City registration in Germany (Anmeldung)

City registration in Germany is a mandatory requirement for everyone that wants to stay in Germany for more than 3 months. Additionally registering your address is something that you have to do every-time you move to a new apartment. Here is how to handle it.

Unless you are a tourist coming in for your holidays in Germany, whatever you do you have to register. This registration document is the core document that will help you open a bank account, get a phone number or do almost everything in here.

What will you need for the city registration

Following the list of documents that you will need for the city registration in Germany:

• Valid Passport or identification document
• Document from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) and sometimes you may need your rental contract
• Registration form (Anmeldeformular) – which you should find in your city’s website
• Your residence documents (visa, residence permit if you originate outside of EU)

To be noted that all the documents need to be originals. Alternatively they may ask for more information

How to get it done

Two are the main ways – either with an appointment or by visiting and picking a number. Unless it’s specified that “nur mit Terminvereinbarung” which means “by appointment only” you can usually just visit.

Our recommendation is to usually go to the Central Burgeramt as on most of the cases the language barrier there is a bit simpler.

1. Most of the Burgeramts have a information desk. Ask for the Anmeldung and they will tell you what to do.
2. Wait for your turn
3. Give the form, and documents and all is good

After the process is complete you will get the Anmeldung form, which you should keep in a safe place as the original is one of the most important documents.

What happens if you loose it

You will need to get a Meldebescheinigung which means a “registration confirmation”. The process is similar but there is a fee.

Anmeldung with an appointment (termin)

Especially during corona time, for you to get an Anmeldung or a Meldebescheinigung, you must get an appointment in advance. During the appointment registration, you will be provided a number. You should show up 10 minutes early and once you get in, you should ask the information regarding where the number that you have would show up. It should be fairly straight forward.

Note: I AM NOT A LAWYER. MORE IMPORTANTLY, I AM NOT YOUR LAWYER. THE ABOVE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU DESIRE LEGAL ADVICE, CONSULT A COMPETENT, LICENSED ATTORNEY IN YOUR AREA.