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. Is it possible to do anmeldung when you still owe rent from a previous apartment?
Hey Manolo. Yes, the 2 are not connected.
Hi Bastien,
Thanks for the great article. I have a question for you, I have worked a summer job for two months, as a student, three year ago in Germany, in München. Last summer I came again and worked in Germany but in a different city, near Osnabrück, for like three months and then came back to my country as the fist time. Now i want to return back my taxes, my question is, does my steuernummer changes from the first time i came to Germany?
Hey Lina. If you never received a letter stating your Steuernummer changed after registering in the second city, then your Steuernummer probably didn’t change.
Hi Bastien, what are the list of documents to submit for Anmeldung, if a person moves to their own apartment?
Hey Naveen. The simplest is probably to fill in all the documents yourself.
HI Bastien,
Thank you for the informative post! I am on a National student visa to study in Germany (I’m South African). I have been enrolled with in a university in Baden-Wuerttemberg for my studies and staying in Stuttgart. I have registered at the Residency Buro in Stuttgart when I arrived in November 2022. However I am meant to have another appointment to secure my residency permit when my visa expires which is on the 5th of May 2023.
The residency buro in Stuttgart has only replied to me in December to say that I am applying for my residency appointment too early and I should email them in March a few months before the visa expires. I have emailed them since the first week of March to no avail, I only get an automatic reply from the residency buro.
My Univeristy co-ordinators have also tried calling and only managed to get an answer on the 19th April. They have found that the residency buro did not send my registration to the ausländerbehörde since November, and therefore no residency appointment could be made. Please let me know what can be arranged as I’m very worried I will not be allowed to re-enter Germany as of the 5th of May, I have travelled to the UK to stay with family because I fear I would be deported while I am still in my university course. I wish to get a fiktionsbescheinigung but I don’t know how it will be issued if I have no response from the residency buro in the first place. Please advise.
Thank you!
Hey Shveta. Sorry to hear about your troubles. I’m afraid I can’t really help you in this case as it is a matter of process/procedure more than a lack of information on your part. You are knowledgeable about it all. 2 German administrations failed to communicate with one another and it put you in this difficult situation so there might be ground for an immigration lawyer to help you there. Your case is too sensitive: if you want somebody to help, it should be an expert in immigration laws. I suggest you contact one. Good luck with it all. I hope it gets better!
Thank you for the advice! I will look into an immigration lawyer to help further.
Appreciate the help!
Hello – very helpful info. Thank you!
I have questions; wondering if you could give any insight.
My husband and I are US citizens who have purchased a flat in Berlin. We do not plan to be in Berlin more than the Schengen limitations. However, we do plan to use this flat as a second home as we can work virtually from anywhere. (It will not be rented out at all, it is just for our exclusive use.)
We are getting mixed messages about whether to register or not. We will not work in Berlin and do not want to have income tax implications from registering — but we would like to be able to get a cell phone contract, utilities set up, etc., that would otherwise require registering.
Are there different types of registrations — ie, we do own a flat and do want to claim that address as ours, but again, we don’t want to find ourselves needing to pay more than our property and other related taxes. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Hey Linda. I think you understand the pros & cons of your situation and registering. The main blocker would be you’d need that bank account to pay for all those local services. I’m afraid there is not a special kind of registration to satisfy your edge case. Cell phone you can sort out with Lycamobile or a service like that. For utilites, you’d need to find providers that accept a foreign bank account that you can use as US citizens (preferably EU-based like Revolut). Maybe ask Ostrom for electricity? They might be more flexible.
Thank you, Bastien. I should mention that we already have a Commerzbank account from prior years living in Germany. So, we have that much covered. We are property owners but not seeking residency; visitors. So, it sounds like you feel registering is unnecessary, correct?
Or maybe further, if we were to register our address … is it possible to not have that registry carry over to the tax office, or are they one and the same? Thanks!
Since you aren’t planning to become German residents, registration is not required no. If you aren’t German residents and therefore not liable for taxes here, the Finanzamt should not be concerned with you either.
Hi Bastien,
wonderful blog, really, I just found it and I think it will provide me with much help in the upcoming weeks.
I’m moving to Berlin to start a new job in June, and I’ve found a room to rent without Anmeldung for the first three months, but with the possibility to extension and in that case I will be able to register there in September. I haven’t really understood if it is mandatory with anmeldung or if I can “register” a temporary contact adress even though I can register officially since the room is a sublet? Would it for example be OK to book an appointment and inform the authorities at the Bürgeramt about the situation (as long as I can provide a document from the main tenant that I’m living there)? And since the adress is not really official in the beginning, could I still get for example a social security number, tax ID?
All the best,
Julia
Hey Julia. If the main tenant is not able to provide the necessary things to let you do the Anmeldung there, it’s probably because they didn’t agree with the landlord-lady in the first place. You have a legal right to do the Anmeldung if the sublet is legit. If it is not legit, you can either try to register anyway (but the Bürgeramt doesn’t care about situation: they just want the right documents.) or you wait until September to do so, when it seems to become legit. Hope this helps.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. Very useful!
Hey.
So I am moving soon to another city. Is it possible for me to register at the new city before the auszugsdatum of the previous place.
Hey Diane. Yes, no problem.
Hi Bastien,
Thanks so much for providing such an informative site!
I am applying for a working holiday visa which due to my age I will need to activate on June 12 2023. My plan is to fly to Berlin to activate the 1 year visa on June 12, however I’m not able to live in Berlin and find a flat there for another few months. Given I won’t have a flat until at least August would I get fined for not applying for my Anmeldung within 14 days of arrival in Germany, or does the 14 day date just go from when you have officially moved into a flat?
Also, I see that providing a birth certificate is optional, is there any chance this could be requested or is it purely optional and therefore fine to just provide your passport and other relevant documentation.
Many thanks in advance – I really appreciate your help,
Emily
Hey Emily. As mentioned in the post, the possibility of a fine does exist but it’s so rarely applied that I have yet to hear of a real case. Also: Bürgerämter are overwhelmed with work and cannot offer enough appointments. Birth certificate is optional indeed.
Hello Bastien and thank you very much for your super clear site. I am currently in Berlin in a sublease less than three months old, and where it is not possible to register at the anmeldung. However, I need it quickly because I will start my work here, and i need anmeldung for my taxe ID. What is the best solution for me to get the anmeldung in this case? Even if it’s illegal, could it be enough if my tenant writes a letter saying that I reside at his place and with him?
