Anmeldung: residence registration – simply explained.
Who knew that one of your first encounters with German bureaucracy could be so terrifying? Doing your Anmeldung in Berlin is however essential to your new life here.
This small guide is explaining how to do the Anmeldung in English in Berlin (and all other cities in Germany). It also aims at giving you tips to save time & stress. And if everything fails, you can always ask a question in the comments.
What is the Anmeldung in Germany?
In English: Anmeldung is Germany is registering your current address with the local authorities. This is one of the most important administrative steps for anybody moving to Germany. Anmeldung comes from “An/melden“, to register in German. This needs to be done in person.
When doing so, you will be given the “Meldebescheinigung“, a residence registration certificate. This innocent piece of paper will be necessary in many aspects of your life in this country. You will be asked for this if you want to sign-up for health insurance, open a bank account, set up an internet connection or simply obtain a tax ID number.
How to do the Anmeldung in Berlin (& any city):
1- Secure an appointment
In larger cities, it is strongly recommended to book an appointment to avoid long waiting times. In some cities like Berlin, it is even compulsory to book an appointment before-hand. You will find the link below to book to do your Anmeldung in Berlin, and other cities too.
- Book an appointment in Berlin here.
- Book an appointment in Munich here
- Book an appointment in Frankfurt here.
- Book an appointment in Hamburg here.
- Book an appointment in Stuttgart here.
- Book an appointment in Dortmund here.
- Book an appointment Düsseldorf here.
- For any other city try to Google, “Meldebehörde Anmeldung City Termin”
You will be given an appointment number, unique to you. Make sure to store it safely. Without it, you won’t be able to attend. I have also made a detailed post on get an appointment fast at the Bürgeramt in Berlin.
2- Bring the right documents with you
As you could expect, Germany loves a long list of documents. Bring these to the appointment with you:
- The form called “Anmeldung bei einer Meldebehörde“. You will find it on your city website or use Appmeldung instead to fill it in easily in English 100% digitally. This form lists your personal details, addresses, document details, etc.
Here is a small guide on filling in the Anmeldung form in English. - The form called “Wohnungsgeberbestätigung“. This document is a statement from your landlord that you have moved in at the address. The main tenant can also fill this in, in case of sublet or flatshare.
You can use this guide to fill in the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung in English. - An ID card or passport.
- Your tenancy or sublet contract for good measure. If you are simply temporarily staying at a friend’s or a relative’s while looking for something more permanent, have them write and sign a letter stating that you are staying with them. Here is a draft you can use.
- A birth certificate (optional).
You may also need the following documents:
- If you are in Germany on a visa, bring your residence permit with you.
- If you are married/in a partnership, they will also want see a relevant marriage certificate, translated in German by a certified translator.
- If you are divorced/separated with children, you will need a letter of consent from the other parent stating that they agree the child/children should live with you.
3- Attend the appointment
Armed with your trusty stack and your appointment number, show up on time. A few elements to remember and/or consider:
- Most city workers won’t be speaking English to you. It’s not because they can’t, it’s simply because they are liable if they mistranslate or misrepresent something to you. You can bring someone with you, if you need assistance registering your address with the language.
- Registration includes giving away your religion. It’s completely normal as there is a church tax in Germany.
- If you come here to work, it’s best to mention it during the appointement. The worker will then request a German tax ID for you.
- You can usually request 1-2 extra copies of your registration certificate for free. Extra copies will cost you 5-10 euros. Cash only usually.
- If everything is in order, the city worker will give you your registration certificate, complete with stamp. Make sure that all details are accurate before leaving the office.
- Store your Meldebescheinigung safely.
Things you should know
Who needs to register their address in Germany?
Everyone who becomes a German resident must register their address with the local authorities, as stated by law (§17 of the Bundesmeldegesetz). The reason of your stay in the country or your nationality makes no exception to this rule.
This is also a requirement if you simply change addresses, it is then called the Ummeldung.
Visitors staying in Germany for less than 3 months:
Another piece of law (§27 BMG) states that visitors do not need to register in the following cases:
- You are visiting the country for less than 3 months, typically tourists.
- You are registered somewhere else in Germany, and stay in another city for less than 6 months.
In this case, be aware that you will be deprived of some possibilities. You won’t be able sign up with a mobile phone provider, so make sure you can sort that out through other ways.
About registration deadlines, and possible fines
The German law states that the Anmeldung in Berlin & any other city in Germany must be done within 2 weeks after your move-in date (§54 BMG). Anyone failing to do that exposes themselves to fines up to 1000€.
This can cause some stress because newcomers are sometimes faced with one of those situation:
- They didn’t know registration was compulsory and failed to register.
- They can’t find any appointment to register within the time limit.
However, there is no cause for concern because there is no usually no harsh consequences involved. Fines are very rarely applied when it’s a honest mistake or if there were no appointment slots available. You might get a harsh look but that’s about it.
Also, do know that the deadline is extended further in the future when using short-term accommodations, considered “commercial” as per German law (§29 BMG). It is then 3 months after move-in date.
Who can fill-in the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
It’s a legal duty to provide the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung to anyone who signs a tenancy contract (§19 BMG). The following people are able to provide/sign this document:
- A landlord: that can be a private person or the estate management company (Hausverwaltung). This is the most common case.
- A main tenant: this is common in flat shares or in sublets. However, do make sure that the landlord is aware of it.
- A friend lending their couch: Even if you don’t pay rent, your friend can also do that. Again, in theory, the landlord must be aware of it. This applies also if you move in with your partner/husband/wife.
- Yourself: when you own your place, you are the landlord. So you do it yourself.
Bürgeramt, Bürgerbüro, Rathaus, or Kundezentrum?
This post was originally meant to explain how to do the Anmeldung in Berlin, thus only the term Bürgeramt was used here. However, since people from everywhere in Germany are reading this, it’s worthwhile to say that it’s called differently in other parts of the country. So check the local lingo. 🙂 Those terms can be used interchangeably in this post.
Filling-in the Anmeldung forms online in English, is that possible?
If you really don’t know any German and don’t know anybody who can help, this simple task can be hard to achieve. There are so many things to think about when moving to Germany, so it’s sometimes nice to take a little shortcut! To make your life easier, you can turn to Appmeldung, which lets you fill in the Anmeldung form in English for Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich. Disclaimer: Appmeldung was built by the guy behind this blog.
How to get an appointment at the Bürgeramt, fast
The demand for appointements at the Bürgeramt is so high that the first available slot is usually weeks away. This can be a real challenge, especially if you need to get your life in order now. You can use those 2 tips to increase your chances:
- Check the booking system at 8 a.m. This is when the whole system is refreshed and it often shows open slots when it didn’t a few minutes before. Especially on mondays.
- Keep refreshing the page, or else use a browser extension that can detect changes on the page. It can warn you when a new slot is available. Try this for Chrome.
- In larger cities, you can often go to any Bürgeramt in the city. Offices located outside the city center tend to be less busy. Sometimes, you can even get something for the same day!
- Use your phone. Larger cities have setup dedicated hotlines to book appointments. This may help too.
- Call 030 115 in Berlin.
- Call 040 115 in Hamburg.
- Call 069 115 in Frankfurt.
- Call 089 23396 000 in Munich.
- Other cities, try googling “Anmeldung hotline [cityname]”
Et voila, you are on the fast track.
Next steps after the Anmeldung
This is usually what whappens when you have registered:
- You receive a German tax ID if you have requested to work.
- You receive a German social security number if relevant.
- You can now open a bank account in Germany.
- You can now sign-up for health insurance in Germany with a local provider.
- You can now register as a freelancer, start your job or enroll at a university.
- You can now sign-up for services like internet service providers, mobile phone service, electricity or gas providers.
FAQ about the Anmeldung in Germany
The German administration wants landlords to fill in that document to confirm that you moved in. This also makes sure that the landlord is aware of the sublet, which is required by law. It also seems that the Bürgeramt employees don’t care and/or don’t check. It’s up to you to take that risk.
This probably means that they are not allowed to sub-rent their room. They maybe live in a WBS flat (where rent is subsidized by the city) or they haven’t let the landlord know about it. This is a bad bet if you need to register to start working and stuff.
It’s obvious, to register your flat with the Anmeldung in Berlin, you need to have found one. But for many of us, we haven’t found one yet. A simple letter from a friend letting you stay at their place will be enough to register. Same goes in case of a sublet situation. Bear in mind that in theory, the landlord should always be aware of who is living in the place, providing a written confirmation that you have moved in there.
Each Bürgeramt seems to have its own policy regarding appointments. The best is maybe to call one to check with them. If they do accept walk-ins, go queue there 30min before opening time to make sure you have a ticket. You may also want to go to less busy offices. Read onto the next question for more details.
You can register at any Bürgeramt in Berlin but check for other cities. This is especially useful if you need to register fast. You can travel to a less popular Bezirke that has less traffic to get an appointment sooner. You’d need to check about that for other cities than Berlin.
