What is it and when to do it?
After your Anmeldung, your new address appears only in the residents’ register. Every other organisation must be notified by you, personally. Collect your Meldebescheinigung at the Bürgeramt — it serves as official proof of your new address and is required by your bank and insurer.
Where and how much does it cost?
Updating your address is free in most cases. Bank and Krankenkasse: via your online account or by letter. Finanzamt: through the ELSTER portal (elster.de) — no appointment needed. Employer: a simple letter to HR.
Common mistakes
Forgot to inform the Finanzamt. A year later received a Steuervorauszahlung (advance tax payment demand) — the letter had gone to the old address and the deadline had passed. Had to pay a Säumniszuschlag (late payment surcharge). Finanzamt is the top priority after your bank.
Updated my bank address online but forgot about my insurance. The policy renewal arrived at the old address; the new tenants threw it away. When I had a claim, questions were raised about my 'current address'. Make a list of all your contracts in advance and update them systematically.