Thank you very much!
Hey . What you suggest is a possibility. People are routinely doing this to get out of this situation, temporarily. It is of course illegal in theory, but in practice fines are rarely applied.
People usually reregister at a more permanent address after that, when they are more settled and they have found a place of their own.
Hope this helps and you can come to your own conclusions
Hi Bastien, thanks a lot for the explanation, it’s very clear and exhaustive! I have one question though: is this possible to register the address prior to actually moving in? So let’s say, I have the Termin in Bürgermant at 25th August, but I rented a flat starting from 1 September. And of course by 25th August I already have all the documents that confirm it (contract starting from 1 Sept and statement from landlord).
Hey Valery. You can try but this hasn’t been possible so far. It’s first after you have moved in. I know this is a frustrating answer. :/ Good luck with it all!
Hi Bastien!
Thanks for the useful information!
I’m a ln international student in Berlin. I’m going to study at FU Berlin, but I have found a place in Potsdam. Is it possible for me to do the Anmeldung in Berlin? Since Berlin is the city that is addressed in my visa.
Hey Rak. You need to do the Anmeldung in Potsdam yes.
Hi,
Thank you so much for all your detailed info.
I am filling the Anmeldung and was wondering if I should mention my husband’s name in section 2 (I am married BUT he will not be moving to Berlin). I’m worried that if I put down his name they might think he is living there too. Any ideas about this pls?
I will also take a copy of our marriage certificate and have it translated & certified locally (is this correct?).
Would I need a copy of both of our birth certs? And should they be translated too?
Thank you so much!
Gabs
Hey Gabs. If your husband is not moving to Germany, I’m not too sure it’s relevant to list your husband here. The potential tax advantages related to being married aren’t possible unless your husband is a resident in Germany too. So no need for now. 🙂
Dear Bastien, thanks for such an amazing website! I have a question on Anmeldung – me and my family are renting a flat in Berlin starting from July, my wife and kids will live there from August , but I am not sure yet that I will live there permanently. We reside in another EU state where we are citizens and it may take a while for me to quit a job, get the unemployment benefits from this other state, etc. So it may occur that I’ll be travelling to and fro and living in two countries. In your opinion, do I have to register together with my family ( the earliest appointment we could get is end of August ) or I should only register when I finally settle in Germany?
Hey Pavel. Not doing the Anmeldung can get in the way of starting of your life here because you can’t do anything without it. No bank, no health insurance, etc. You have to think about if that is a problem for you or not. If not, maybe you don’t need to register right away.
Hi Bastien,
Is it possible to do the ummeldung before I have moved into the new apartment?
My appointment with the Bürgeramt is about 10 days before the move-in date, and the next available appointments are more than a month later. I would want to get done with this as soon as possible.
I already have the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from my landlord.
Hey Aditya. It’s not possible no. Only after move-in date. Don’t worry, you won’t get in trouble if you do it later because there were no available appointements before.
I am changing apartments to move to a permanent one. The agency of this apartment is saying that they won’t add the child’s name in wohnungsgeberbestätigung.
Is this normal? How do I get my child registered when i do the anmeldung?
Hey Vishal. That’s fine. You can still put your child on the Anmeldung form.
Hi Bastien,
I have my residence certificate (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) from an apartment in Cologne, and I am yet to register.
I had to travel to Berlin and will be here for next 2 months during weekdays staying temporarily in hotel. Can I book an appointment in any Berlin Burgeramt and register for my apartment in Cologne? Is it allowed to register across cities within Germany?
Thanks,
Shameer
Hey Shameer. I’m afraid not. You need to register in your own city.
Hi,
We moved to berlin on April 5th and our company doesnt provide me a apartment due to the company is recently started still now we are looking for a apartment and now we are staying in one temporary accomidation for 2 months without Anmeldung.
I have some questions regarding the registration :
1. Can we have any time limit for city registration after entering into country? if it will take some time then what will happen?
2. We came here with EU Blue card visa so, here also we need to take a appointment for getting the Blue card in germany??
Hey Bhargav. As mentioned in the post, there is a theoretical 14 days limit to register when you move in somewhere, but there aren’t any consequences most of the time, unless you are actively trying to avoid it. Here is info about the EU blue card.
Hi Bastien,
Thanks a lot for the detailed article! I have friends who bought a flat recently and are living in it, I’d like to do an anmeldung at their flat (not as a tenant, but as living with them) for a few months, they agree, however as first time owners in Berlin, they don’t know if there is any extra tax to pay or if they need to notify the bürgeramt, do you know by any chance?
Hey Al. Nope, it’s fine that they welcome you as guests. They can fill in the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung as well.
Hi!
Thank you for inclusive and super helpful guide for Anmeldung Registration.
I was wondering after Bürger Service Center receives the documents. How long does it take for me to get an invitation to a personal meeting.
I just need average number of days that it takes to use as a benchmark for the duration of my future city, Bremen.
Hey Pat. Your first book an appointement for the Anmeldung, then you bring the documents with you. I cannot tell you about the specific waiting times in different cities in Germany.
Hi Bastien,
I’ve been living in Berlin for 4 months now and I’m registered in a temporary apartment, the contract ends in 2 months. I’ve found an apartment that i like and want to rent even if that means paying both rents for some time. Can I move to this apartment and do the anmeldung? Do i have to specify this in the form?
Hey Carlos. Good job finding a flat. When you do the Ummeldung, in the Anmeldung form, there are lines dedicated to specify your former address and your new address. You can put that information there.
Hey, great information. Thanks.
could you please confirm if only i take an appointment for Address registration, will it work for my husband too?
Hey Sofia. I’m not sure I understand the question? Why would it not work?
Hi there! Awesome site–many thanks! Here’s an Anmeldung question for you: My wife and I have been living in Berlin for two years and just had a baby. We’ve received his birth certificate and tax ID number. How do we get him added to the Anmeldung? Do we have to apply for a new one? If so, do we list our current address as our previous address as well? Thanks!
Hey Ralph. Congratulations on the baby! Great news. If you have received birth certificates & the Steuer ID Nummer, it means the baby has been registered with the Standesamt already, which means the info has been passed onto the Melderegister already.