It depends on a few factors and on where you live. In Berlin, the law says that for each adult person, there should be at least 9 sqm, and for kids only 6 sqm. In Bavaria, that is 10 sqm per person over 6 years old, 6 sqm per person under 6 years old.
Absolutely. Someone can represent you and do all this for you provided this person has all the required documents together with your ID/Passport and a Vollmacht (a procuration) for this person.
No, you will be fine. If you could have been considered a temporary visitor until now but your plans have changed simply book an appointment asap.
Most cities do not require a tenancy contract anymore to do the Anmeldung. Check your local city’s policy. It’s still a good idea to bring it with you for good measure.
This document is required to be able to do the Anmeldung in Berlin. However city workers usually don’t have the time or resources to check who filled-in that document during the appointement. Keep in mind that it is illegal to produce a fraudulent version of that document.
No. Welcome to Germany.
If some reason, you cannot have your name on the mailbox, you should insert the name on the mailbox in your address with “bei” like this:
First Name Last Name
bei [name on mailbox]
Schlesisches Tor 1
10999 Berlin
I hope this guide about the Anmeldung in English for Berlin and other cities helped to answer some of your questions. Feel free to ask more in the comments.
Bastien
Hello, I am a (writing thesis) student in Berlin university, but from last one semester I have rented my studentenwohnheim apartment and I am living with my wife in other German city, I will live one more semester with my wife. Again for this current semester to i asked to rent it out to a coming friend from India. Now the problem is studentenwohnheim people said I can not rent my apartment twice in a year(it is against some studentenwohnheim rules). My question is can I give a confirmation letter to my friend stating that he will be staying in my apartment and can he do andmeldigung on that confirmation ?(he is going to study in German university, so he needs to open bank account and get visa and all other stuffs)
I appreciate your help !!!
Thank you so much.
Hi Mayur. I guess that’s not a problem. Your friend can stay at your place temporarily until he finds something more permanent. He can register somewhere else again when he has found something.
Hi,
Your links that lead to the online registration don’t work. I am trying to register online for an appointment but I can’t really find the right page on the website. Could you please help?
Thank you!
I’ve just updated the links. Thank you for letting me know. It should work now. https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/120686/
Thank you very much for the extensive info here, it helps a lot!
I do have a question, though. I am renting a temporary flat for two weeks while looking for a more permanent solution. Is it possible for me to get the anmeldung if the contract is only for two weeks?
Hi there Alex. The Bürgeramt employee won’t ask how long you are staying. Just do an Ummeldung when you have found something new. As you long as the landlord-main tenant is ok with you registering there, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Hi thanks for this lovely and helpful post. It was indeed very informative. And it is really appreciable that you reply to the comments and queries. I have a situation here. I went through several comments to find the answer to my issue but I did not find one.
I moved to Berlin from Stockholm in October 2013. I rented an apartment and registered myself immediately at Burgeramt. But I left that apartment in April 2014 and started staying with my friend without registering the new address. Now I have finished my studies and have found a job. I am planning to rent a new apartment soon in coming months. However, in order to apply for a work permit, I thought it is better to update my address in Berlin with Burgeramt. So I am thinking of registering the address where I am staying with a friend. So My query is if this will be an issue that I did not register a new address after I moved out from my last apartment in April 2014. I am planning to register the address where I am staying right now with a letter from that friend that he is letting me move in now.
Please let me know if everything will be okay and they wont bother where I stayed in between for one year.
Also will it be possible that I register directly after I take the new apartment in coming month. Will that be better? Since I am planning to apply for the work permit and blue card, I am not sure if they will send it to the address where I am registered currently. If they do so, then I will need to register now this address where I am staying right now.
I would appreciate your words on my situation.
I can’t say what better option is better but i can certainly give you my opinion on that. I think it’s maybe better to play it safe and try to register as soon as possible if there are visa issues related to that. I don’t think it’s a big issue that you didn’t change your address back then, especially since you weren’t working (and paying taxes). I don’t think they won’t ask questions if you don’t mention you forgot to do an ummeldung. (again, just opinion, but i think you are safe.)
Hi there,
Thanks for the great info. I am looking to move to Berlin very soon for a freelance job, and I need to find a residence asap in order to begin my freelance visa process. If I choose not to make an appointment at the Burgeramt, and instead go in person and wait for 2 hrs, what’s the likelihood of mine being able to see an official that same day? Or will this have to be a process where I go and wait for several days before I get to register?
Hi there Michelle. Make sure that the Bürgeramt do accept walk-ins, some now only accept appointments apparently. If they do accept walk-ins and you go queue 30min before opening time, there is a very good chance to get a number for the same day, you might have to wait 2-3 hours, but you will see someone that same day.
Very helpful the website, I’ve been reading through all the Q&A and might have a slightly different problem:
– I am in Munich and have a job (EU citizen, no need for visa)
– since I arrived I’ve been in an airbnb (over 1 month now)
– I did my Anmeldung with this address but the person that rents the room didn’t want to provide name or sign, at the registration office they were kind enough to register me “temporarily” but said I eventually needed to get the paperwork signed by a wohnungsgeber
– the airbnb person I’m renting already got a notification so I have to move out and find another place
– I’ve been postponing renting my own flat until I save enough money (very expensive in Munich, and need 2 rents deposit + current month)
– I’ve been looking at several room-rentals, asked colleagues but no one wants to sign the wohnungsgeber (no friends or family of mine live here)
– I’ve been reading about WG but tend to be “for students only” or fall under the situation described above
QUESTION: I read somewhere that sometimes you can use your work’s address temporary and register with it, or even your local church’s address, is this possible?? (say for another 2 more months, until I save and move to my permanent address) If so I would talk to HR or the church, if not, are there any other options or suggestions?
Thanks!!
Hey there Gi, thanks for leaving a comment. Registering at your work adress or local church is something i hear here for the first time. That’s very interesting. I guess you can ask them. Would you let us know what their answer is? That might be a good alternative for other people. In your situation, it seems that you registered, even if temporarily, and that allows to open a bank account, get a job etc. So why not just wait until you have own place for which you are saving right now? You have that paper after all.
Registering with work or church address … not accepted, so I am still seeking a place/friend/colleague to help me and sign the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Best to all…
Hello,
is it possible to register in a hostel, if you want to stay for a few months? My cousin will come to live in Berlin and search for a job so first he has to register. Since doesnt have any option where to register we are checking the hostels now. Sounds weird, someone tells me yes, someone no, I even called one hostel and they said yes, so now I am confused. Can you please answer me? Thank you 🙂
WEll i guess it’s up to each hostel to make a decision on this i guess then. This is maybe why you get mixed answers.
Hello,
I recently moved here and i got an apartment for short term for 2 months from the lady who sub-letted me for 2 months. I know that we need to fill the Wohnungsgeberbestatigung form with Wohnungsgeber and Owner information as mentioned in the form. The problem is the lady got the apartment from some property management agency for long term contract of 5 years and has no knowledge of owner of the house . Does the agency itself act as owner of the apartment or lady only will be owner here? The officer’s require the owner information for registration. Please help!!
Thanks
Having it filled out by the agency is also fine yes.
This is so helpful, thank you so much! I have my Anmeldung appointment in a few weeks and just want to make sure I have everything in order –
I have a friend/main tenant who has written a letter for me as a sublet in his flat. Does he also need to fill out the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form saying I have moved in within 2 weeks of my appointment? And then the only other paperwork I’d need is the Anmeldung bei einer Meldebehörde form, and I can ask for a tax card/id in person during the appointment if I am hoping to get a job as a freelancer in the near future?
Thank you again!
Cheers,
Amy
You can ask during the appointment that you need a Steuernummer as a selbststandig yes. Concerning the Wohnunsgeberbestätigung, as repeated several times here in the comments; the landlord is supposed to fill it in but (although not advised) people make the main tenant fill that document in and gotten away with it. Up to you to take the (seemingly small) risk.
Hello Amy,
I am in your same situation. Did it go well for you? I have a letter written by the main tenant.
Hello! And thank you for such a reassuring resource! Burning question: I really need to Anmeldung asap – but the earliest appointment I could get was 25th October via phone. I’ve read here that some Bürgeramts do take walk-ins (including a queuing / waiting game element I’m completely comfortable with) – but on the site all offices are listed as appointment only for Anmeldung purposes. Am I missing something, or is it now straight up appoinment only? And can I go to any Bürgeramt if one provides walk-in services? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
It it true that each Bürgeramt has its own policy. Some do walk-ins, some not. You might want to check some Bürgeramt in some Bezirke that is further away from the popular districts. Those are generally less busy and you come without appointments.
I have just moved to Berlin and I got a job but cannot start until I am registered. I am subletting an apartment and have a contract, however the landlord does not know. Is it ok to go in with the contract and the wohnungsgeberbestatigung signed by the man I am subletting off without the landlord knowing? It is only for 5 weeks so I will change my address soon but I would like to start working as soon as possible. Thanks 🙂
It is definitely possible to do this but not really what you should do. Although it is not advised, some people have done that in the past and gotten away with it. Sometimes the main tenant is not supposed to sub-rent because the flat is subsidized by the city. It’s your decision if you want to take that risk.
