If you are moving to Germany, one of the first things you need to do is register your address with the local authorities. This process is called the Anmeldung, and it is a legal requirement for everyone living in Germany for longer than three months.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Anmeldung in 2026: what documents you need, how to book your appointment, and what happens after you register. We also cover re-registration (Ummeldung) and deregistration (Abmeldung).
What is an Anmeldung?
The Anmeldung is the process of registering your residential address (Wohnsitz) with Germany's local registration office. It is required by the Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz, or BMG). Every person living in Germany, whether German or international, must register their address.
You must complete your Anmeldung within 14 days of moving into your new residence. The countdown starts from the day you physically move in. Failing to register on time can result in a fine of up to 1,000 euros under Section 54 of the Bundesmeldegesetz, although in practice, first-time delays are rarely penalized if you register as soon as you have stable accommodation.
The Anmeldung is also a prerequisite for nearly everything else you need to do in Germany. Without your registration confirmation (Meldebescheinigung), you will not be able to:
- Open a bank account
- Receive your tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)
- Apply for a residence permit
- Enroll in health insurance
How to book an Anmeldung appointment
In most German cities, you need to book an appointment at your local Citizens' Registration Office (Burgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt). You can usually do this online through your city's official website.
Here are the direct links for some major cities:
For other cities, search for your city name followed by "Anmeldung" or "Wohnsitz anmelden" (for example, "koeln.de Anmeldung").
In large cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, appointment slots often fill up weeks in advance. Cancellations are usually released early in the morning, so try checking the online booking system between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m. daily. In Berlin specifically, calling your local Burgeramt first thing in the morning to ask about same-day cancellation slots can also work.
As of 2026, fully online Anmeldung is not available in most of Germany. A small number of pilot programs exist (notably in parts of Bavaria using BundID/BayernID), but the vast majority of registrations still require an in-person appointment at the Burgeramt.
Documents you need for the Anmeldung
Before your appointment, make sure you have the following documents ready:
1. Registration form (Anmeldeformular / Meldeschein)
This is the official form you fill out and submit at the registration office. You can usually download it from your city's website in advance and complete it at home. Even if you use an English translation to understand the fields, the version you sign and submit must be the German original.
2. Valid ID or passport
Bring your passport or national ID card (original). Non-EU citizens should also bring their current visa or residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel).
3. Landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestatigung)
This is the most important document after your ID. The Wohnungsgeberbestatigung is a signed confirmation from your landlord (or property manager) stating that you have moved into the property. Under Section 19 of the Bundesmeldegesetz, your landlord is legally required to provide this document within two weeks of your move-in date. Without it, the registration office will not process your Anmeldung.
The form must include: the name and address of the landlord, the name of the property owner (if different from the landlord), your full name, the address of the property, and the date you moved in. Templates are available on most city websites.
In a sublet or flat-share situation, the main tenant can sign the form if the landlord has given permission. A rental contract alone is not a substitute for the Wohnungsgeberbestatigung. You need both.
4. Rental agreement (Mietvertrag)
While not always strictly required by law, bringing a copy of your rental contract is strongly recommended as a supporting document.
5. Marriage or birth certificates (if registering as a family)
If you are registering with family members, bring original marriage and birth certificates. Many offices require certified German translations if the originals are not in German or English.
What happens at the appointment
The actual appointment is usually quick, often around five to ten minutes. The clerk will review your documents, enter your information into the system, and hand you a registration confirmation certificate (Meldebescheinigung). This is your proof that you are officially registered in Germany.
Scan or photograph your Meldebescheinigung immediately and keep the original in a safe place. You will need it for opening a bank account, applying for a residence permit, and other administrative processes.
The Anmeldung itself is free of charge.
What happens after your Anmeldung
Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)
After your registration, the tax office will automatically generate and mail your tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer) to your registered address. This typically arrives within two to four weeks. You will need it for your employer and to file taxes in Germany. If you have previously been registered in Germany, your tax ID stays the same.
Broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag)
The registration office shares your data with the Beitragsservice (the body that collects Germany's public broadcasting fee). You will receive a letter within a few weeks asking you to register and pay. The fee is currently 18.36 euros per month per household (not per person), and this amount has been frozen at this level through at least the end of 2026. The fee applies regardless of whether you own a TV or radio.
If you live in a shared flat (WG), only one person per household needs to register and pay. You can set up payment or check exemption options at rundfunkbeitrag.de. Students receiving BAföG may be eligible for an exemption.
BundID (recommended)
Once you are registered, it is worth setting up a BundID account. BundID is Germany's central digital identity system for accessing online government services, such as applying for parental benefits (Elterngeld), student financial aid (BAföG), or handling other administrative tasks without an in-person visit. You can create an account at id.bund.de. To use the full range of features, you will need a German ID card or electronic residence permit with the online ID function activated, plus the AusweisApp on your smartphone.
Re-registering when you move within Germany (Ummeldung)
If you move to a new address within Germany, you need to re-register at the Burgeramt in your new area. This is called an Ummeldung. The same 14-day deadline applies from the date you move into the new place.
You will need the same documents as for a first-time Anmeldung: a filled-out registration form, your ID or passport, and a new Wohnungsgeberbestatigung from your new landlord. Bringing your new rental contract is also recommended.
You do not need to separately deregister from your old address when moving within Germany. Your previous registration is automatically overwritten when you register your new address.
Deregistering when you leave Germany (Abmeldung)
If you are leaving Germany permanently or for longer than six months without maintaining a residence, you must deregister your address. This is called an Abmeldung.
Under Section 17 of the Bundesmeldegesetz, you can deregister as early as seven days before your move-out date and must do so no later than 14 days after moving out. You can do this in person at the Burgeramt, by post, or in some cities by email.
You will receive a deregistration certificate (Abmeldebestatigung), which you should keep. You will need it to:
- Cancel your health insurance
- Terminate contracts (internet, phone)
- Deregister from the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag)
- Apply for a pension contribution refund in the future (if eligible, after 24 months under Section 210 SGB VI)
Since November 2016, you no longer need a landlord confirmation (Auszugsbestatigung) to deregister. That requirement was removed from the registration law.
If you do not deregister, you may remain liable for health insurance contributions, the broadcasting fee, and other obligations as though you never left Germany.
If you would like to know about the rental laws in Germany and information about other topics related to living in Germany, check out our blog for more guides.
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