Very cool! But does that mean they’ll send a new Anmeldung to me in the post? I’m curious because I know when traveling it’s best to have everyone’s name on the Anmeldung at immigration. Or perhaps I need to order a new one to be sent to me?
Hey Ralph. In that case, it might be best to request a Meldebescheinigung at the local Bürgeramt yes.
Many, many thanks Bastien. Last question: to do this do I just show up and they can print it out there or do I need to fill out all of the paper work and bring all the documents as if I’ve just moved and need to re-register? (e.g., do I need to have all passports, birth certificates, rental agreement, marriage license, etc.?)
Thanks!
No. You can request a copy online here. Click on the button below “Online Abwicklung”.
Just to close the loop on this, I received my letter in the mail yesterday. It’s not the full Anmeldung with the names of everyone in the house on it (which would include the newborn, presumably). It just shows that I’m registered. It’s not possible to obtain such a letter for my son as he’s under 16 and the website requires that the person be over 16.
At any rate, I’ve separately gotten an letter with a date for an appointment with the E5 Unit of LEA, so presumably that should be enough to get past immigration when we come back into Germany. Worst case, my son will be staying on a tourist visa while we sort it all out.
Hey Ralph. Thanks a lot for the additional info!
Hello,
Different topic may it be, yet i would like to take my chance. Is it possible to get anmeldung from Brandenburg and work in Berlin? Planning to stay at Zeuthen, yet my office is located in Berlin. I’ll be able to work thanks to the bluecard and İ have question marks about whether this situation will effect my visa process or not. Thanks in advance.
Hey Atakan. Yes you can live in Brandenburg and work in Berlin. No problem.
Hello everyone, my name is Kelvin, living in Berlin. I registered my friend at my address but unfortunately, he is not living with me, I was only helped him to receive letters and some documents.
So can I be fine if authority knows I registered him but he is living somewhere else
Hey Kelvin. In theory yes.
hi Bastien, thanks for your wonderful blog! So, I plan to move to Berlin first and my wife and son will follow a few weeks later. Should I do their Anmeldung when I do mine or do we have to go back to the Burgeramt once they land in the country as well?
Hey Sud. You will need separate appointments. One for you and another one for your wife and son when they arrive in Berlin.
Thank you Bastien! This has been very helpful! I followed your steps and my bf and I secured an appointment to register ourselves at a new address. We got a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from the new landlord however I have not informed my PREVIOUS landlord that I am infact moving out of my old flat (because I want to keep it for another few months-sort of for piece of mind incase incase it doesnt work out with my boyfriend at the new place). Is this allowed to do?
Hey Svenja. PI can see 2 scenarii, provided you will stay pay rent to the old landlord. 1: don’t register in the new place yet and stay registered at the old place. Move out completely when you are sure it’s going to work out with your bf. 2. Register at your new place as your second place of residence and make it your main and only one, when you are sure it’s going to work with your bf. How does that sound?
Hi Bastien,
Thanks a lot for your help!
I have been living with a friend of mine for the past 3 weeks in Berlin without the Landlord being aware of this. I wasn’t aware of the Anmeldung deadline, and currently, I am in urgent need of Anmeldung.
My friend, the main tenant, has gone to his hometown (Out of Germany). Can I take the Letter (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) from the main tenant, stating that I am residing here temporarily? Is it necessary for the Landlord to know about this?
Hey Sharief. Yes, in theory, the landlord needs to know about it.
Hi Bastien,
Do I have to do something regarding my previous address if I changed apartments and did the anmeldung in a new address?
Mainly in order to be sure that I will receive the millions letters they send here.
Hey Santiago. Doing your Ummeldung was a good first step, but you should make sure to notify whoever is important to you, the Finanzamt for example. Is that what you meant?
Hi Bastien! First of all thank you so much for the post! This is really helpfull and makes moving to Berlin to much easier!
Checking the FAQ part of the post, you wrote about the “Vollmacht” is there a special way to do it?
Thank you so much!
Hey Enrique. Here is a PDF you can use. First set of lines is your info.
I landed in Berlin as an Irish expat on the 17 of May. Registered myself on the 21 of May. Till today I have yet to get my Tax ID. I have tried to call everyone and all i get told that it isn’t my problem/ cant help you or the registration office “Forgot” to send you details. I would like to give advice to people moving here. Be prepared for people to be very cold and not caring not my problem type of approach. I have not a word of German moved here to work as an electrical engineer. Now I will be subject to emergency tax for human error or negligence. Every place I call this is what I get told “No English” in a very abrupt manner. I am not happy at all that I came purely due to the fact how cold people are. No one is willing to help. I came here and thought everything here runs like clock work ? You’ll be in for a massive surprise, it doesn’t.
Hey Mohamed, Sorry to hear about your troubles. If you haven’t gotten a hold of your tax ID yet, here is how to do request one at your Finanzamt.
Hello,
Can multiple people register during one appointment? I was able to snag an appointment but my new roommate has not gotten one yet. Can we just go together with our forms?
Hey Trisha. If it’s the same address, it may be possible.
Hey Bastien, really impressive! Thanks a million 🙂 JJ
Hi Bastien.
I am very impressed about your way to explain these procedures .
I intend to move to Germany.
Now that I got this information from you it is all clear for me how to apply for Anmeldung in Germany.
Thanks a lot .
Hey Altin. Glad you liked it thanks.
Hi Bastien.
I have a question regarding filling the anmuldung form. We just moved from one apartment to another within Berlin. We are a household for 3 members, me , my husband and our 4 years old son. I’m very confused where to put our child detail in the form.
Hey Neha. Simply take a new copy of the same form and insert the details for your son. As stated on the Berlin.de page: “Bei mehr als 2 anzumeldenden Personen bitte weiteren Meldeschein benutzen.”
Hi Bastien
Thankyou for your help. My situation: I am a UK national. I currently have no fixed address. I registered in 2017 when I moved into an apartment, and still use that address officially but have not lived there since 2018. I have an appointment with the immigration office and have to supply my address. Do you think I should tell them that I don’t have a fixed address or give them my old registered address?
Hey Dan. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I think you understand the consequences of not having a registered address with the German authorities. It’s probably ok to not have a fixed address but you should still be able to receive letters at this old registered address.
Thanks for your reply. I have a registered address and I have my post redirected without any problems. I have the Meldebestatigung with that address; my only concern was that I don’t actually live there any more, and whether to tell them that I do, or give them another unregistered address.