Thanks for this helpful page! To clarify: I’m moving to Hamburg in a month and would like to work there. I would be subletting from a student who is going on exchange. Since the November law was passed, would I need a letter from the landlord too or would the form filled out from the guy I’m subletting from suffice? If not, do you know if residency is a must in order to work?
Officially the landlord needs to be aware that you are moving in and fill in the paper. Less officially, some people have had the paper filled by the tenant instead and the admin agent don’t really check that. It’s all a matter for having everyone on the same line, especially on the landlord side. Residency is a not a must to work in Germany to my knowledge, you just need to be registered and have a tax number and so on. Please ask someone more knowledgeable about visa related issues. I’m sure google can help you further on that particular point. 🙂
Good day,
I lost my Anmeldung! Do you know the process to get a copy?
You can ask a copy of your Anmeldebescheinigung at your Bürgeramt. The process is pretty much the same as the first time. Note that you are allowed to make copies to avoid that kind of situation.
I’m also in this situation, did you manage to get the copy okay?
If you managed to get it, were they able to give you a copy right away, or did you have to wait for it in the mail?
Just writing to share my own experience and hopefully will help others as I was reading comments before on here for advice.
Lastnight around 7pm I had a German friend call the phone number for appointments (0309024990) and managed to get me an appointment at the Pankow Bürgeramt for today (the next morning) at 10:36, they gave me an appointment number over the phone. I printed out the Anmeldung and Wohnungsgeberbestätigung forms from this page (settle in berlin). I filled in the forms (with help from a German friend). Filled in the anmeldung with my details and had my friend who I am subletting from fill out and sign the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung stating that I will be living there. (Side note: he isn’t the landlord, he is just a tenant of the apartment). So I turned up for my appointment and around 10:37 my number was called (very efficient!). I went in there with both forms signed and my passport, the person I saw was friendly and processed my information into the computer with no problems, double checked everything and stamped my form! I also went there with no German help, there was no language barrier as the questions she asked were simple.
Think I may have got lucky due to being able to get a next day appointment and a friendly staff member, but it’s done now! Wish everyone the best of luck
This is such a reassuring reply! I am in the same situation as you were and I was a bit worried. I hope I will manage to as you did. Good luck for everything!
I ‘ve been trying to anmelden this week – went to Burgeramt 2 in Lichtenberg to queue at 7am, only to be told that you need to get an appointment, I think she said this applies everywhere but the other posts on this thread suggest otherwise?
I also tried that phone number to get an appointment, she said the next possible date was 18th August, but then I couldn’t understand the rest – she didn’t seem to want to take any of my details… isn’t that how booking an appointment works? 🙂
The appointment system is an attempt to distribute the workload to avoid waiting times so as long as you have your number and they know it is to go through the anmeldung, that’s ok. I’m sorry that you queued for nothing so early. It seems that each Bezirk handles this their own way or that too many people are trying to queue at less busy Bürgerämter.
Hi, i am a foreign student and i came for a 3 months student job. I need bank account to get my salary, but first i need to make Anmeldung. But, the problem that the owner of the place i am staying doesn’t want to sign the paper even though i have already paid her the rent. We had a deal that the first day i come in Munich she would sign the papers but now she is refusing to to that. Can i do Anmeldung without her signature?
Thank you in advance.
It is required by law that in case of a tenancy agreement, the landlord signs all the required papers for the tenant to register. If she doesn’t do that, she might be because she is just sthe main tenant and lives in a subsidized house. She is thus not allowed to sub-rent it. Don’t give her any more money until she signs the papers. To reply to your question: yes, you can try filling in the papers yourself as the agent will probably barely have a look at it but it is naturally forbidden by law to forge any documents. I do not advise it.
Hi, I lived in Germany and since left. I have de-registered (abmeldung) and now I am going back to Germany. I was wondering if the procedure for the Anmeldung is the same and starts new or picks up from the last registry (the same steuernummer etc).
That’s an excellent question to which i don’t have a definitive answer. I think it would be best to let the Standesamt agent know what your former IdentifikationsNummer was at the time. That might be enough to “reactivate” your profile. Could you let us know here what happens for you then? I’m interested to know.
Hey! I would also be interested in the answer to this. I lived and worked in germany in the earky 1990’s…same would apply….
A “welcome back” is in order then. I think you are better of mentioning it to the agent and bring whatever Unterlagen you have left from that time, if any.
Hi there, first of all thanks for all the great advice. I’m moving in on 31.07 and my appointment is on 08.08. My partner is moving in on 07.09, what can I do for him to help? do we need the same form filled by the landlord with both our names? Can I use the letter?
I think it would be saving time than to register the both of you right away. If your partner is not registered in Germany yet, that would be no problem at all to use the same letter from the landord, if he accepts to do so. If he was registered in Germany before, just make sure if unregisters his current place of living before. 🙂
Hey!
Today I went to Bürgeramt Biesdorf-Center. I came at 10 when they just started to work, waited a bit and then got an appointment for 11:30. So, I got the registration certificate the same day. The only problem is that nobody speaks English there but we found a way to communicate somehow 🙂
Before that I also went to Bürgeramt in Kreuzberg (Yorckstraße 4) at 8am. They gave me an appointment for August 2. Also, they told me that I can try to come on Monday, Wednesday or Friday in the morning, sometimes they can book an appointment for the same day.
Thank you for the information!
This website has been super helpful. Just wanted to clear a few things up if thats ok.
I am leaving very soon for Germany to find work as an opera singer. But of course the first thing I need to do is find a place. I plan on staying with my boyfriends mother. She leaves in a house, which I’m pretty sure she owns. To be able to get the residence that I need, does she still need to fill out the form of the Landlord?? Im just curious. Also, my boyfriend, her son leaves with her currently, could he also be the one filling out the form and writing the personal letter??
Any help would be EXTREMELY HELPFUL!!! =)
IF she is the landlord, and he is her son, then there is probably an unsaid agreement between the both of them for either options to be possible.
Hello!
I am currently in an Airbnb on a Student Applicant visa and am looking for a WG as we speak. Therefore, I do not have an address as of yet. How to I register myself? Do I wait until I find a more permanent solution?
Thanks!
Melissa
Yes.
Hello, thanks so much for this page, it was so useful. Given that I spent a lot of time reading everyone’s comments, I thought I’d add my own experience just in case it may be of help for someone out there (this is valid as of today, July 7/2016)
– I booked an appointment about a month ago via the web https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/120686/ , got an appointment around noon today in Lichtenberg (I was lucky),
– I had the Anmeldung doc filled in as well as the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, I’ve moved in a WG where no one is registered (apparently classic here) so instead I got a friend of mine who’s the main tenant of a flat he rents to fill that document stating the name of his landlord, his name, and that I had moved there with him. They barely looked at it at the Burgeramt and it seemed to do the job just fine.
– I did not use the letter “Mit diesem Schreiben ich…”
– I asked for the “Steuernummer” which she said would come with the post.
And I got the paper! with a stamp and everything! it feels like a major victory.
By the way, you may be in the same case than me: needing an Anmeldung so that you can open a bank account so that you can get paid by a company who doesn’t want to use anything else than German IBAN. There is actually a workaround, most banks do require the Anmeldung but not Number26, an online bank which just requires a skype-like identification (super easy). This is actually quite convenient if you want your bank stuff to come at your actual place instead of at a friends place… you may find this useful. It took me less than 10 minutes to get an IBAN starting with DE… This is particularly useful is you’re time constrained (I know you can also call them and try to book an appointment for an Urgent Anmeldung, I personally haven’t tried), note that I believe you should still do the Anmeldung eventually so that you get the proper TaxID (Steuernummer) and don’t get taxed the maximum amount (which you will be default).
Thanks again for this super useful page!
Hey there!
So I desperately need to get Polizeiliches Führungszeugnis and a Gewerbe-Anmeldung. Do you know if i have to go to the Burgeramt I registered at or can i walk into anyone and just take my Anmeldung?
Thanks!
I think that you need to go to your local Ordnungsamt to do your Gewerbe Anmeldung. I don’t know if you can get your Zeugnis in another Bürgeramt than your own.
Hello all…
Does anybody know if registering in another German town and working in Berlin is okay? I lived in Kassel with my girlfriends family for a few months before going back to the UK for a few months, I am now back in Germany but now in Berlin. I was registered in Kaufungen (Kassel), but un-registered myself before I left. I’m wondering that, just for the purposes of working, can I register in Kassel and then just work in Berlin? Or do I actually need to register in Berlin? I am aware that to open a bank account in Berlin, you need to be registered here. I have a Social Insurance number (Sozialversicherungsausweis) and a Personal ID number (Personliche Identifikationsnummer) which I believe is something to do with tax?
Seems like the hardest thing in Berlin is actually finding a legitimate place to live, if this was easy then everything else would just follow.
