit the notification one week before.

Need help with registration?

We book the appointment, check your set of documents and, if you wish, accompany you to the appointment. If your situation is non-standard, we will find a lawyer and arrange a consultation.

Help with relocation

Sources