Hey Dan. I can’t really tell you what to do but the immigration office would very likely only accept a registered address
Hi Bastien,
Thank you for the very informative article!
Can I apply for Anmeldung in Berlin office if I live outside of Berlin, in Brandenburg? In the local office the nearest date is the end of May, it’s quite late.
Thank you.
Hey Goga. I’m afraid not since it’s not the same city. It’s need to be at your local Bürgeramt.
Hi Bastien
That’s a super helpful blog, thank you so much for writing. I have been living in Berlin now for over one year. My employment contract is based in Berlin and so is my Blue Card residence permit (it’s been issued in Berlin). But due to the remote working scenario, I want to move to Munich with my fiance, can I do anmeldung in Munich without changing anything on my residence permit or blue card?
Do you have any idea regarding this? 🙂
Would really appreciate your help.
Hey Sam. I believe your permit is probably only tied to your contract/employer, not to location, is it? Is there any specific clause I’m missing?
Hi Bastien,
Great work!
When applying for Anmeldung for a first time, does the birth certificate need to be the original or a copy would do?
Does it have to be translated by a sworn translator into German and legalized, or can I just file it as is in my native language? (EU citizen)
Thank you so much!
Hey Jess. Birth certificate is optional.
Hello, Thank you very much for the detailed information.
I registered my address initially when I moved to Berlin. I changed my address and did not registered the new apartment, Now I am moving to another address, I’m wondering which previous address should I enter in anmeldung form.
I have my appointment coming up in next week, would be helpful to hear from you 🙂
Cheers!
Hey Hari. Enter your last registered address.
Hello,
I’ve just come across your website which is super helpful.
My family and I have a sublet apartment from friends in Munich. We were staying there in December until we found an apartment for ourselves. We didn’t register as it was temporary and we weren’t sure if we would stay permanently in Munich.
We’ve decided to stay now.
I guess what I want to know is should we have registered previously? Or can we only register our new apartment?
We still have the sublet until May. I’m just wondering if we will get in trouble.
We are still within the three month limit to register and we haven’t technically moved into our new apartment as it doesn’t have a kitchen yet.
Worried about getting fined.
Hey Aya. Yes, you should have registered from the start and you should think about doing it now. It will make your life easier down the line. Just register at your new place when you are that far. It’s not that complicated. Fines are very rarely applied (but hey it’s Corona-times, everything takes longer right? 😉 )
Hi
I have a question:
I’m a foreign EU student, and trying to fill my Anmeldung. Should I writing my Berlin apartment as Main and my home address as secondary?
It’s a struggle because I’ll only be living in Berlin for a year, but I won’t be there the entire year and since I’m living on campus I won’t have an address for the whole summer ^^’
Hey Klara. If you only have one address in GErmany, then that’s the one to put on the form.
Hello Bastien. First of all congratulations for the infos about Anmeldung, I find it quite useful.
There’s one of two questions coming up: I’ve completed all details requested from Appmeldung, but at the moment I’m writing you this, my document in PDF still loading. Why it takes so long?
Here’s the second question coming up: what’s the use of this Appmeldung PDF, do I have to do something else beside it?
Thank you for your patience, please answer me.
Hey there. the generated PDF should display right away. Would you send more details about your bug here for assistance: https://appmeldung.com/contact. Included which city, which browser you are using. As for the second question: all answers are in this post.
Hey, rly informative blog, I have a question tho.
I have permission from the landlord to sublet, when I fill up the Wohnungsgeberbestatigung, do I need to have my name on it? Or the landlords?
Hey Alex. That should be the landlord in theory.
Hello, I have just moved in Munich 1week ago and I can’t find a place to stay in with Anmeldung yet, what should I do in this case?
Hey Aiman. Don’t stress too much about it, you could be still be considered a normal tourist, in theory. Just register as soon as you have found a place.
Hey Bastien,
Excellent post. Thank you. I have a question. My old apartment in Berlin is out of contract at October end. I have been traveling to other countries & staying at my friend’s place in Poland. My Anmeldung is still pointing to my old apartment. When I move into a new apartment (probably in March) and I go for new Anmeldung. Would there be any problems that I have been out of contract (or not been staying in Berlin) for more than 3-4 months?
Hey David. I would not worry about it too much. You were out of the country for travelling/sabbatical and you didn’t know where you would live next. As long as you register at your new place when you have it, that’s the most important.
Thanks a lot Bastien. I’m relieved now
Also is there a limit on the period we can stay out of Germany on Blue card visa ?
Hey David. I wrote here about that.
My friend can’t relocate to Berlin due to visa process. I will be moving to new house as soon and he will move in later after two months or so. Hence, should I include him in my registration or only me? Once he move to Berlin, he will register for himself ? Please correct me. Thanks.
Hey Aditi. In this case, you will register both separately.
Hallo!
My boyfriend already rents a flat in Germany (he has a registration). Now I am moving with him – should I register independently (meaning that in all the documents needed I enter only my name) or he should be included as well? P.S. The apartment is suitable for 2 people and the landlady is informed.
Danke!
Hey Sofia. If he is registered already, he doesn’T need to be registered again, only you.
Hi Bastien,
Thank you! In this case, when I register myself in the same place, he would not be automatically unregistered, right? We will be both residents of the same flat, even though we registered independently and with a different starting date?
Correct.
Hi Bastien.
Excellent website, super helpful. 😉
If I register for a tax number in Germany (Berlin), how does this affect my tax registration in my original home country (Ireland). Will I need to file a return in both countries?
Hey Stephen. I can’t tell you what happens on the Irish side. In Germany, as a German resident, you ought to declare any and all income sources, regardless of its origin. You may be interested in this post.
Hello! Thank you for the very informative article!
Now I am registered in a place but the girl wants me to leave at the end of the month coz she gets financial help from the government and she rents it out to me illegally. (we haven’t signed any contract)
My question is if it’s possible that she can unregister me and if not for how long can I stay registered in that place? And generally I would like to know if she can kick me off the house if I haven’t found a place yet. Thank you so much!
Hey Efi. Only the landlord has legal power to unregister you. In my opinion, since there is no contract between you two, she also has no legal basis to kick you out in the short-term. You might be considered a squatter possibly. Consult with a professional if in doubt.