Also I have a job already lined up, and I’m living in a hostel. With no bank account and a lot of official documentation missing, I’m kind of worried. And asking locals is kind of pointless, the answers are very varied.
You don’t need to register in Berlin to open a bank account or work here. You can live wherever you want, and ask your money to be transferred in any bank you want. However, if you actually live here, the german government wants you to register here within 2 weeks after finding a flat. Basically, your employer and your bank don’t care, but law does. You can continue to work and live normally until you have found a new place in Berlin with your current Kassel adress. It will just be a lot of work when switching though, it might not be worth the trouble.
I rented an apartment for s ahort term, and they can not give me the Anmeldung, so I do not have any contract. Is there any other way I can register without that, maybe with a letter from a friend saying I live with them?
It’s too bad and a bit risky: always have a contract when renting out, even for short-term, it can prove useful. You can indeed try with a friend but don’t forget the other required document that proves that you have moved in as well. If this is not possible, try a WG next.
Thank you very much for the blog!! I find it very useful!!
I have a question, is it possible to be registered in another German city but to be working in Berlin?
Right now I will be staying at a friend’s house, so I do not have a fix address… Could I be registered in another city and work in Berlin until I find a definitive accommodation (I know that my post would be arriving to the other city but I dont have a problem with that)? thank you very much
Yes, i don’t think that’s a problem at all.
Great, Thanks. and how about the paper work I bring? Will the form with confirmation from the landlord be enough be enough or do I need a “letter from my bestie” aswell, due to the fact the I am only subletting and have no contract.
Yes, have a word from your friend as well. That’s important.
Hi, I am moving from my appartment where I lived a couple of years. I will be staying with a friend for two months before moving to a new flat.
At my friends I ll be just crashing. Paying him half of the rent, but without a contract (he lives in a WG and doesnt have a contract)
Can I just do the anmeldung when i move to my new flat and dont do the Unanmeldung until that time?
Yes, that is fine.
Hi
So ive got all my papers in order and now am in need of urgent Amneldung. Obviously my only choice is to go and line up. Was wandering if you could tell me weather or not I will need a german speaker with me as I dont speak very good german myself at all.
Regards, Luke
Also, When I say “all papers” I mean I have the form of confirmation that you have moved in from the landlord. Due to the fact that I will not actually be leasing this flat but just a sublet from a friend will this form be enough or do I also need a letter form the lease holder explaining that I have moved in and will be staying there.
Best, Luke
I think you will be fine if you speak a bit of German, even if not perfect. You will do fine with the keywords. You can take a friend with you if you really feel uncomfortable.
Hi,
I am facing problem in getting the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, Vermieterbescheinigung or Auszugsbestätigung form from land lord.
He is not putting signature as i have to pay the rent for the last month and he said that he will not give the advance amount.Advance amount will be taken for maintenance, suggest a solution to get the form
So if i understand correctly, your landlord will use the deposit to fix damages that you did to your flat and won’t give it back to you. Do you mean that you think it’s not fair?
Hello,
Thank you for putting these infos together!
I urgently need to register myself and was wondering if going without an appointment (and be patient) was still an option these days or do you have to make an appointment in order to be seen?
I have all the documents required and can spare a whole day of wait at the office if needed as I must get my certificate asap!
In advance, thank you for your help,
Ophelie
Going in without appointment is possible if you go there 30min before opening time in the morning. Then you only spend half a day in there. 🙂
I noticed that the websites of most of the Bürgeramt state “by appointment only.” Do we ignore this and walk in anyway? Or do we have to go to the offices which allow it?
Also, are we free to register at any Bürgeramt, regardless of the area/district we live in?
P.S. Thanks for all this info, you’re a life-saver…
Mmm… i don’t know myself, maybe someone else around here can let you know ?
Our accountant told me that we are free to go to any Bürgeramt – doesn’t have to be your local one.
Perfect. Thanks Stefan.
Damn, I replied to the wrong thread… (delete the one below…). Here’s my message again:
And one more thing- According to my colleagues, you can basically walk in at any Bürgeramt, regardless of the fact that it says “by appointment only.” Apparently you need to explain that it’s urgent (need to get paid by your company, etc.), but that’s not too difficult.
Hey there,
This website is really great and I have to urgent questions. I already have the wohnungsbestaetigung but i do not have a mietevertrag cuz im only staying three months and my tenant refuses to give me a contract. She said she’s done it before without problems. You also mentioned, “Bring your tenancy / sublet contract (or a simple word from you bestie)” what do you mean by the simple word. Would a letter suffice instead of a tenancy agreement?
Best Regars
By that i mean, fill in the sample letter as shown in the end of the post. Other tip: even for 3 months, it would be best if there was some kind of agreement between you and the main tenant in case something goes wrong.
And one more thing- According to my colleagues, you can basically walk in at any Bürgeramt, regardless of the fact that it says “by appointment only.” Apparently you need to explain that it’s urgent (need to get paid by your company, etc.), but that’s not too difficult.
Hello,
First of all, I wanted to say thanks! I just moved to Hamburg and this website is a life savior! I have questions regarding the Anmeldung:
At first I’m staying at a friend’s flat, and if I understood well, I do not need the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (since it’s rent-free), but just a letter from that friend that basically says “hey this is my friend xxx and I can vouch for the fact that she is living with me” (using the sample letter you posted.) So all I need for the registration is my ID, the Anmeldung form filled, and that letter, nothing else?
Also I seem to understand that it’s very hard to find a flat in Hamburg and that many people and subletting their flats without their landlord’s agreement, and don’t want to sign the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung for fear the landlord is going to get contacted. I can’t stay at my friend’s forever, and I’m getting really worried, it seems very very hard to find a flat that is both available… and legal. So I was wondering if it would be possible to just pretend to leave rent-free at the new flat if they don’t want to sign the paper? Or to register with my workplace’s address? (of course I’d rather do it the normal way, but I’m just wondering what my options are if finding such a flat proves to be close to impossible)
Thanks in advance!
I highly doubt that every landlord gets contacted to check is the sublet is legal or not. I don’t see how that’s possible but it’s Germany after all. In terms of rent free agreements, the law only mentions that it would be possible if you are relatives (look here). I would suggest that you stay at your friend’s while you look for a WG/flat/room as a Hauptmieter or as a legal sub-tenant. You can then register on safer grounds.
I unfortunately do not speak German so I cannot check that link :/ But basically that means you cannot register for the Anmeldung if you live at a friend’s (who’s not family) house, even though you have to register within a few weeks, and can’t even have a bank account until you’ve found your own flat, then? That seems like an impossible situation!
You can fall in a chicken & egg situation here yes. That’s why you should look for short term (legal) sublets (Zwischenmiete) first to have time to find a more permanent solution.
It’s actually worse than a chicken & egg situation :/ That law effectively prohibits people from staying at a friend’s place for free for more than two weeks (in order to register for the Anmeldung), which is incredibly weird! And it really puts me in a tough spot as I have my appointment soon. Unless I find a legal sublet/WG in less than a week, I’m going to arrive empty-handed for my appointment. Or actually make a contract with my friend and pay her rent for no reason other than being able to register. This really seems unreal, I’ve hardly ever seen a law more pointless! Guess I’ll have to go with one of the two options I mentioned… Anyways, thanks a lot for taking the time to answer my questions. The law is stupid, but your blog is great!
Hi
Ive just moved to Berlin and need to get my Anmeldung done ASAP as I plan to start work very soon. Im currently just staying on my friends couch and will be only for the next three weeks before I either move to a new couch or hopefully find a place. I was wandering if you could please advise me on the best option taking into consideration recent law changes in needed documents for Anmeldung.
Much appreciated!
Luke 🙂
Just register at your friends’ address for the time being.
Thanks,
Will a simple letter from the lease holder be ok? Or must it be a letter from the Land lord?
As mentioned in the post, if the main tenant has the authorization to sublet the flat, the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (from the main tenant) will be enough.
Also, one more question. As I am also with out working visa yet, (Im traveling from NZ and hoping to get a working Holliday visa for one year) Is it possible to apply for my Visa within Berlin without my Anmeldung or should I focus on getting registered first?
Sorry Luke, i’m not really good a visa issues. Have you seen what SiB’s partner Expath can do for you ? Maybe they can help
—-> https://settle-in-berlin.com/sib-x-expath/
Hi! Thanks a lot for tbis excellent guide.
I came to Berlin 2 months ago with a language learning visa. I rented a room, but my current landlord didn’t give me contract (he is subletting the place, and applying to benefits through Jobcenter and such). I already got the Anmeldung and he told the people at the Bürgeramt that I’m just a friend who is staying with him.
The thing is I’d like to move out in a couple of months to a room offered to some friend I’ve met. He is subletting as well, and he has the approval from the flat’s owner. He told me he would not be able to give me a contract, because he is applying to a German Integration Course (he is italian) through Jobcenter, and doesn’t want to be rejected. I don’t have a problem with that because I trust him.
