Anmeldung: Register Your Address

Mandatory registration within 14 days of moving in. Without it you can't open a bank account or get a Steuer-ID.

WHAT TO DO

Book an appointment at the Bürgeramt at your new address

Bring your passport and Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation)
Attend your appointment and collect the Meldebescheinigung

AUTHORITY

Bürgeramt / Bürgerbüro

Municipal authority

Единого онлайн-сервиса для всех городов нет — найдите своё Bürgeramt по PLZ на сайте вашего города

Website

DOCUMENTS 2

Passport or Personalausweis (ID card)
Passport or national ID card

Identity document
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord's move-in confirmation)
Landlord's confirmation of move-in (§19 BMG form)

Housing

What is it and when to do it?

The Anmeldung is the official registration of your place of residence in Germany. Under the Bundesmeldegesetz you must register within 14 days of moving into a new apartment. The Meldebescheinigung you receive is the gateway to opening a bank account, getting a Steuer-ID, and starting formal employment.

Where and how much does it cost?

The Anmeldung is free. Go to the Bürgeramt responsible for your new address. In large cities, book your appointment 2–3 weeks ahead — slots fill up fast, especially at the start of the month.

Common mistakes

👨🏻‍💻

Max recommends:

Missed the 14-day deadline — fine up to €1,000. If no appointment slot is available, screenshot your booking attempt with the date. That proves to any authority that you genuinely tried to comply.

👩🏼‍💼

Lea recommends:

Turned up without the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung and was turned away on the spot. Request the form from your landlord before moving in — under §19 BMG they are legally obliged to provide it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens if I miss the 14-day deadline? ▾

A fine of up to €1,000 under §54 BMG. If no appointment is available, take a screenshot of your booking attempt with the date — this serves as proof that you tried in good faith.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in? ▾

In large cities (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg) an appointment is mandatory. In smaller towns walk-ins are sometimes accepted — check your local Bürgeramt's website.

Where do I get the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung? ▾

It's a form your landlord fills in to confirm your move-in. Under §19 BMG your landlord is legally required to provide it on request. Most landlords know the form — just ask by email.

Can I register before the apartment is ready? ▾

No. The Anmeldung requires an actual residential address and the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Temporary accommodation (hotel, Airbnb) does not qualify.

Anmeldung: Register Your Address

What is it and when to do it?

Where and how much does it cost?

Common mistakes

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

OFFICIAL SOURCES