Hi Bastien,
And thanks for the terrific job done with this blog; I am moving from France to Germany for a new job; the company is in Munich. With COVID, the company is asking to stay at home and work from there; can I do the Anmeldung in Berlin if I stay at a friend’s flat (he owns the place)? Would this create some kind of tax problem to my friend if I stay at his place for free?
Thanks!
Hey Ivan. Not an issue as far as taxes in concerned.
Hello,
I am an Auslander. I lived in Berlin with a family friend (not a landlord). The person is the owner of the property. I am registered there. The person does not take rent from me because of the family-like terms I have between us.
I have found short term(6 months) employment in another city now. I am going there for 2 months and living temporarily with a random person who agreed to offer me a place for Zweichenmeite (Short term rental). After two months, depending upon the corona situation, I will decide whether I have to live there for the rest of 4 months or I can come back to Berlin to live with my family-friend again if the company allows working remotely. I have left all my stuff in Berlin and I will be taking one travelling bag only with necessary stuff, to the new city.
My questions are:
Regarding Berlin, Is a contract mandatory for registering and living somewhere? For example, my terms with the person are not of a tenant and landlord.
Regarding Berlin and my movement to a new city, Am I breaking any rule in my situation?
Regarding my new city of stay, Can I rent a room after two months of moving in but register it as a neben Wohnung? And if I am offered a job from the company then I mark it as Haupt Wohnung because then I am sure that I have to live there? Is it a legit plan?
Hey Farnk. No, a simple letter from your family member is enough. You can be registered in Berlin and work in another city. You can decide to register this new address as Nebenwohnung and switch after yes.
Thanks so much for the info! I am moving into a new flat with my partner, and the landlord has given us the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Unfortunately we’re finding it hard to find an anmeldung appointment that suits us both (different working shifts). Do you know if we can have separate anmeldung appointments even though both of our names are on the same Wohnungsgeberbestätigung? Thanks again
Hey Sam. Yes no problem.
Hi, thanks for the informative article!
If I’m moving to a shared apartment where the current roommates are already registered, do I need them to show up with me to the appointment/provide their IDs/sign something?
Hey Aya. No, it’s not needed. Just you and your ID, with the rest of the documentation mentioned in the post.
Hello,
Happy New Year. Hope you are all well.
I recently started a new job in Berlin (1st of Jan). I secured an apartment already but it is unfortunately not ready yet (under construction delays due to covid). It will be ready in March (1st week). My initial thought would be to stay at friends’ houses while my apartment is not ready to move in and I would like to know what the implications of that are for me getting my Tax ID and registration. Is this doable in your opinion? most airbnbs and temporary accommodations do not allow address registration. also some temporary accommodations force a minimum 3 month stay which isn’t doable for me as I will be paying rent at my new accommodation.
Thank you for your help
Hey Nicia. Yes that would be ok, provided it’s possible at your friend’s place.
Hello, I moved to Berlin in December from the UK and registered before the end of the transition period. The landlord gave me the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, but we hadn’t yet signed a contract. Anyway, shortly after registering, the landlord asked for more money than we had verbally agreed and, to cut a long story short, the whole situation became rather unpleasant. As of the beginning of January, I am no longer renting the apartment. My question is this: can the landlord deregister me, and thus invalidate my registration that I did in time for the end of the Brexit transition period? I sincerely hope not! Thanks so much.
Hey Essie. It is a possibility that they notify the authorities that you no longer live there, yes. Hard to tell if they would take the steps to do it though. However, I don’t know whether or not that would invalidate your residence registration as a whole. Since the whole Brexit thing is unprecedented, I also don’t know who could tell you for sure, even at the Bürgeramt. Best is to find something ASAP for the short term, even if too expensive/inconvenient, and register there again. Worst case scenario in case of disputes, make sure you keep copies of email conversations with the landlord to support your case (if it ever comes to that). Good luck with it all.
Thank you very much.
Hi,
I am moving in an apartment along with my friend. Do we need to book 2 separate appointments for anmeldung ? or one appointment on anyone’s name is fine and we can both get registered ?
Hey Rahim. One appointment is enough. just mention you need to register 2 people.
Hey, thanks a lot for the informative article. I am living in Berlin for the last 2 years with my wife. I signed a contract for another apartment and now going to move soon. Also, I have taken an appointment for registration, now my wife is not in Germany for some months and her name is mentioned in the apartment contract. Do I need to register my wife as well? if yes how do I have to do it?
Cheers,
Yogesh
Hey Yogesh. You can represent your wife when register her as well during the appointment as mentioned in the last question here.
Hi,
I need some help with the Anmeldung process if possible.
I moved to Dortmund from Albania with a working visa. The head office of the company is in Dortmund but my working place is in Kamen.
I want to know where to make Anmelgund process?
Because I have heard that for the first time I should do Anmeldung in the place where I have visa (Dortmund).
For the moment I leave to my friend’s house.
Best regards!
Hey Valmir. You need to register residence at your current address. Your employer’s office is not relevant here.
Hi. It’s a wonderful article of valuable information.
I am from non-eu country. I hold a residence permit. My spouse and my kid will join me soon under family reunion visa. My question is: for their Anmeldung, can I provide Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, as the main tenant? Or must the main house owner provide it still? It is not a sub-lease, is it?
Please clarify for Berlin and also for Cologne and Bonn City, of possible.
Thanks
Sam
Hey Sam. As mentioned in the post, the landlord is suppose to fill this in by law as they must be aware of who is living on their property at all times. this is valid nationwide.
Hi, There is a 6week gap between when I move out of one apartment and into another. The main tenant at the first apartment does not want me to keep my anmeldung for the 6 week gap after I move out because she is worried there will be too many people registered at her place (a new tenant is moving in as soon as I leave). Would it be a bad idea for me to just do an admeldung and then do another anmeldung when I move into the new flat 6 weeks later? (I recently got a residency permit but have not yet registered for my tax number. I don’t need to apply for a job or internet contract or anything).
Thank you for you inputs!
Sorry, not admeldung, abmeldung*
Hey Tara. It looks like you already know what your options are in your case, I can’t advise you on what to do.
Hi,
I am living in Germany but I had to leave my previous room since contract ended and I only found a sublease without contract !
Does anybody knows what is the maximum time you can stay without anmeldung before they fine you ?
Of course I am looking for long term rent and then I will be sure to do the anmeldung.