1. Should I notify the Bürgeramt once I moved out?
2. Can I do the Anmeldung with the new address once I moved out, without bringing problems to my friend?
It is worth to notice that I have plans in the near future to settle here, so I want to keep things as legal as possible. Thanks for your help 🙂
Your current situation resonates with many people. Flats benefiting from state support are not allowed to be subrented. This is to avoid that the main tenant makes money on the subtenant by charging more than they actually pay for the whole flat. Also there is the problem of not having any document to support your rights, in case something happens. But nvmd, i guess you know all that. This italian dude is dodgy though: unless his flat is also supported by the state, there is no way a sublet could impact his application, or am i missing anything?
So get a contract from this guy and do your Ummeldung once you move in with him.
I have a unique situation/issue regarding my Anmeldung that I’ve not seen written about anywhere else. Basically I’ve got a place all sorted out, and I managed to get an appointment at a Bürgeramt much faster than anticipated – a full week before I move in to my new apartment!
Can I register before the official start date of my tenancy, or will I need to cancel that appointment and try to get one at a later date?
The city website does say to register after you move in so i don’t know there. Maybe you can try and let us know if that works for people in your situation ?
Hallo, regarding the residency confirmation paper, should it be printed or by hand written is OK?
Hand-written is ok.
HI,
i need to change the adress of my Anmeldung.
I should have done it a year ago, I already have an appointment in the next 2 days but my landlord is really hard to get..
Do i really need Wohnungsgeberbestätigung? What to they need it for? Do they (burgeramt) check the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung with my landlord?
Thank you for your site!
It helps a lot!
Yes, you do need that document, even if they barely look at it. I don’t think they really do check with the landlord, but it’s still felony to forge a document. It’s up to you to weigh in the risks.
I’ve just found a new job in Berlin as a waiter and they want me to work freelance which I have been doing for the last few weeks. I’m now trying to get paid and need the relevant freelance information from the finanzeampt.
The problem is I originally signed my ameldum while staying at friends place who has now moved so the name on the door has changed. I’m currently staying in a sublet studio for a few months, so i can’t use this address to change my ameldum before I can apply for my tax code for obvious reasons, plus he’s in new York.
How can I get round this?…really appreciate some help asap
What prevents you from going through an Ummeldung process for be registered at this sublet ?
Hello I have a situation where it is kind of confusing:
I came to Berlin with my wife a week ago to travel Germany and learn German. Before coming to Germany, I applied for a masters program that starts in October, and I found out yday I got admitted. I have yet to apply for a student visa. What is the right procedure? Do I first anmeldung and then apply for a visa? Vice versa? Do I need to anmeldung in Berlin while my program is in Stuttgart?
Thank you.
I replied to your question on your comment on the the to-do-list page 🙂
Thank you for the reply! Can two people Anmeldung under one form? I’m with my wife : )
Yes.
Hi guys,
I have already registered when i moved to Berlin and September, my wife is joining me this month from France and she will stay with me in the same appartment, she needs to register in Berlin do i still need to get the confirmation from the landlord that she moved in ? or do i just need to write a confirmation that she moved in with me using the sample letter you have provided ? Thanks a million guys..
Hey! So I’m just preparing to do my anmeldung, for which I have an appointment at the burgeramt later this week, and what I wanted to know is: is the ‘Anmeldung bei einer Meldebehörde’ form that is linked on this page up to date? That is, if I print this form and fill it out with all my information and take it to the appointment it will be fine? This may seem pedantic but it’s taken me sooooooooooo long to get to this point, and I don’t want to get any nasty surprises during my appointment – so if anyone here has recently completed their anmeldung using this same form, or has any information about this, some feedback would be much appreciated!
Yes no worries. It is up to date. Notice that the form is hosted on the official Berlin services page which you can also find here for example : http://www.berlin.de/ba-friedrichshain-kreuzberg/service/dienstleistungen/service.124330.php/dienstleistung/120686/
Hi, I am here in Darmstadt for around 30 days and will be leaving to my home country on 22-Apr. I do not need to open Bank Account nor I need any Pay phone . All this duration I am staying in a hotel. Please suggest if I still need to go for City Registration. I came here on WP and i will be working till 22-Apr but i have to get back due to some urgent personal work Will it have nay impact if I do not go for Registration. Appreciate urgent response.
I don’t think so since it’s very similar to a tourist situation but this is just my opinion. visa issues are always difficult to assess.
Hi, so the most important of all to be registered is having a tenancy agreement. I have two questions concerning that matter:
1) Does anyone know whether nestpick.com is a good site to find accommodation with a TENANCY AGREEMENT at the same time?
2) Shoud I need a tenancy agreement for three months or more for my Anmeldung? Would an agreement of one/two months be equally fine?
Thanks!
1) New service that i never used. Maybe someone else can help you.
2) Yes it’s fine. Doesn’t matter.
thank you for your reply!
Hey, I was wondering if anyone has tried the new phone number for early appointments. Does this work? I am moving to Berlin in two weeks and I have to do my Anmeldung and apply for a tax id number as soon as possible since I am going to sign a working contract with my university in the beginning of May.
Yes. it works.
Hi everyone! So could someone explain please? I did an Untermietvertrag with one person and now I need to register my new address. This person doesn’t own an apartment, but he is a legal tenant, has a contract from the owner of the apartment. If he is allowed to sublet an apartment to someone else (if it is stated in his contract), does he just fill the top part of the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form? I think he is supposed to fill the other section (Angaben zum Eigentümer der Wohnung) too, because it is said there to fill it when ” wenn dieser nicht selbst Wohnungsgeber ist”.
Thanks in advance
That sound about right. Does someone else see an issue i am not ?
Yeah, exactly. Just have your hauptmieter (the person you’re renting from) at the top. I’m in the same situation, except my roommate was very worried, should I have the second part signed by the landlord or not? But when I went to do my Anmeldung a few days ago (Rathaus neukolln doesn’t need an appointment but line up early!), they barely glanced at that form. 🙂
So just to be clear, you don’t have to fill out the second portion
Hi! Are you sure? Because if your hauptmieter is not the owner of the apartment, you should fill the second part about the owner of the apartment. And in your case did the hauptmieter signed this form?
I replied in the wrong spot, just so you see it 🙂 : Ok so, full details – my roommate is the leaseholder, and she signed the top portion. She was very wary about the landlord knowing, because the Burgeramt told her they would contact the landlords ( I find this highly doubtful, how could they do this for Everyone doing an Anmeldung?). Just as a precaution, she let the landlord know I would be doing an Anmeldung (and because of this, the landlord decided to charge us a 30 euro fee, which got added on top of my rent) but as the landlord does not live in the building and rarely gets involved in these sorts of matters, we left the second part blank. As my roommate was so concerned about following the rules, but still even as a native German speaker could not figure out whether or not I needed the actual signature of the landlord was necessary (I’ll explain again: she has a lease with the owner of the building, and I am renting from her. So as far the form is concerned, SHE is my landlord… Not the overall owner). Finally I just went to the Burgeramt and they barely batted an eyelash…
My understanding is this form works to prevent people from just registering at random addresses without the building owners’ knowledge. Does it matter to the Burgeramt officials? No. Will they actually contact landlords (not hauptmieters, the actual owners of the buildings) and double check a form that confirms you have moved in? Extremely doubtful. In short can you go with just the top portion filled in? I did, and was out in 15 min. Rathaus Neukolln walkin for the win.
I mean, the registration office should have some information about the landlord. I suppose 🙂
What about for landlords who are never around? Or own the building, but collect rent electronically? This was my case (see comment above) and I went in with just the top filled in and it was fine, my roommate technically doesn’t own the flat but she’s lived here for years… If the purpose is just to make an Anmeldung as a temporary roommate we can Hardly be expected to collect a signature from both the person we are renting from AND the owner of the building. In my case I just filled out the top part and it didn’t matter at all
Hi Léa,
I think I am in a similar situation, and actually completely lost with this anmeldung story.
So, my boyfriend is the main tenant of a flat and we want to live together. We asked his landlord (proposing to increase the rent and the charges), but he said that he could not agree because of the “collectivity”. No idea what this is. We will ask him at the end of the month. Maybe the other people in the building have to agree about it… In this case, we may still have a chance. On another side, if I do my Anmeldung (Wohnungsgeberbescheiningung) at my friend’s place, is the landlord going to be informed about it? Same doubt. On the paper, only my boyfriend has to sign, confirming that I will be living with him. However, the name and the address of the Eigentümer must also be provided. Then, he will probably get contacted. Is it the part you didn’t fill in the form? Is it not mandatory?
As mentioned in the article, a confirmation from the landlord is also needed. This part is mandatory. It is the law after all that the landlord agrees to a subtenant. I can’t advise doing this but some people have had that particular paper filled by the main tenant instead and got away with it. It is quite unlikely that landlords get contacted for checks (it would thousands and thousands of checks a year for the city).
eeek! so confusing.
I am in an airBNB place in Berlin for another 3 weeks.
Looking for a job and a place to live.
