Mandatory Procedure When Starting Residence in Germany
Residence registration must be completed within 14 days of arriving in Germany. Late registration can result in fines up to €1,000. Without registration, you cannot open a bank account, get a phone contract, or extend your visa.
Valid passport original (copies not accepted)
Original or copy of rental contract. Must have signatures from landlord and yourself
Move-in confirmation written by landlord. Landlord's signature required. Form can be downloaded from city hall website
Can be filled out online or on-site. Filling it out in advance saves time
Marriage certificate required if registering with spouse
Book an Anmeldung appointment on your city's Bürgeramt (citizens' office) website. In large cities, appointments may only be available 2-4 weeks out, so book as soon as possible.
💡 Tips
Prepare all required documents listed above. The landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) must be requested from your landlord in advance, which may take time.
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Visit the Bürgeramt at your appointment time. Take a number, wait, then submit your documents to the clerk. The clerk will verify documents and register you in the system.
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Once the procedure is complete, you'll receive a Meldebescheinigung (registration confirmation). Keep this document safe as it's needed for opening bank accounts, visa applications, etc.
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A: Some cities allow walk-ins, but wait times can be very long (2-4 hours). Appointments are recommended when possible.
A: Landlords are legally obligated to provide the confirmation. If they refuse, you can report them to the Ordnungsamt (public order office).
A: Registration itself is free. However, additional copies of the confirmation may cost €5-10 depending on the city.
A: Bring a German-speaking friend, or in some large cities, English-speaking staff may be available. Call ahead to check for English support.
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