Thanks
Hey Chfakht. As mentioned in the post, the law states you should register within 14 days. So in theory, a fine can be applied from that point in time. In practice, fines are rarely applied that strictly.
Hi great information.
I am main tenant, contract is on my name. I am subletting the apartment. Printed an online sublet contract and filled it. I also have permission from the landlord in email for sublet.
Do I need to give wohnungsgeberbestätigung for Anmeldung? If yes where I get that.
Hey Hina. Yes, the landlord stills need to provide that document, even if it is a sublet. Look in the post, there is an example for that.
Hello! I’ve been in Berlin 18 months now. I’ve got anmeldung at my current address and am planning to move out into a temporary sublet for 3-6 months. I am not sure if I will be able to keep my anmeldung at the flat (the person who has the lease is still holding the lease). If it’s a case of me losing my anmeldung here, will it be okay to not have one for 3-6 months until I move into my own apartment with a lease. My visa is not an issue (it’s valid until 2022), I have a steuer ID and job, bank acc, cellphone contract, health insurance etc so for the short time I don’t think anything should come up with insists of seeing my anmeldung. I realise it’s not ideal but unfortunately the reality sometimes of subletting in Berlin.
Hey AC. You described your situation perfectly, it looks like you know the law and know the possible consequences.
Hey. Very good information on your post. Hope you can help me. My spouse is a German citizen who is living in Berlin and I’ll be moving to Germany to live with him of course. He already has his anmeldung for that apartment since he was single. So when I go to Burgeramt for my Anmeldung, first and foremost must I include his name both on the wohnungsgeberbestätigung and the anmeldung form? Because it might be a bit of problem to add his name as the move in date for me and him are different. And say I don’t add his name him and get my anmeldung, when i go to the ausländerbehörde to apply for my residence permit, must he also bring his anmeldung together with mine to prove that we indeed stay together at the same address? Hope to hear answers from you. Thank you.
Hey Michelle. You don’t need his name on the wohnungsgeberbestätigung and the Anmeldung forms. Why would it matter if your move in dates are different? Also which type of visa/residence permit are you talking about?
I came to Germany on a 3 month Tourist visa so I did not register myself. I was supposed to return to my home country (South Africa) after my stay, so that I could apply for my spousal visa in order to join my husband who got a job in Germany. However, due to the pandemic, I was unable to return to South Africa, and my Schengen visa became excerpt until Sept 30. During that time, I managed to appeal to the Meldeamt to try issue my Spousal visa from Germany, as I could not do this in South Africa. They finally agreed and I received my residence permit card. Once I received the card, I registered myself and got a tax number. My question is…my husband has been paying higher tax since January, because he was not on the system as being married (due to me having to get my residence permit). Now that I’m finally on the system, and we’re in the correct tax brackets, can he claim back the tax? Someone asked why I didn’t register sooner, and this could affect him claiming back tax. But we were under the impression that I could only register myself once I had a valid visa and was on the German system. Similarly, surely they could not have changed my husband‘s tax bracket before I, as his wife was on the system (ie. got my residence permit and then registered with the Meldeamt)?
Hey Coralee. It’s probably too late. More info on this dedicated post here.
Hi, thanks for the great article!
I came to Germany from the U.S. a month ago to study at a music conservatory here. Yesterday I got registered for my Anmeldebestätigung at the Bürgeramt. I had thought this constituted a residence permit, but now I am not so sure. Do I now need to apply for a student visa/residence permit?
Hey Julia. Super confused about your comment… Did anybody in your conservatory or back home told you anything about this? As a US citizen, you don’t need a visa to enter the country and can stay while without one, but you do need to apply for a student visa if you are to stay longer. Is there something i’m missing?
Hi Julia, It sounds like you’ve got a registration with the city of Berlin (Anmeldung) telling them that you are living in an apartment (this is not a visa). You also need to have a student/residency visa with the German state, if you are staying longer than as a tourist.
Hope that helps.
Hi Bastien,
Thanks for all this info! Given that the Anmeldung process can take 5-6 weeks (maybe even more because of COVID) – do you have to have received confirmation by 30th Dec for UK citizens moving over to secure the rights? If you have the meeting/registration in December but might still be waiting till January, do you know what the situation might be? Thanks
Hey Harry K. Since this is an ever-evolving topic and everything moves fast, I’d say your opinion is as good as mine. Better call an embassy.
Hi Bastien, thanks for all your great info it helps a lot. I did not know an Anmeldung could take 5-6 weeks? I have my appointment for the 1st December. I assumed I went and had my things stamped / checked and that was that. What is this long waiting process and what happens in that time? Also would you ask for your tax ID during the appointment? Thanks so much!
I am also English and worried about the Brexit deadline, but I assumed 1st of December I’d be safe and registered and not have to worry.
Hey Lucy. I think Harry was specifically talking about waiting times for appointments. What you assumed is correct. During your appointment, mention your need a tax ID to work yes.
Thank you very much. Is it needed to register all of my passports there? If I get another passport (from non-EU to EU), is it necessary? If I’m a resident of two countries, how do I settle my taxation status? How do they know for how long I stay in Germany? Do they check when I first anmeldunged?
Hey Jonas. No, you do not need to use all your passports, only one is enough. Regarding taxation, please look at this post.
Hi, i am planning to move to another apartment right beside my current one, same building, same address, same floor, do i need to register my new apartment with the authority? Many thanks.
Hey Duc. Great question. Technically yes.
Thanks for the nice post. Is it possible to register the address before the actual moving date if the contract is already in hand?
Hey Nabz. No.
Please i have a question am really confused about, i have a Duldung paper thats is experying nextmonth but before that i already ask for a Transfer to the another City wherey baby father is, fortunately for me i was granted the transfer but the problem now is that where he stays is not spacious for us and the landlord refuse to sign for the Wohnung Beschönigung because its a Single Apartment and i have to make my anmelden so what do you think can be done
Hey Damilola. Not sure I understood the whole story but depending on the space/square footage of your partner’s place, the landlord may indeed have the right to refuse to take more people in.
Hello. Thank you for this very explanatory article. I will rent a flat and during the viewing the landlord told me the he uses the address for his company but I can register at the address. However I won’t be able to add my name on postbox and on bell because a second name is not allowed. I worry if registration is really allowed or not. What do you think, is it possible to register at a business address? Thanks for your help in advance.