Sounds like some places you try to get a room with someone and they/landlord want a Registration proof but you cant get Registration proof until you have a place!
Im already here! cant really use airBNB for registration…
I guess i try to get a rented room first as long as they take me without a job?
So confused… what order should i do everything?
It is sometimes frustrating to be in the chicken/egg situation. Best bet is to start with a WG, which allows to register, which allows you to get a job & a stable income, which allows you to get your own place.
I had the same problem just like 2 weeks ago but now everything is getting into the right place…. Check out this company: http://www.boardinghouses-berlin.de/
I found them on WG actually and moved into one of their room. The guy who owns the agency is the landlord of all the rooms/apartments they have listed on the site. He’s very helpful and let you do the registration, too and also provides you all the papers you will possibly need for that. Honestly, highly recommend them. You can check what they have available on the website – as they have a calendar on the bottom when you have a look on a room – but it’s better to call them sometimes and ask them to call you maybe if something becomes free at any point. You can rent on a short or long term, doesn’t matter.
Also, when you’re about to do your Anmeldung, definitely go to one of their offices an hour before they open and wait at the information door. I know it’s gonna sound weird but make sure you’re waiting at the door, because I had problems with other people coming after me – I was the 2nd person waiting there though – who were not respecting the order in which people arrived first….
Anyways, I hope my shared experience here will be helpful to you or anyone who’s reading it at some point.
Good luck!
Hey!
First of all, thank you for creating this website! It has been extremely useful for me since I just moved to Berlin. Great job!
I’m also writing here because I have been having problems for my registration. I came with my boyfriend and we’re only renting a room for a month, therefore this place can’t provide me any of the papers I would need for my ‘anmeldung’. We can only afford renting a room (for now), but I can’t find any place that could provide me with the compulsory papers I need. So I’m wondering if there’s any hostel in Berlin that could do so, maybe? Or any other options that could help me in this process?
I don’t know about hostels, i guess you will need to wait & register with your next flat. 1 month doesn’t seem all that long, does it ?
Hello. I am experiencing a problem with booking an appointment. The website doesn’t give me any dates available for the next 2 months. Does any of the Burgeramts take people without appointment? is it worth it to wait in line on the day, or will they reject me? Thanks
Yes there is a big shortage across all offices in Berlin at the moment. You should try to queue up early before opening times of your Bürgeramt.
Hey,
I went today without an appointment and said that it was an emergency and they saw me- definitely go 30 mins before they open so you’re not waiting a really long time. In total it took me 3 hours but I left registered 😀 yay! Good luck!
I went on early in the morning and just kept refreshing for like an hour and then one came available. Apparently the best time to do that is on Monday mornings
I’m preparing for my appointment. If I have my rental contract signed by my landlord do you definitely need the wohnungsgeberbestatigung form?
not many other sites mention it and now I’m getting paranoid.
This is a newly introduced rule so maybe other sites haven’t updated yet. You can check for yourself on the bürgeramt website.
Hello there. I was looking for someone who can help with this problem. So I was living in Berlin for a year and working for 6 months, and I registered very late but the people at the Burgeramt didn’t get upset… But now I had to go back home and I did not terminate the registration. You are supposed to do that when you stop working and living in Berlin right? I believe there is also a form online but I do not speak German, unfortunately. Do you think you can help me with this?! Thank you very much in advance, best regards.
Hey guys 🙂 I also have a situation here. I am Erasmus student and I came in Berlin in October, however I haven’t gone through the registration process until now because it was explained to me that in the apartment where me and my boyfriend are staying we cannot make this Anmeldung. I tried asking some friends if I can get registered in their flats but exactly because of the new requirements from 1st of Nov, I cannot do that as well. I am working but online like a freelancer, I receive packages and I am just the connection between the sender and the receiver and it is not connected in any way with Germany specifically. We are leaving Berlin in July. Having heard all that, do you think that I should definitely find a way to register and will it cause me any problems if I don’t do so? I was trying to find a way but up until now I really haven’t …
I just don’t want to have any problems and that is why I decided to have a second opinion. Thank you very much in advance 🙂
If you leave in July again and you are paying your taxes and health insurance elsewhere, then maybe don’t bother. This is just an opinion though : i would like to stress that you should do everything in your power to respect Germany’s laws.
Yes, I am settled elsewhere and I study at my regular university in England so I use my bank account from there and I have my neighbours wifi permission here so I do not need any of that here, which I think makes me okey for now. Thank you for the quick reply and I also hope it is not going to be a problem, I just don’t have any other choice even though I now it is compulsory. Do you have any ideas if I can find a way to register if eventually I have to?
Hey there! So with these new forms for the landlord, when you register, do they actually go and contact the landlord after to be like ‘hey someone’s been registered here with you!’. Just wondering, as the person I’m subrenting from wants to fill out the form for me, but its actually an apartment in one of those government housing apartment blocks. So she’s afraid they’ll contact the landlord/government people or send a letter. So what happens? Do they just take your form and that’s it? Or do they confirm with the landlord or contact the building in some way. Thanks!
I’d say probably not but that’s only a guess. Can’t tell you for sure.
I am having the same situation as you, where my flatmate/hauptmieter is really anxious to sign the form – in fact she did, but had second thoughts and asked that I hold off until she contacted the Burgeramt and her landlord to see what the deal was. She called the Burgeramt twice to get two different opinions and found that yes, the owner/landlord supposedly will get some kind of notification that a new person is registered at an address that they own, and so it could cause potential problems for someone who is not allowed by their contract to sublet their place.
Hi,
I have plan to move to Berlin this February 2016 before 15th. I am coming here with a family reunion visa from a non-EU state. Can you please tell me what are the documents I should bring with myself when I go for the House registration? I understand that I will have to bring my Passport ,Visa and Rental contract of my husband. Is there anything else I should bring, e.g. a Letter from my husband stating that I will be staying with him (if so, then what should be written in that letter? Can you give me a sample/an example?), Marriage contract, Birth certificate, Any letter from Land lord, Any form filled up and signed etc.
Please do advise me.
You will need a written letter from your husband and a written confirmation for his landlord as well, as it’s written in the post.
let me get this straight! Are these informal letters still valid from the 1st of November? Or the only way to anmelden is being able to provide to the Bürgeramt a REAL housing-contract?
My situation: I have found an internship in Berlin and I would start on the 15th of February. I’ll be in Berlin on February the 5th trying to find a place to stay. I’m sending thousand emails but I haven’t found anything available yet. I have spoken with some hostels and they won’t sign the letter even If stay there for more than one month. Even If I provide the Bürgeramt a job-contract they won’t let me anmelden?
The informal letters are still fine but you have to get a written confirmation from the landlord. That’s the new tricky document to get. A bit ridiculous if you want my opinion but there must be a good reason why there is this new rule. Maybe to prevent fraud ?
Matteo! I am in the exact same position as you!! You’re not starting with the company Media Consulta by any chance are you?! I start on the 15th too and have booked a hostel for the first month but they won’t let me register with them either… what are you going to do? Give me an email paris.davis@hotmail.co.uk maybe we can put our heads together and come up with something! x
I was wondering what worked for you in the end. I am looking to getting temporary room via Wimdu, and asking landlord for a paper, but now I’m lost. Is there a real chance for that to work?
Hi, I already have an appointment to do my Anmeldung, but now it is possible that I won’t be in Berlin at the time.
Do you know if it is possible for someone to do it for me if they have all the papers needed, including a copy of my ID?
Thank you for your attention.
Awesome website!
You can be represented by someone else than you but i think they need an original document and not a copy anyway. Here is what it says on the website: “Ihre persönliche Vorsprache ist erforderlich oder sie werden durch eine andere Person vertreten. Bei der Abgabe des Anmeldeformulars und der übrigen erforderlichen Unterlagen können Sie sich durch eine geeignete Person vertreten lassen. Die von Ihnen beauftragte Person muss in der Lage sein, die zur ordnungsgemäßen Führung des Melderegisters erforderlichen Auskünfte zu erteilen. Das Anmeldeformular müssen Sie eigenhändig unterschreiben.”
Hello, and thanks for all the useful information!
I’m doing an Erasmus internship here for 3 months and now it’s time to leave. I was living at a relative’s place (not subletting, just as a guest i.e. without paying rent) and registered just with a letter from her before Nov. 1st. Now the website says they require a form signed by the landlord to do the Abmeldung… do you think it’s possible to abmeld without it??
I don’t want to cause my relative any trouble and I don’t think her contract says she can sublet the house – which she isn’t doing, as I’m staying there for free and for a very short period!
If any one has a similar experience please let me know what is my best chance to abmeld without having to contact the landlord.
Thanks!!
Can anyone tell me definitively what I need to bring to the Burgeramt? My girlfriend just got a great job but needs to register to get her tax ID and I’m kind of lost in what we will need to bring now that it’s after November 1st.
Is the letter from a friend on a lease still enough? Or do we need to have them fill out the Meldebestätigung? What location is our best chance to que up and walk in?