Hey Elif. That’s strange indeed. If you sign a tenancy contract, you are allowed to register and put your name on the mailbox.
Hello Bastien,
This is a woderfull piece of information by you. I have some questions. I live in Neuwied and I have my Anmeldung over there, I have got admission in BTU (Brandenburg Technical University) Cottbus and I came over here for my Master´s. My question is do I need to change my Anmeldung over here because I do not live for much time I go back to Neuwied after some time or can I register over here as Second registration? What are the pros and cons and what are the suggestions. Thank you very much.
Hey Adil. If you keep your main residence in Neuwied, you can register a secondary residence in Cottbus yes.
I have got letter “Zweitwohnungssteuerpflicht” stating to clarify about staying in Cottbus and I think it will cost tax about second residence. Do you give an idea how will be the tax for one year second residence? Thank you
Hey Adil. I’ve never been confronted with this issue myself. More info here in German.
Could you please elaborate “Sub-Anmeldung process” in case of subletong room ?
Hey Kunal. Please refer to the FAQs thanks.
Hi! this post is really useful and clear but I have a doubt. I have just arrived with a WH visa. I am planning to do some workaways before finding permanent residence but I would also like to get some freelance job. Can I ask my host to write the letter and present all the documents while I decide where to go ?
Hey Estefania. Nothing speaks against it, you can always re-register somewhere else when you move permanently.
Hello, can I have 2 apartments in my name in the same State?
Hey Ed. Yes you can register at multiple addresses.
Hi all,
What a fantastic website! I have two questions:
1. Is it possible to get Ammeldung for a lease that is less that 3 months?
2. Between Ammeldung and registering for Residency Documents in July 2021, do I need to have stayed in Germany for the entire period?
To delve into this second point further. Would I be able to:
– Arrive and get Ammeldung in December 2020;
– Return to the UK in February 2021;
– Return to Germany in May/June 2021 and successfully apply for Residency Documents?
Hey Charlie. 1. Yes. 2. I can’t advise you on immigration issues but i’d say it depends what your temporary residence permit states at that point. Depends on your citizenship as well.
Thanks for the reply Bastien! Completely understand you cannot give formal advice, but this information is much appreciated. FYI I’m a UK citizen.
By temporary residence permit, do you mean the Anmeldung? Are they not uniform?
Either you are confused, or I am. Going through the Anmeldung doesn’t grant your any sort of residence permit, it’s merely registering an address as a residence location. As UK citizen, it’s unclear what sort of visa you might need at that point in time. You might not need any as well. I don’t know.
Hi Bastien, given your expertise in this area, it’s definitely me! Basically my understanding was that in order to eventually apply for a Residence Document (the process for which is as of yet unpublished, apart from saying it will be open until July 2021) that draws down residence and working rights from the Transition Agreement (which is similar to previous EU arrangements, in contrast to whatever is going to come next after 30th December 2020 – the end of the Transition Period), I of course need to go through the Anmeldung before the 30th.
My question now is: do I need Anmeldung AND a visa?
Thanks again 🙂
Hey Charlie. If at that point in time, you are registered in Germany and the transition still hasn’t been carried out as you mention, I’d say that you would be treated as a normal EU citizen and not need a visa. But again, this might change again as the situation evolves.
Hi, do I need Wohnungsgeberbestätigung if I move to my own property? If not, what else should I provide?
Hey Xin. You would do a Selbsterklärung in this case, using this form for example. Check you own sources, but I didn’t find anything stating you should bring additional documentation to prove it.
Hi. We’ve had children since our initial registration. Do we need to declare the new kids, and if so is it just a question of getting them added or what’s the process here? Thanks for your help!!
Hey Mike. The registration of your child at your address happens when you go through birth registration,
Hello, thank you for the amazing website! I have a question that I can’t seem to find an answer for. My wife and I are currently living in the U.K. I recently bought a property in Berlin (which has been under renovation since) but my wife will be moving into it before December as she has a British passport and needs to be officially there before Brexit. I will then follow a few months later, as I have a Finnish passport it’s easier for me. The question is- when my wife goes to register her Anmeldung, does she need a rental contract from me or is it enough that we have a marriage certificate. I can also be present for her Anmeldung appointment if that helps?
Thanks so much! If anyone knows any further info or where to look it would be greatly appreciated.
Hey Edith. If you bought the flat in your name and not together with your wife, and she registers first, then I would go the safe way by doing a letter stating that she is staying there (no need for a formal contract), and you fill in the landlord confirmation paper. I don’t think the marriage certificate would help. Being present for the Anmeldung would I suppose but they still need papers.
Hello Bastien Your site is so, so helpful. My daughter has returned to a new address in Berlin after a 3-month spell in London during lockdown. She is struggling to get an appointment to complete her Anmeldung and is now a couple of weeks late of the 14 day deadline. The portal suggests the form and supporting docs could be submitted by post or email. Do you think this would be reliable? Am assuming it would be with a copy of her passport too. She also needs to complete the registration for residence as a Brit who wishes to remain in Germany so is keen to get her address registered officially as soon as possible. Any thoughts on how to get round the appointment obstacle?
Hey Nina. Yes, it’s completely legit. You just need scans of the document in color, PDF format, per email. I however can’t tell you if it would be faster in the current situation. It also states that this verification method might fail if there is a “doubt” on the authenticity of the documents, whatever that means. In this case, a personal appointment is required.
Hello! How long can Anmeldungsbestätigung be valid? I have an 1-year old Anmeldungsbestätigung and will extend my Aufenthaltstitel soon. Should I upgate it?
Hey Karlo. Unless there is specific requirement that states so for your visa application, you should be fine with your current one.
Hi there,
Thank you for your blog. I have already done my anmeldung but I lost the document . Now I need to receive it a copy of it again because my workplace want it. Do I have to take an appointment to receive the document ?
In addition to that how can I find my tax ID?
Thank you
Simon
Hey Simon. You’d need to physically go there to pick up a new copy if you want it asap. You can request one by post, but it takes longer. Regarding Tax ID, have you read this post?
Your article helped clear up some questions. I’m a little confused on what I should do with my situation though. I’m a US citizen and have entered Germany on my 90-day visa free stay, but have the intention to live here longer as my partner is german. We plan on living and looking for jobs in Nuremberg, but don’t have an apartment there yet. Would you recommend to register at my girlfriend’s mothers place which in a different region near Trier? Then once I find a apartment in Nuremberg, just re-register?
Thanks for the help!
Hey Connor. Yes, that’s definitely possible.
Hi Bastien,
I completed my anmeldung and get my Anmeldebescheinigung successfully. But Bürgeramt officer printed me a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung and asked me to fill it out and send back. The problem is, in our case, I cannot get a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Do you think would I be contacted again by Bürgeramt? Or is it possible that everything go well without this document because I already have Anmeldebescheinigung and new address sticker on my residence permit.
Hey Paul. This is a peculiar situation that i never heard of before really. I can’t tell you how they might follow up on this in the future. Why can’t you have your landlord fill this in?
Hi, thanks for the great article! I found it very helpful! However, I do have a question: I found a room in a WG, however the landlord told me that Anmeldung is not possible because the previous tenant who has now lived in a different place are still registered as one of the tenant of that apartment. What should I do? Is anmeldung mandatory? And what if I don’t have an Anmeldung?
Hey Felicia. If you have a signed contract with the landlord, it’s illegal for them not to provide you with the necessary documents to register.
Hello! Apologies if you’ve already answered this in the many comments. I’m wondering what to put in the “Gemeindekennzahl” section if this is my first residence in Germany (coming from US). Should I put my US address? If so, what about the ‘letze bisherige Wohning im Inland War” section?
And for the ‘Tag des Auszugs’ — I have been staying on a friend’s couch in the interim (not registered).. should I put the date of arrival to Germany or can I just put the day I’m moving into my new place here…?
Many thanks!!
Leave those fields empty for now.
Hi Bastien,
Thank you for the very helpful website, I have a question. I am moving to Berlin now, can I register for the Anmeldung with the address of the hotel I will be staying at?
Thank you,
Gilad Jaffe
Hey Gilad. In theory, that is possible if the hotel manager would agree to it, fill in the document and you can receive letters there.
Hey Bastien,
I have a question about the Anmeldung.
The websites I’ve read tell me I have to complete the Anmeldung “in Berlin” and then apply for the Working Holiday Visa at the Berlin Office.
Is it possible to complete the Anmeldung process for a residence in Cologne? And then travel to Berlin and apply for the Working Holiday Visa? Or is it possible for an AUSTRALIAN to apply at any immigration office for the working holiday visa?
Would appreciate any clarity.
Hey Anthony. You can apply for the Working holiday visa from any German mission abroad, which is probably the preferred option atm, even though you can do it after entering the country. I actually don’t know if the Berlin office is the only one that can deliver working holiday visas for Australian citizens. In doubt, you can call this hotline.
Hi, I will be staying in Berlin for 3 months, so I am not necessarily forced to do the Anmeldung. Anyway, I was thinking of contracting liability insurance and opening a bank account and the Anmeldung might come in handy. The thing is, I have a travel insurance from my credit card for the period here. I have read that it is mandatory to get a local private or public health insurance if I do the Anmeldung. Is this true? In that case, maybe it is better not to anmelden, right?
Thank you!
Hey Ariel. If you are staying for only 3 months and you don’t need any residence permit to stay here during that time, then one could argue you are just a tourist staying a little while longer. Registering at the Bürgeramt does not make local health insurance compulsory no.
Hi, thanks for the informative article!
Is it true that you don’t need to submit the form “Anmeldung bei einer Meldebehörde” again if you are getting the Anmeldung for the second time? That is, on moving to a new place within the city.
Thanks.
Hey Abeer. No, you need to notify your local Meldebehörde about your move, even if it’s within the same city.
Hi Bastien! This is a tricky question but maybe you can give me a tips anyway. I moved to Berlin 2 weeks ago, I already signed in for a subletting room so I just have to go to an office to register for Anmeldung. There is a little problem, I lost my passport and the only other document is my italian driving licence.
I still want to go to a bürgeramnt office with the police report document that explain I lost my passport with report number, a photocopy of my passport and my valid id driver licence followed by the room contract and the anmeldung form.
I also asked to police if I should attach any other document that proof my identity but they said it should be enough.
I believe that mine it’s a very singular case but somehow it is possible. What’s your opinion?
Hey Francesco. I think it should be enough as well yes.
Hi Bastien! Thanks for this super helpful information. A follow-up question:
I’ve been living in Berlin for nearly three years now on an EU Blue Card. I have an Anmeldung, registered at the hotel I was staying at when I first arrived here, but I never updated it when I moved (incredibly stupid, I now know; I thought you only had to register when you entered the city, and not whenever you moved). Now that I’m about to apply for permanent residence, I want to get all this is in order / am concerned about this mistake affecting my application. What would you anticipate the consequences of this being, and is there any way of going about this that might mitigate them? I’m totally happy to pay any fines, I would just be very sad if this would prevent me from attaining permanent residence here.
Hey Jim. I can’t say for sure but i don’t think the consequences would be so dire. I’d double check with this official public hotline about residence applications in Germany.
Hello thank you for this amazing post!
I will be living in a single apartment at a student dorm. My boyfriend will temporarily live with me till he finds an apartment. Can he register at my student dorm if I write a letter as you suggested or do we need to have the approval from the dormitory as well?
Thank you!
Hey Bea. Yes, you’d need approval for him as well.
How long it takes to obtain one in nurnberg, due to corona slowing things down right now.
Thank you
Hey Isabella. You could try calling your local office to ask, or resort to a local Facebook group perhaps?
Hi there, my visa is about to expire in a week and i still cant find any appointments near weeks . what should i do in this situation ?
they let me to register with an expired visa?
Hey Athhul. Should not your get an extension for your visa first?
Hello,
This website is amazing, Thank you for the amazing content.
I am willing to hire a renting agency to get a 1 month flat, then do my Anmeldung with that , then move to more cheap place (Airbnb, …).
Would be there any problems doing this ?
Hey Andy. Not that i can think of right now, no.
Hi!
I have a question. I found a flatshare, my flatmate who is the main tenant is happy to give me the Anmeldung but she doesn’t want to have the landlord involved. So, can I register with just the form called “Anmeldung bei einer Meldebehörde”and without necessarily submitting the “Wohnungsgeberbestätigung”?
Thank you!
Hey Eleni. The Beamter/in will ask for it so i doubt it will fly. If your contract is legit with the main tenant, then the landlord has to provide a confirmation by law.