You need a letter from a friend who’s actually renting the flat and your ID/passport. Now in most of Burgeramts you need to register an appointment, so better to check this website regularly (On Monday morning I managed to book an appointment for the same day): https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/120686/ (click “Termin berlinweit suchen und buchen”). Heard that in Rathaus Neukölln you can just come in the morning and wait in line, but I’m not sure is it true.
Hello,
Also you can try the Bugeramt in Wedding, Froblestrasse and Frankfurter Allee these still take walk ins as far as I know.
Thanks for your help guys, got to Wedding around 8 this morning and ended up waiting about 3 hours but I now have my anmeldung. I just had the lease holder fill out the top section of the new form, there was no need for the landlord’s info as long as it’s filled out by the primary lease holder.
Hi Brian, I wondered what the New form is?
I have a letter from the Primary lease holder stating the subletting agreement.
Is there a new specific form we can take with us filled out by the primary lease holder?
The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form can be found here – https://www.berlin.de/formularserver/formular.php?402544
Thanks for the update Brian. This really helps. So from what I understand, all I need are: My passport and the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form. Do I need to fill in another form when I get there (as per mention in this very helpful article)? I’d be very grateful if you let me know. Cheers.
No need to fill in another form when you get there. You’ll be fine with your passport, the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form, and the Anmeldung form – http://www.berlin.de/formularserver/formular.php?402608
When I was there, they were passing out a different version of the Anmeldung form to people that didn’t bring one but I had no issues using the one linked above.
After all those changes which were applied in November is the letter from a friend still enough to register? If yes does my friend needs to be a tenant or subtenant of a flat is enough?
A letter from a tenant is still enough if this main tenant has sub-rented the flat with the agreement of the landlord, that will then logically provide this new confirmation letter. If things are made by the rules, there should be no problem. This is to avoid that people sub-rent their flat without the agreement of the landlord i think.
Hi! A question: if I’m staying at my friends place ( till one day magically I’ll find my own place), but not sub-renting, sharing it, do I still need the confirmation of the landlord or the letter from a friend it’s enough? My friend is a main contractor.
I did that this week and a letter from a friend who’s on a renting contract is enough. Good luck!
Can you elaborate on that? So you just went to the Burgeramt with your passport, a letter from your friend and that’s it? Or do you need a copy of his rental agreement? Btw i have an appointment for within two weeks and just want everyting to be in order as i not want to wait another two months for a new one :s I have a sublet contract, the NEW wohnungsgeber form signed by the Hauptmieter (because i’m subletting from him, this does mean that he is legally obligated to sign the form, right? Do you also need an additional Stamp from the landlord, anybody know this, in this case??). My passport ofcourse (i’m a EU citizen so that’s enough right? Because on the berlin website they also state that you have to bring a Geburtsurkunde :s ). And also a written letter from the main tenant that i’m living there. Sorry for all the text but i’m quit nervous as i’m starting my new job within a few weeks and really can’t afford having to get another appointment.. I’m also considering about going to walk ins next week so if anything goes wrong before my official appointment i can hopefully get it fixed. Any further advise would be great! Glad i found this website.
No need to fill in another form when you get there. You’ll be fine with your passport, the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form, and the Anmeldung form – http://www.berlin.de/formularserver/formular.php?402608
When I was there, they were passing out a different version of the Anmeldung form to people that didn’t bring one but I had no issues using the one linked above.
I was turned away at the door of the Burgeramt for not having the signed confirmation that I moved in from the landlord. Have got a proper contract and all. They seem to take it pretty seriously.
So the contract is really not enough although it’s a written confirmation you live there ?
Exactly! And you cannot even get a number at the Burgeramt without having this additional document filled in and signed (sometimes it has to be the actual owner or the house community representative).
I am very worried now because the guy who is subletting the flat to me for half a year refused to sign this other document as he is by his original contract not allowed to sublet the flat and is worried his landlord would use this to kick him out from his old contract and refurbish the flat. Quite a catch 22 situation now especially that i am starting at a very well paid job next week and worried i might loose it since now i cannot have all the other things sorted for which my broker is only waiting for the Anmeldung.
I am in a similar situation. I can only get sublets as I don’t have enough proof of income to get a proper rental agreement. But I can’t start freelancing here until I have an address to anmeldung! It doesn’t seem like they have thought this new rule through. There’s going to be a lot of people in this situation.
i guess this new rule is to avoid that people are subletting their flat withouth the agreement of their landlord. So as long as the main tenant has been transparent with the landlord, it still is an option to be a subtenant.
All I had was the letter from a friend (in my case it was a main person who’s renting the flat) and the ID as I’m from EU. The sample of the letter you can find above. I did it last week so I believe you should have no problem to do it with all your documents.
It probably is just in Munich this is happening then…
Is just the letter really enough? Isn’t there a new form you are supposed to take, signed by the landlord himself? Or can that form be signed by the person renting the apartment?
Not that i’m aware of. If someone here knows better, maybe they can confirm or infirm this ?
It might be just in Munich…
Hello,
Actually the landlord has to pay some taxes at the end of the year. I was at the Burgeramt last week and I was Informed that this New form is mandatory all over Germany now since 1st November. Also, the format of meldebestätigung (the residence approval that is signed and given back to the person applying) has changed.
However, there are different rules according to who is applying and who needs to fill this new form. For one example, if you are a sub-tenant, the First tenant in whose name the apartment contract is made, can sign the new form (provided if the main contract says that the person can sublet the apartment).
Thanks for the precision. I will edit the article.
Hello!
It’s been a month since I moved to Germany.
I’m living with my cousin in Mainz but looking for a job in any city (maybe even in another EU country). Should I wait to get a job and register in the city I will rent an apartment etc or should I register in the city I’m currently living (although temporarily)?
Thank you!
Both options are possible. The only limitation is that you need to be registered to get a job and since the anmeldung can take some time, you may want to be on the safe side.
Hello!
I wonder whether a landlord has to pay some fees / taxes for having a registered tenant?
Thank you!
Hello! I’m student and I will live in Berlin for 4 months (Actually, 3 months from now on). At the moment, I’m living in an apartment as a subtenant . Thus, I don’t need to open a bank account (because I use ATM Card), internet or telephone. So, I wonder is in my case, is it worth to face a queue to obtain this document?
As i mentionned in the article. Probably not worth the trouble but in theory you should do it.
Hello, I am staying in Berlin for 4 and a half months as Praktikant in a office, through the Erasmus program. I tried to apply for Anmeldung online when i got here ( end of September) but the earliest after a month of searching i somehow managed to find an opening on the 25th this month…My question is as follows: do I really need to bother with the whole Anmeldung process after waiting so long since I am renting a 1 room flat ,so I do not need no tv/internet or any of the sorts, nor am i in need to open a bank account….
Officially yes, personnaly, i don’t think it’s necessary. It also depends on how/if you are getting paid. If your employer is paying health insurance/taxes for you, you might need to go through anyway.
Hello,
My wife will be joining me soon. I have the residence contract in my name. How can my wife register at the burgeramt for residence? Is it required to have her name in the residence contract?
Or can I use the blue card at the Burgeramt for her residence registration?
Thanks in advance.
Mayank.
You just need to make her a note stating that she lives with you at the same address where you already registered.
Thank you for the help.
Great site – thanks! Based on the last few comments, going in person, without an appointment does not make any sense anymore, given the number of refugees coming to Germany, I guess?
Hi! I am leaving berlin next week and wondering what should I do with the the green paper they gave to me when I registered my address.. The eoman in the office said I should bring back that paper when I was leaving the country. Di you have any information about that??? Thanks!!!
If you are leaving for good, you should unregister yourself. I think that’ what he meant.
Hello, thank u for article.
Now I see that all Bürgeramt have no available appointments, also all of them seems working only with appointments. Is it true?
Is there any Bürgeramt that have a live queue?
hello sorry i wanted to ask, i want to come in berlin to learn german language, did i need ammeldung to registered in language course?
You mean that kind of language course : https://settle-in-berlin.com/learning-german-in-berlin-with-deutschule/ ?
yes that kind of course
Just to update this article: It seems that almost all offices/ Bürgeramt are now appointment only. I have been various ones trying to get an appointment but everything is solidly booked for all dates which have been made available online. This is no longer a simple process. Apparently you don’t get a fine for not doing this in time (14 days after moving) but if like me, you want it for a bank account, then be prepared to wait almost two months. 🙁
Hey,
I’m leaving Berlin at the end of the month. Do you have any advice regarding the Abmeldung? (e.g English form, process, waiting time). I need to know how long it takes for me to receive the paperwork back.
Thanks
I would expect the same process at the anmeldung. It’s probably too late for you to take an appointment so you have to wake up early ;).
So. I think I have a problem.
I have a flat, two jobs that I recently started but I haven’t registered at the Bürgeramt yet (I have an appointment the 1st of October which was the first day that was available). I have been in touch with a krankenkasse and also a German bank. HOWEVER I don’t have a Steuernummer. What happens if I work for a month and don’t have a Steuernummer?
Your employers should have asked your steuernummer in the first place for their accounting and administrative needs. Haven’t they ? Trouble might come on their side as well there.
My opinion (opinion only, not an educated one): For you, it won’t change too much since it’s your employer who is in charge of connecting the Finanzamt with your steuernummer. However, can’t be sure. Maybe someone can help us there ?
I am in the same situation. I had an appointment today at the Rathaus ( it took me 3 weeks to get it) and they wouldn’t let me register without the letter from the landlord.
I should get paid in a few days. What will happen?
Hey,
Thanks so much for this short guide and your site. It’s been super useful. Just wanted to say I went to the Bürgeramt Prenzlauer Berg on Fröbelstraße 17 10405 and got my ANMELDUNG on the same day. All the slots were busy on their site, so I went there at 8 sharp on Monday, although Id recommend coming 15 minutes earlier. After waiting for about 30 mins in the queue for information desk I got a number, then I was called in a bit over an hour and voila. I cant speak any German at all, and the lady couldnt speak any English but somehow we pulled it through without much effort. Its a really nice old building which was a bit difficult to find at first. The Registration office is in building 6, on the right as you come in. Hope this is useful.
Hi, thank you for this informative post. Luckily, I was able to make an appointment online even before I came to Berlin. It’s on September 3. So it’s perfect for me. But my wife and two kids will get here on September 15. Again, I made another appointment online for Sep 17, but under my name (I made a mistake! but I had to be really quick!!). So I have three questions regarding this.
1) Is it ok for my wife to register using the online appointment with my name on it? (I will accompany her with a contract of our own flat) 2) Can my kids register along with their mom with that appointment which is for one person? 3) Do we have to take our kids to the burgeramt with us or we just bring their passports and proof of family relationship?
I’m too young to have kids or to have friends that were in your situation so all i can share is my opinion: 1)Yes, you are married. Should be no problem. Maybe bring a proof of that just in case. 2) Probably yes 3) Just bring passports & family proof i suppose. When they are under-age, you are their legitimate legal representative, so it’s as if the children were with you.
Hello,
I am an Italian citizen and I moved to Berlin a couple of months ago. I immediately registered at the Bürgeramt but I found out only now that after the Anmeldung you are compelled to stipulate a contract with a German Krankenkasse. Is it true? Are there going to be problems since I didn’t do it immediately? Do you know how much would I pay since I don’t have a job?
Thank you in advance!
Never heard of that. You certainly need an health insurance but i don’t see how the obligation is related to the anmeldung (although health insurance is not compulsory technically). What are your sources ?
Ok, I must amend, I was reading the wrong documents. It looks like that you lose your normal Italian National Health Insurance only when you register into the AIRE (Albo Italiani Residenti all’Estero), which is a procedure that you have to request personally and with whom you move your official residence abroad and gain the possibility to vote in the various from there. With the Anmeldung beim Bürgeramt you only move your domicile, which does not affect your NHI.
Hi,
I wonder if someone can advise me? I have just moved from UK to Berlin and am staying with a friend. I therefore have an address to register with, but i will not stay at this address and my friend has said will have to unregister after a month. This is ok for me to set up a bank account, but i am worried about the future…
I have been offered to rent a good flat but they wont allow me to register there. And my worry is for when in a couple of months i will need a part time job. For a job do i need an ammeldung just when i begin the job, or for the whole period that i work for that job? I am worried i should not take this flat due to this problem. However, my other option would be moving from a sublet to another sublet and then i wonder in this situation, would i be able to get a job as my ammeldung address would keep changing…so i would not anyway have a ‘constant’ address during the time i work for the job…
Please can you help me? Im so confused and dont have any way of working this out, and i dont know whether or not to take the flat…but i need somewhere to live!
Many thanks for your help!
Azzie
Hi Azzie. Thanks for dropping a line. When you look at the theory, it can seem a bit stressful but in practice, no one will mind if you change adresses often. In fact, in most cases and for the bank for example, they only ask you your current anmeldebescheinigung and they couldn’t care less if you were to move the next day. It is only administration stuff. Same for your job. So don’t worry about that. Concerning the flat you are considering, they have no right to forbid you to register at this adress, so once you have a your contract for the flat, go register. It’s no like the flat owner will be notified or anything.
Hi,
Thanks so much for your reply. I have told the flat i will take it, even if only temporarily for a couple of months or whatever while i get myself sorted. I know people say i should still be able to register there but they are nice people and have specifically asked that i don’t, so i feel its is dishonest to go and register anyway.
Can i ask though – so if i get a job i would need on the day of starting, to show my anmeldung? And then if after that day i became UN-registered, and hadn’t RE-registered anywhere else at that time, but kept working at the job, would they care or would this get back to some authority that i wouldn’t want it to and cause trouble? With tax or anything? – i hear you get a ‘tax number’ once you first register…
Many thanks for your advice,
Kindest
Azzie
Hallo, I’m going to move to Berlin in October, I’m Brazilian/Luxemburger but I don’t have a passport and ID of Luxembourg yet, so I will do it when I get Berlin at the Lux’s embassy. I will go with my Brazilian passport as a tourist, and live at my sister’s flat. My question is, can I stay as a tourist for 1 month until I get my documents and then do the anmeldung, or is it better I do the anmeldung with my Brazilian documents in 7 days? thank in advance.
Both options are possible. I would personally go for the first one but you might want to pick the second one if you need to open bank accounts or sign up for an internet access faster.
Hey can someone tell me if I need to get an appointment online or can I just walk down there ? It’s pretty urgent so please help (:
Try your luck early in the morning. Come 30min before opening time. And then book online if they refuse you.
Hi Oskar,
I went to Bürgeramt 1 half hour before opening. When I went in the lady said I couldn’t get my address registered because I didn’t have an online appointment and that the next one would be in October!!!! Quite disappointed I left that office and decided to give Bürgeramt 2
Schlesische Str. 27 A, 10997 Berlin) a try, they were so much nicer and I got my Anmeldung in about 10mins!! So my suggestion is to go there a bit before opening and hopefully you’ll get it too. By the way I used Tony’s letter too and it worked great. Thanks all 🙂
Hello, I’m in a situation where I’m staying with a friend too who is subletting but the main rented won’t sign off on us registering there but my friend is willing to write ‘Tony’s letter’. If it worked for you, did you have to bring the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form too? If you did have to bring it, did you just fill out your friend’s name?
Hey! I am in Berlin on a tourist visa (schengen type c) and I am staying for 71 days. Do I need to anmelden?
In theory, you are supposed to register yes. In practice, i wouldn’t bother.
Thank you! Do you think they would ask about it (the anneldung paper) on my way back home at the airport?
Omg 9 wee k wait for Anmeldung XD
Hello,
Does the Anmeldung form must be signed by a landlord?
Or just a separate rental agreement is sufficient?
The anmeldung form itself is signed by you not the landlord. You just need a proof that you are living somewhere so the rent contract is enough.
Thank you!!!
Just wanted to say thanks for this helpful blog post. I just got back from registering my residence at the Sonnennallee Bürgermt. I used the letter provided (and even wrote it out by hand because I didn’t have access to a printer.) The woman spoke English and was very helpful.
I suggest getting there an hour before they open and join the queue. Once they open they will give you a ticket. You go upstairs and another woman will give you a number. Shuffle to another waiting room and wait your turn. The office opened at 11. My ticket said 11:15. My number was called around 11:20. Not too shabby Berlin!
After 20 minutes, I walked out with my Anmeldung! Next up–start the freelance visa process!
Just for the benefit of everyone reading these posts, this morning I made the trip over to the Sonnenalle Burgeramt, arrived at 9.45 and waited in line (there were approx 10 people already there). They opened at 11am and when I talked to the lady at the door who was handing out numbers she asked where my address was, when I said Zehlendorf (I was under the impression you could do your Anmeldung regardless of the location in Berlin) she told me to do my Anmeldung in Zehlendorf or she could make an appointment for me in August. Otherwise they could not help as they did not have enough numbers.
This seems to be a tricky thing to get done quickly. The catch 22 is that you have to do it within 2 weeks of arrival but no Burgerampts allow appointments within that date range.
Hello Nicole,
I just read your response here and I’m going through the same process 🙂 About to apply for the Anmeldung and then the freelance visa. Would love to know how things went for you. Hopefully all great and you now have the visa!
Hi, from recent experience with the anmeldung process:
1. The two week deadline doesn’t really seem to be enforced so long as you make an appointment. I have a friend who made an internet appointment that had a one-month waiting period, and there was no problem at all when she duly turned up to register.
2. As for the appointment system itself, most Bürgerämter now seem to insist on one. The berlin.de website notes that some don’t, however this is not actually a good reference point. For example, in Neukölln, both Sonnenallee and the Rathaus stipulate online that you don’t need an appointment. I got told in Sonnenallee that you in fact do need one, while the Rathaus said they can only accept you on spec if you live in the area and are there early enough.
3. So the m